Overview
O'Hare is an official community area on Chicago's far northwest side whose territory is dominated by O'Hare International Airport. The community area contains the airport itself and its related infrastructure; much of the land within the area's boundaries is airport property, with a limited amount of non‑aviation development such as hotels, cargo facilities and ground transportation hubs. The area is identified by the airport’s presence and serves primarily transportation, commercial and industrial functions rather than residential neighborhoods.
Geography and boundaries
Unlike most Chicago community areas, O'Hare reaches beyond Cook County. The majority of the community area lies within the city's limits in Cook County (Cook County), but the western edge of the airport property crosses into DuPage County (DuPage County). The airport and its support facilities occupy most of the space; nearby suburbs and city districts surround the perimeter of the community area.
History and naming
The field that became Chicago's major air hub began as a wartime airfield and was developed into a municipal airport after World War II. It was renamed in honor of naval aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a decorated World War II flying ace. Over the decades the airport and the surrounding community area have grown together as aviation needs expanded, leading to successive terminal, runway and cargo developments.
Facilities, transportation and services
- Airport complex: passenger terminals, concourses, runways, maintenance and cargo zones centered in the community area and operated under city authority.
- Ground transportation: rail links, shuttle services, rental car centers and road connections provide access for travelers and freight; the rapid transit link connects the airport to downtown Chicago.
- Support infrastructure: hotels, parking, airline and freight operations, and municipal services clustered around airport functions.
Economic and civic importance
The community area’s importance stems from the airport’s role as a national and international transportation hub. It generates employment, supports logistics and tourism, and connects Chicago with global markets. At the same time, the presence of a major airport produces unique planning and policy issues including land use, noise mitigation, intergovernmental coordination and transportation capacity.
Notable distinctions
O'Hare is notable among Chicago's community areas for the dominance of a single facility over its land use and for being the city's only community area that extends outside Cook County. For further information about the airport itself see O'Hare International Airport.