Uptown Chicago Zip Codes Explained: Numbers You Need to Know

Understanding Uptown Chicago's Zip Code System

The uptown zip code system in Chicago covers one of the city's most vibrant lakefront neighborhoods through two primary postal codes: 60613 and 60640.

Quick Answer:

• 60613 - Southern Uptown (Montrose Beach area, Buena Park)
• 60640 - Northern Uptown (Andersonville, Argyle Street/Little Saigon)
• Total Coverage - 2.33 square miles with 57,182 residents
• Boundaries - Foster Avenue (north) to Montrose Avenue (south), Lake Michigan to Ravenswood Avenue

Uptown spans from Foster Avenue down to Montrose Avenue, stretching from Lake Michigan west to Ravenswood Avenue. This community area sits about six miles north of downtown Chicago and includes famous neighborhoods like Andersonville, Argyle Street's Little Saigon, and Buena Park.

The zip code split happens roughly along a north-south line. The northern section (60640) covers the cultural hotspots around Argyle Street and Lawrence Avenue. The southern section (60613) includes the lakefront areas near Montrose Beach and the entertainment district around Wilson Avenue.

Both codes serve distinct parts of this diverse neighborhood, each with their own character. The 60640 area is known for its Vietnamese restaurants and the historic Aragon Ballium. The 60613 section features prime lakefront access and the famous Green Mill jazz club.

Understanding these boundaries helps with everything from mail delivery to finding the right CTA station or determining school districts.

Uptown Chicago at a Glance

Uptown stands as one of Chicago's 77 official community areas, bounded by Foster Avenue to the north, Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, and Ravenswood Avenue and Clark Street to the west. This lakefront neighborhood has evolved from Chicago's entertainment capital in the early 1900s to today's diverse cultural hub.

The area earned its name from being "uptown" from the Loop, Chicago's downtown district. During the 1920s, Uptown was the city's largest commercial and entertainment center outside of downtown, featuring grand theaters, ballrooms, and the early film industry. Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson produced films at Essanay Studios on Argyle Street during the silent film era.

Today's Uptown reflects decades of immigration waves. The neighborhood was nicknamed "Hillbilly Heaven" in the 1950s-60s due to Southern and Appalachian migrants. Later, it became a central hub for Chicago's Native American community during federal relocation programs. More recently, Vietnamese immigrants established "Little Saigon" along Argyle Street, creating one of the city's most vibrant ethnic enclaves.

Quick Stats You Should Know

Uptown's demographics paint a picture of one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods:

• Population: 57,182 residents (2020 Census)
• Density: 25,000 people per square mile
• Area: 2.33 square miles
• Racial Composition: 54.2% White, 17.8% Black, 14.6% Hispanic, 10.5% Asian
• Education: 89.7% have high school diploma or higher, 56.4% have bachelor's degree or higher
• Median Household Income: $55,109 (2019)
• Housing: Mix of historic mansions, vintage apartments, and modern developments

The neighborhood's density makes it one of Chicago's most walkable areas, with excellent public transportation access via the CTA Red Line and multiple bus routes. The lakefront location provides residents with easy access to Montrose Beach, one of Chicago's most popular summer destinations.

Uptown Zip Code Boundaries: 60613 vs 60640

The uptown zip code system divides this community area into two distinct postal zones, each serving different neighborhoods and landmarks. Understanding these boundaries helps residents steer everything from mail delivery to municipal services.

ZIP code 60613 covers the southern portion of Uptown, including the prime lakefront areas and entertainment district. This zone encompasses the area roughly from Wilson Avenue south to Montrose Avenue, extending west to Ravenswood Avenue. Key landmarks include Montrose Beach, the Green Mill jazz club, and much of the Uptown Entertainment District.

ZIP code 60640 serves the northern section, stretching from approximately Lawrence Avenue up to Foster Avenue. This area includes Andersonville, Argyle Street's Little Saigon, and the historic Aragon Ballroom. The 60640 zone extends west beyond Ravenswood Avenue in some areas, capturing parts of the Lincoln Square community area as well.

