North Center refers to the neighborhood bordered by Addison on the south, Montrose on the north, the Chicago River on the west and Ashland (from Addison to Irving Park) and Clark (Irving Park to Montrose) on the east. The “heart of Chicago’s north side" has grown since the 1870s when the area was only accessible by the Chicago River and Little Fort Road (now known as Lincoln Avenue). Northcenter is considered a vibrant neighborhood with an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants, live music, live theater, and service-oriented businesses. Northcenter’s history is deeply rooted in European cultural influences, and that history can be seen in the architectural charm of the homes and buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The neighborhood continues to grow and become more culturally diverse. The neighborhood includes bowling alleys, three city parks, a nearby library, a nearby movie theater complex, and Town Square. The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce also hosts free family and community events throughout the year. Many believe Northcenter’s greatest appeal to be its small-town atmosphere, which it preserves while still nested in the middle of a world-class city. This also may explain why so many families have remained in Northcenter for multiple generations. Perhaps this is also why Northcenter is frequently referred to as one of “Chicago’s best-kept secrets.”