The area was settled in 1893 when several investors purchased land in the area as areas closer to downtown became more heavily populated. DeLancy Louderback from Albany, New York was one of the investors and chose the name.
This group of investors brought transportation lines to Albany Park, consequently expanding the residential and commercial sectors of the neighborhood. By 1907, the Ravenswood Elevated train line extended to the neighborhood's Kimball and Lawrence Avenues; this extension proved to be significant in opening up the neighborhood to even more development.
Albany Park is situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River, so be sure to check out some of the area’s prime riverside views on your visit. Ronan Park is a great place to take a nature walk and soak up the sights; it’s also home to the Multi-Ethnic Sculpture Park and Healing Garden; it’s also a great way to soak up the area’s multicultural vibes. Nearby River Park is another waterfront gem known for its extensive wildlife habitat and outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, boating, and biking.
Located on the Northwest Side of the city, Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood encapsulates the Windy City’s diverse aesthetic perfectly—a microcosm of the world. Albany Park is a melting pot of flavors and cultures filled with the vibrant, bustling vibes Chicago is known for. Initially Germans and Swedes immigrated, and, in the latter half of the 20th century, Latin Americans and Asians. The result is a diverse and eclectic 21st-century community with deep and historic cultural roots built into the neighborhood’s fabric.