The Latest research on neighborhood borders shows how these postal boundaries don't perfectly align with the official Uptown community area boundaries, creating some overlap with neighboring areas.

How the uptown zip code splits north–south

The uptown zip code division roughly follows a horizontal line that runs between Lawrence Avenue and Wilson Avenue, though the exact boundary varies by block. This split reflects the neighborhood's natural divisions and historical development patterns.

The northern 60640 section developed around the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence Avenue, which became a commercial hub in the early 1900s. This area attracted immigrant communities and developed its own distinct character, particularly around Argyle Street where Vietnamese businesses created Little Saigon.

The southern 60613 section grew around the lakefront and the entertainment district near Wilson Avenue. This area housed grand theaters and ballrooms, making it the heart of Uptown's nightlife scene. The proximity to Lake Michigan also made it attractive for upscale residential development.

Census blocks within each zip code can vary, and some buildings near the boundary line might have addresses in one zip code while their neighbors use the other. This is common in dense urban areas where postal efficiency takes precedence over neat geographic divisions.

Services Organized by uptown zip code

Municipal services in Uptown are organized around these uptown zip code boundaries, affecting everything from garbage collection to emergency response. Understanding which services cover your specific zip code can save time and confusion.

Police services for both zip codes fall under the Chicago Police Department's 20th District, headquartered at 5400 N. Lincoln Avenue. However, beat assignments within the district may vary by zip code, affecting response patterns and community policing initiatives.

Fire protection comes from multiple stations. The 60613 area is primarily served by Engine 78 and Truck 26 at 4701 N. Malden Street, while the 60640 section relies on Engine 84 at 1401 W. Cornelia Avenue and Engine 23 at 1052 W. Ardmore Avenue.

Street sweeping schedules, parking regulations, and snow removal routes are organized by zip code zones. Residents need to check their specific zip code for accurate information about when to move their cars or expect city services.

Neighborhoods & Landmarks Inside Each Code

Uptown's rich mix of neighborhoods and landmarks spreads across both zip codes, each offering unique attractions and character. From the Vietnamese restaurants of Little Saigon to the jazz history of the Green Mill, these areas showcase Chicago's cultural diversity.

Andersonville, primarily in the 60640 zone, began as a Swedish immigrant community and still celebrates that heritage with annual festivals and traditional businesses. Today it's evolved into a diverse neighborhood known for independent bookstores, vintage shops, and LGBTQ+ friendly establishments.

Argyle Street, also in 60640, transformed into Little Saigon in the 1970s and 1980s as Vietnamese refugees settled in the area. The red pagoda-style CTA station entrance marks this cultural district, where pho restaurants, Asian grocery stores, and Vietnamese bakeries line the street.

Buena Park, spanning both zip codes, features some of Uptown's most beautiful residential streets. Tree-lined Hutchinson Street and the surrounding blocks showcase early 20th-century architecture, from vintage apartment buildings to single-family homes.

The More info about neighborhood vibes provides additional context about living in these diverse areas.

60640: Northern Uptown Hotspots

The northern section of Uptown, covered by zip code 60640, houses some of the neighborhood's most culturally significant areas. Little Saigon along Argyle Street stands as one of Chicago's most authentic ethnic enclaves, where Vietnamese families have operated restaurants and shops for decades.

The CTA Argyle and Lawrence stations serve as gateways to this area, with the Argyle station featuring distinctive Asian-inspired architecture that signals entry into Little Saigon. These Red Line stops connect residents to downtown Chicago in about 20 minutes.

Historic Essanay Studios once operated near Argyle Street, where Charlie Chaplin and other silent film stars created movies in the 1910s. While the original studios are gone, the area maintains its creative spirit through local theaters and music venues.

The Haitian American Museum of Chicago represents another cultural facet of this diverse zip code, showcasing the contributions of Haitian immigrants to Chicago's cultural landscape.

