The 48th Ward of Chicago is one of great diversity. It includes the neighborhoods of Uptown, Margate Park, Edgewater, Edgewater Glen, Lakewood Balmoral and Andersonville. The residential areas are dotted with high rises, single-family condos and apartment buildings. The area faces Lake Michigan with easy access to Hollywood and Foster Beaches and is home to several other parks and playlots.

Located in the southwest corner of Edgewater, Andersonville is a neighborhood influenced by Swedish culture and is rife with eclectic shops, cafes, fitness centers, cybercafes, boutiques, and restaurants. The range of different cultural cuisines offered in this area alone is staggering.

East of Andersonville is Lakewood-Balmoral, known for its vintage homes and quiet residential areas.

In the heart of Edgewater, along Argyle Street, is Chicago's new Chinatown or "Little Saigon" with many popular and authentic restaurants and shops owned by foreign-born Cambodians, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asians.

The progressive population in Edgewater and its sub-neighborhoods is diverse and stable. It offers opportunities for everyone and an interesting place to go on every visit.

The El Red Line [Howard-Dan Ryan] runs through the middle of the ward, with stops at Granville, Thorndale, Bryn Mawr, Berwyn and Argyle. The Metra commuter train stops at Lawrence and Ravenswood, which is only a few blocks to the west of the ward. Edgewater is also extremely accessible via Lakeshore Drive.

Politically, the 48th Ward is represented primarily by Democrats including the Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky - 9th Congressional District, State Senator Carol Ronen - 7th State Congressional District and State Representatives Greg Harris - 13th District and Harry Osterman - 14 District. Click here for a complete list of elected officials representing the residents of the 48th Ward.