AUSTIN

Austin at a Glance

Austin is one of Chicago's largest and most historic neighborhoods. Located on the West Side, it was founded in 1865 as the village of Austinville before being annexed by the City of Chicago in 1899. With access to transit, thriving commercial corridors, and a strong housing market, Austin quickly became home to generations of Chicago families.

Like many Chicago neighborhoods, Austin's history was shaped by discriminatory housing policies, redlining, and decades of disinvestment. As Black families moved into the neighborhood during the mid-20th century, white-flight and systemic barriers to Black investment contributed to vacant properties, population loss, and fewer opportunities to build generational wealth through homeownership.

Today, Austin is defined by the strength of its residents and community organizations that are working together to execute Austin’s Quality of Life Plan, Forward Together. Neighborhood leaders continue to advance efforts that preserve Austin's history, expand access to affordable housing, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for families to put down roots.

Assets

• Extensive transportation options, including the CTA Green and Blue Lines, Metra's Milwaukee District West and Union Pacific West lines, and I-290
• Community and youth spaces such as BUILD Inc., By The Hand Club For Kids, Intentional Sports, the Kehrein Center for the Arts, and the Aspire Center
• Strong community organizations, including Austin Coming Together, the Austin African American Business Networking Association (AAABNA), and Westside Health Authority
• City investments including the Austin Farmers Market, three Chicago Public Library branches, and Chicago Park District amenities such as Austin Town Hall Park and Columbus Park
• Healthcare resources including Austin Health Center, Loretto Hospital, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital's Austin HOPE Center
• Historic commercial corridors, neighborhood businesses, and a diverse housing stock with opportunities for preservation and reinvestment
• Residents and neighborhood partners working together to strengthen housing, economic opportunity, and quality of life