North Park is Chicago community area 13, a 2.5-square-mile area on the Far North Side, about 9 miles from the Loop. North Park is a quiet, mostly residential area that includes North Park University and a nature center with walking trails on its west side. About half its parcels are houses, with condo units and two-flats making up most of the rest.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for North Park. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: North Park
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 13 |
| Part of the city | Far North Side |
| Size | 2.5 square miles |
| Borders | Albany Park, Forest Glen, Lincoln Square, West Ridge |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 4,934 |
| Houses and townhouses | 2,455 (50%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 678 (14%) |
| Condo units | 975 (20%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | None |
| City Council wards | 39th, 50th Wards |
Homes you will find in North Park
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 4,934 parcels in North Park. 50% are houses or townhouses, 14% are buildings with two to six units, and 20% are condo units. There are also 69 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
No CTA ‘L’ station sits inside North Park’s boundary. Most trips start on a CTA bus or by car, and the nearest ‘L’ or Metra station is in a neighboring area. If you will commute downtown, time the trip from the homes you are considering before you make an offer.
Parks and libraries
Chicago Park District facilities sit in 9 parks inside North Park: Brynford Park, Field Park, Gompers Park, Hollywood Park, Kiwanis Park, Legion Park, North Park Village Nature Center, Peterson Park, and Stone Park. The Chicago Public Library has the Albany Park branch here.
City Council wards
North Park is split among 2 wards. The largest share of its land is in the 39th Ward (about 87%), with the rest in the 50th (12%). 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
North Park borders Albany Park, Forest Glen, Lincoln Square, and West Ridge. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is North Park mostly houses or condos?
A mix: 50% of its parcels are houses or townhouses, 14% are 2–6 unit buildings and 20% are condo units. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in North Park?
No. No CTA ‘L’ station is inside North Park’s boundary; residents rely on buses, Metra or stations in nearby areas.
What ward is North Park in?
It is split among the 39th and 50th Wards. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in North Park?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in North 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, “North Park, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/north-park/.