The Aragon Ballroom, a massive concert venue at Lawrence and Broadway, has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to modern rock acts. This historic venue continues to draw music lovers from across the city and beyond.

60613: Southern Shores & Buena Park Gems

The southern section of Uptown, zip code 60613, offers prime lakefront living and entertainment options. Montrose Beach serves as the neighborhood's crown jewel, featuring a large swimming area, beach volleyball courts, and the popular Montrose Beach Dog Park.

Clarendon Park provides green space and recreational facilities, including tennis courts and a fieldhouse with programming for all ages. The park connects to the lakefront trail system, making it easy to bike or walk along Lake Michigan.

Hutchinson Street, often called one of Chicago's most beautiful residential blocks, showcases the area's architectural heritage. The tree-lined street features well-preserved vintage apartment buildings and single-family homes that reflect Uptown's early 20th-century development.

The Uptown Apartments for Rent Chicago page offers insights into housing options throughout this zip code area.

The Wilson CTA station serves as a major transit hub for the southern section, providing Red Line access and connections to multiple bus routes. The area around Wilson Avenue features the historic Uptown Theatre and numerous restaurants and bars.

What Uptown Zip Codes Mean for Daily Life

Living in Uptown means navigating two distinct uptown zip code areas, each with its own character and conveniences. The zip code boundaries affect everything from commute times to school assignments, making it important to understand how these postal zones impact daily routines.

Demographics vary slightly between the two zones. The 60613 area tends to have more young professionals drawn to the lakefront location and entertainment options. The 60640 section attracts families and immigrants, particularly around the Argyle Street area where established ethnic communities provide cultural connections and familiar businesses.

Property values reflect these demographic differences. Lakefront proximity in 60613 generally commands higher prices, especially for units with lake views. The 60640 area offers more diverse housing options, from vintage apartments to single-family homes, often at more moderate price points.

Transportation access varies by zip code. The 60613 area benefits from the Wilson Red Line station, which offers express service during peak hours. The 60640 section has both Argyle and Lawrence stations, providing more options but potentially longer walks for some residents.

Home & Property Trends

Housing in Uptown reflects the neighborhood's diverse character and history. The 60613 zip code area features more high-rise buildings and lakefront properties, while 60640 offers more varied housing types including single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings.

Condo prices in the lakefront areas of 60613 have seen significant appreciation, particularly for units with lake views or easy beach access. The area's entertainment district also attracts buyers looking for urban nightlife and cultural amenities.

Single-family home pockets exist in both zip codes, particularly in Buena Park and parts of Andersonville. These residential streets offer a quieter alternative to the busier commercial corridors while maintaining easy access to public transportation.

Rental demand remains strong throughout both zip codes, driven by young professionals working downtown and families attracted to the neighborhood's diversity and amenities. The area's walkability and transit access make it particularly appealing to renters who want to live car-free.

Zoning changes continue to shape development patterns, with some areas seeing increased density while others maintain their historic character through preservation efforts.

Schools, Parks, and Municipal Services

School attendance boundaries don't perfectly align with zip code boundaries, creating some complexity for families choosing where to live. Chicago Public Schools assigns students based on address, and some streets near the zip code boundary may feed into different schools than their immediate neighbors.

Several elementary schools serve the Uptown area, including Hawthorne Elementary and Stockton Elementary. High school students typically attend Uplift Community High School or other schools through Chicago's high school choice system.

Montrose Beach Dog Park, located in the 60613 area, serves dog owners from throughout Uptown and beyond. This popular off-leash area features separate sections for large and small dogs, plus access to the lakefront for swimming.

Library services come from the Uptown Branch at 929 W. Buena Avenue, which serves both zip codes. The library offers programs in multiple languages, reflecting the neighborhood's diversity.

Parks and recreation facilities include Clarendon Park, Gill Park, and numerous smaller green spaces. The lakefront trail system connects to citywide bike paths, making it easy to explore Chicago's entire lakefront.

