City of Chicago

The 234-square-mile city of Chicago itself, organized into 77 community areas stretching from Rogers Park on the far north side to the South Shore and Hegewisch on the southeast side. The city is anchored by the Loop, serviced by the CTA 'L' rail system (eight color-coded lines), and defined by the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Chicago River, and the expressway grid radiating from downtown. Neighborhood character varies dramatically — from the high-rises of River North and Streeterville to the walkable brick townhouses of Lincoln Park, the cultural corridors of Pilsen and Bronzeville, and the bungalow belts of the Northwest and Southwest sides.