Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and boasts over 8 million people in the the Chicagoland metro area.  It is the center of commerce, finance, industry, and culture for the midwestern United States.  Chicago covers over 200 sq miles. In addition to its noted expressways and boulevards, Chicago has a famous system of elevated railways  (the L) that extend into the heart of the city, making a huge rectangle, the celebrated Loop, which gives its name to the downtown section.

Chicago has 77 official community areas. Some names are instantly recognizable, others aren't much used outside of official pronouncements. Informal neighborhood names are used more commonly.

Some of the most notable neighborhoods of Chicago inlcude:

Andersonville

Back of the Yards

Lincoln Park

Streeterville

Wrigleyville

Bucktown/Wicker Park

Hydy Park/University of Chicago

Rogers Park