Doing Business in Uptown's Zip Zones

Business licensing requirements vary by zip code and specific location within Uptown. The entertainment district around Wilson Avenue has special regulations for venues serving alcohol or hosting live music, while residential areas have different rules for home-based businesses.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts affect some areas within both zip codes, providing potential incentives for business development and property improvements. Understanding which TIF areas apply can impact business planning and investment decisions.

The Uptown Entertainment District designation brings both opportunities and restrictions. Venues can benefit from special event permits and promotional support, but must also comply with noise ordinances and other regulations designed to balance nightlife with residential needs.

Zoning varies throughout both zip codes, from commercial corridors along Broadway and Lawrence to residential areas with limited commercial activity. Business owners need to verify zoning compliance before signing leases or making investments.

The Online Database Click provides additional resources for business research and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Uptown Zip Code

Which zip codes cover all of Uptown Chicago?

Uptown Chicago is primarily covered by two zip codes: 60613 and 60640. The 60613 zip code covers the southern portion of Uptown, including areas near Montrose Beach, Buena Park, and the Wilson Avenue entertainment district. The 60640 zip code covers the northern section, including Andersonville, Argyle Street's Little Saigon, and areas around Lawrence Avenue.

These two uptown zip code areas encompass the vast majority of the official Uptown community area, though small portions near the boundaries may technically fall into adjacent zip codes like 60625 or 60657. For practical purposes, residents and businesses in Uptown will use either 60613 or 60640 for their addresses.

Do Andersonville and Argyle share the same zip code?

Yes, both Andersonville and Argyle Street are located within the 60640 zip code. This northern section of Uptown includes the Swedish-heritage Andersonville neighborhood along Clark Street and Foster Avenue, as well as the Vietnamese cultural district along Argyle Street.

The 60640 uptown zip code covers a diverse area that extends from approximately Lawrence Avenue north to Foster Avenue. This means residents shopping at Vietnamese restaurants on Argyle Street and those browsing independent bookstores in Andersonville share the same postal code, despite the neighborhoods having distinct cultural identities.

How do zip codes affect school assignments in Uptown?

Chicago Public Schools assigns students based on their home address, not zip code boundaries. However, since zip codes generally follow neighborhood patterns, most students within the same uptown zip code will attend similar schools.

The 60613 area typically feeds into schools like Hawthorne Elementary and Stockton Elementary, while the 60640 section may have different school assignments. Families should verify their specific school assignments through Chicago Public Schools' online tools, as attendance boundaries can change and don't always align perfectly with postal zones.

Some magnet schools and specialty programs draw students from throughout Uptown regardless of zip code, giving families additional options beyond their neighborhood schools.

Conclusion

Understanding Uptown's zip code system opens the door to navigating one of Chicago's most dynamic neighborhoods. Whether you're drawn to the lakefront lifestyle of 60613 or the cultural richness of 60640, both areas offer unique advantages for urban living.

The uptown zip code boundaries reflect the neighborhood's natural divisions while providing practical organization for services and navigation. From the Vietnamese restaurants of Little Saigon to the jazz clubs near Wilson Avenue, each postal zone contributes to Uptown's reputation as a cultural hub.

At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we understand how these neighborhood distinctions matter for daily life. Our modern studio and one-bedroom apartments take advantage of Uptown's best features - lakefront access, cultural diversity, and excellent transportation connections. We're proud to be part of a community that celebrates both its historic character and its evolving future.

Living in Uptown means embracing the convenience of urban amenities while enjoying the lakefront lifestyle that makes Chicago special. Whether you're commuting downtown via the Red Line, exploring ethnic restaurants, or spending summer days at Montrose Beach, the uptown zip code system helps organize it all into a manageable, walkable neighborhood.

For more information about Community Living Chicago and how The Winnie Apartments by Flats® fits into Uptown's vibrant community, we invite you to explore what makes this neighborhood one of Chicago's most sought-after places to call home.