Rogers Park

Rogers Park is one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods and one of the last affordable enclaves on the north lakefront. More than 80 languages are spoken on its colorful streets, which host dense high-rises, mid-sized apartment and condo buildings and single-family homes, some of them quite grand.

Rogers Park is the northern gateway to Chicago, bounded roughly by the lake on the east, Devon Avenue (6400 N) on the south, Ridge Boulevard (2200-1800 W) on the west and Howard Street (7600 N) on the north.

Public Amenities, Services, Civic Organizations

Rogers Park is rich in public amenities. The Chicago Park District manages six public beaches and numerous parks, four of which host Park District programs. Included in some of the services are field houses, swimming pools, outdoor ice rinks and auditoriums.
The Chicago Public Library has a fairly new branch in Rogers Park at 6907 N. Clark Street.

Housing Stock

At the end of the 19th century Rogers Park had a very suburban feel, dominated by sprawling houses on large lots. The opening of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad at the Howard Station in 1908 caused a jump in population which created a need for multi-unit dwellings, while the construction of single-family homes all but ceased.

There was steady construction of multi-unit dwellings during the first part of the 20th century. The majority of newer housing was built between 1960 and 1979. Over the years there have been a large number of condo conversions. Many of those conversions over the last twenty years have been “gut rehabs,” which include all new mechanical systems. Several side streets west of Sheridan Road are dominated by historic single-family homes.

Transportation

Rogers Park is served by the CTA red line with four El stops at Loyola, Morse, Jarvis and Howard, a Metra stop at 7000 N Ravenswood and six CTA bus lines.

Shopping, Dining and Nightlife

For the most part, businesses are anchored near the El stations.
At the northern edge, Howard Street offers one of the newer retail developments that includes a Dominick’s, Marshall’s and Bally Total Fitness as well as a variety of smaller shops and eateries.
The Jarvis stop is home to the redeveloped Jarvis Square, which includes Gruppo di Amici, Charmers Café / Dagel and Beli shop and Luzzat Restaurant. There is also a theatre, a pet store and a specialty wine and food shop.

Traveling south to the Morse stop you’ll find The Heartland Cafe, which many residents consider to be the Heart of Rogers Park. The Heartland Café, a cafe, bar, general store and art gallery rolled into one, opened its doors in 1976 and has been a neighborhood staple ever since. Theatres, art galleries and music venues such as Lifeline and Boho theatres, Inclusion Arts Gallery, The Morseland and The Red Line Tap are also within walking distance.
The southernmost El station is Loyola, where you’ll find Beck’s Bookstore, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and CVS among others.

Schools

Rogers Park is served by many institutes of learning including St Scholastica Academy, Northside Catholic Academy and Jordan Elementary Community School. It is also home to one of the main campus of Loyola University.