Edgewater, Chicago - International Community

International Community

The high-rise condominiums that line Sheridan Rd. and the Lake were known to have large numbers of retired and elderly persons, many living on fixed incomes. The prices have been more affordable than Lake Shore Drive addresses farther south. Meanwhile, Kenmore and Winthrop streets a couple blocks west suffered in mixed conditions of poverty and crime that were a far cry from their prior prestige.

Recognizing the proximity to Chicago's Lakefront and access to the Red Line elevated train, an influx of new residents have relocated here over the past 20 years. Many of Edgewater's new residents are from Africa and the former Yugoslavia. The area has a great density of Bosnian, Serb and Croat residents. These people, troubled by civil war and tough conditions in their homeland, have been encouraged to settle in the area. The city is known for accepting new, thriving enclaves of ethnicities in centuries past. This new settlement of Europeans is a modern revival of that tradition. Of recent, many new residents have come from the neighboring Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, due to the affordable housing and Edgewater's proximity to the city's rapid transit (CTA) system which allows for an easy commute into the city's downtown.

Edgewater has a large African community. Ethnic Ethiopians, newly independent Eritreans, Somalians, and Nigerians live and socialize in Edgewater. Amid the streets of Edgewater one will mix with women in traditional African dress and grandmothers strolling with their grandchildren while the middle generation is out making a living in the new world of Chicago.

The ethnic makeup of Edgewater is diverse with Native Americans, former Yugoslavians, Africans of every part, young hipsters, new parents, first-time homeowners, college students, and many others making their home in here.

Devon Avenue marks the northern boundary of Edgewater. Devon reflects the ethnic diversity of the Rogers Park community.