McKinley Park is Chicago community area 59, a 1.4-square-mile area on the Southwest Side, about 4 miles from the Loop. McKinley Park is named for the park at its center, with the Orange Line’s 35th/Archer station on its west side. Its parcels are split between houses and two-to-six-unit buildings.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for McKinley Park. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: McKinley Park
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 59 |
| Part of the city | Southwest Side |
| Size | 1.4 square miles |
| Borders | Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Lower West Side, New City |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 4,605 |
| Houses and townhouses | 1,943 (42%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 1,390 (30%) |
| Condo units | 265 (6%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | 1 (Orange) |
| City Council wards | 12th, 11th Wards |
Homes you will find in McKinley Park
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 4,605 parcels in McKinley Park. 42% are houses or townhouses, 30% are buildings with two to six units, and 6% are condo units. There are also 22 apartment buildings with seven or more units.
No single home type dominates, so buyers can compare a condo, a house or a two-flat in the same area. Each one fits different loans: condos need building approval for some loans, and two- to four-unit buildings you live in can be financed with FHA. See mortgage options for first-time buyers.
HomeGrown grants can be used for one- and two-unit homes, condos and townhomes, and the grant amount depends on income and on where in the city the home is. IHDAccess Home is available statewide. Compare the two on our side-by-side page.
Getting around
One CTA ‘L’ station is inside McKinley Park’s boundary: 35th/Archer (Orange Line, accessible).
Parks and libraries
Chicago Park District facilities sit in 4 parks inside McKinley Park: Hoyne Park, Kucinski-Murphy Park, McKinley Park, and Mulberry Park. The Chicago Public Library has the McKinley Park branch here.
City Council wards
McKinley Park is split among 2 wards. The largest share of its land is in the 12th Ward (about 70%), with the rest in the 11th (30%). Ward lines do not follow community area lines, so check an exact address with the City’s ward lookup before you contact an alderperson’s office about zoning, permits or city services.
Neighboring community areas
McKinley Park borders Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Lower West Side, and New City. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is McKinley Park mostly houses or condos?
A mix: 42% of its parcels are houses or townhouses, 30% are 2–6 unit buildings and 6% are condo units. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in McKinley Park?
Yes. McKinley Park has 1 CTA ‘L’ station on the Orange line.
What ward is McKinley Park in?
It is split among the 12th and 11th Wards. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in McKinley Park?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in McKinley Park can qualify if the buyer and the property meet its rules. The grant amount depends on household income and the home’s location. See our HomeGrown guide for the current rules.
Sources
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Boundaries – Community Areas
- Cook County Assessor, Parcel Universe (tax year 2026)
- City of Chicago Data Portal, CTA ‘L’ stops
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Chicago Park District park facilities
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Chicago Public Library locations
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Ward boundaries (2023–)
Boundaries, size and neighbors are measured from the City’s official community area boundary. ‘L’ stations, parks and libraries are placed inside the boundary by their coordinates; ward shares are approximate shares of land area. Parcel counts are from the Assessor’s tax year 2026 file, counted October 4, 2026. Houses include townhouses; condo units are counted one parcel per unit.
Cite this page: Chicago First Time Home Buyer, “McKinley Park, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/mckinley-park/.