The Near West Side is Community Area 28 of 77 on the city's official list.

Its historical boundaries are, generally, 18th St to Kinzie St (400 N), the Chicago River to RR tracks west of Western Ave (2400 W). The area's sub-neighborhoods, by which it is better known today, include Fulton Market, the Fulton River District, Greek Town, Little Italy, the Medical District, Randolph Market, Tri-Taylor, University Village, West Haven and West Loop.

The name is often used today to refer to locations that are neither near, nor west, nor located within one of the area's better known sub-neighborhoods.

ZIP codes: 60607, 60612, 60608, 60661.