The Clearing neighborhood got its start as a railroad “clearing” yard, a place where trains were either put together or taken apart.Because of its proximity to Midway Airport, there is a strong commercial backbone with lots of stores, restaurants and strip malls. Community members are very active and have even created their own patrol force called the Clearing Night Force. They help keep the area safe and clean. Clearing is bordered by the Indiana Harbor Belt, 65^th Street, Cicero Avenue and Harlem Avenue.

Garfield Ridge is located on the north side of Clearing, right up against Midway Airport. It used to be very rural until the airport was built, but it has still managed to maintain some country charm. Several Chicago city employees live in the area. Garfield Ridge is experiencing an explosion in new home construction and homes run from $200,000 to $425,000. Garfield Ridge is bordered by I-55, the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Tracks, 55^th Street, Cicero Avenue and Harlem Avenue.

Midway contains several row houses and bungalows, running from $91,000 to $160,000. It lays between 55^th Street, 63^rd Street, Cicero Avenue and Central Avenue.

Vittum Park is a small neighborhood in the area, bordered by 47^th Street, Archer Avenue, Cicero Avenue and Laramie Avenue. The larger community is diverse and multi-ethnic.

The Stevenson Expressway runs close to the area. Midway Airport is in the area.