Located in the far south neighborhood of Riverdale, Altgeld Gardens was the first public housing project in the United States, built in 1945. It was built to deal with the housing needs of African-Americans returning form the Second World War. Its 1,500 two-story row houses that span 157 acres are in the midst of getting rehabbed, and are bordered by 130th street, the Calumet River, Indiana state border, Beaubien Forest Preserve, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. It was originally settled by Dutch and German immigrants in the mid 1800's. There has been some new development in the area. Projects have been spearheaded by the Local Advisory Council.

The neighborhood is named for former Illinois governor John Altgeld. There are roughly 3,500 people living in this community. The area lies between 130 th Street, the Calumet River, the boarder to Indiana, Beaubien Forest Perserve, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. There are schools and medical services in the area to service residents. Carver Park resides in Altgeld Gardens. It was built shortly after the housing projects were completed. Addressing the area need for recreational activities, the park contains such features as sports fields, swimming, and open areas. The park was named after George Washington Carver a prominent African-American scientist whose agricultural research made great advances in the field.

Altgeld's environment and history make it a cache of local significance: the forest preserve is spotted with old-growth oaks and deer, and the Calumet River was a popular spot for fishing;

Altgeld was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad.