Stretching from just below the south end of The Loop and extending all the way to the southern borders of Chicago, South Side is certainly big. Two notable contributions to this sector of Chicago are Chinatown and Bridgeport, however the area boasts a vast collection of neighborhoods that encompass roughly 60% of the city.
It traces the edges of Lake Michigan, and the eastern border is littered with beaches and parkland.
South Side harbors some of Chicago’s biggest attractions as well. The Bud Billiken Day parade is the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States. It just celebrated its 80th anniversary on August 8, 2009.
It is also home to Jackson Park – site of the Museum of Science and Industry – and Washington Park, two of the largest public parks in Chicago.
While South Side has been regarded with negative influence in the past, there are plans of renovation widespread throughout the area. Homes, hospitals, and industry production are in the works, and the land is being upgraded and refurbished continuously.
The major league baseball team, Chicago White Sox, came out of South Side, as well as the NFA’s Cardinals and former Negro National League’s American Giants.
While the South Side still has plenty of reconstruction to be done, it is bustling with potential as redevelopment continues to be done. Bridgeport, Pilsen, and McKinley Park are regarded very highly by those that live there, and with more and more people moving from the suburbs to South Side, it is likely that the trends will continue to spread.
Information provided by: http://www.chicagohomefinder.com/citytour/southside.php
http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1177.html
