Brighton Park is bordered on the north by the former Illinois and Michigan Canal and the current Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, on the east by Western Avenue, on the south by 49th Street, and on the west by Drake Ave.[2] The neighborhood is a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, industrial works and transportation (primarily railroad and trucking) facilities.

After the expulsion of the Potawatomi, the land in what is now Brighton Park was platted and subdivided in anticipation of the opening of the Illinois-Michigan Canal.

[6] By 1871, the year of the Great Chicago Fire, Brighton Park was served by the Archer Avenue horsecar and the Alton Railroad.

By the turn of the century, Brighton Park was becoming a destination for many European immigrants, particularly those arriving from Italy, Poland and Lithuania.

[9] Chicago's role as transportation gateway has always been a major influence on the demographics and economy of Brighton Park.

[11] The Brighton Park community area has supported the Democratic Party in past presidential elections.

[13] Portions of Brighton Park are located in the 12th, 14th, and 15th wards represented on the Chicago City Council by Julia Ramirez, Jeylú Gutiérrez, and Ray Lopez respectively.