Beverly was remotely settled around the middle of the 19^th century. The community is bordered by 87^th Street to the north, Hale Avenue and Vincennes Road to the east, Francisco Avenue and Western Avenue to the west, and 107^th Street to the south. Business development in the area began shortly after the 1889 completion of the Rock Island Railroad suburban line. Beverly has been given the historic distinction of being an exclusive streetcar suburb. The areas development was strongly based off using streetcars as the primary form of transportation.

Beverly is located at the highest elevation in Chicago. The hilly terrain is due to its location in the Blue Island Ridge. Beverly, along with neighboring community Morgan Park to the south, were known together as North Blue Island denoting the relationship to Blue Island which is a few miles south.

With a strong English/Protestant background the area is now largely Irish American/Catholic. Beverly, along with Morgan Park, is home to the South Side Irish parade held every year on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day. Originally started in 1979, the parade is meant to stay true to the original idea of the community being able to watch and wave from their porches. The route travels down Western Avenue from 103^rd Street to 115^th Street. The celebration is considered to be one of the biggest community celebrations outside of Dublin. The neighborhood is home to more Irish style pubs than anywhere else in Chicago. The population breakdown currently is 58.82% White, 34.13% African American, 4.57% Hispanic, 0.56% Asian, and 1.92% Other. The total population is around 20,000 residents. The community is culturally and racially diverse.

The school system in Beverly lends mostly to parochial Catholic institutions. There are 4 all-boys schools: Brother Rice, Mt. Carmel, St. Rita, and St. Lawrence. There are two all-girls schools: Mother McAuley and Queen of Peace, along with Marist, a co-educational high school.

Beverly is one of the top five largest historic districts in any major city in America. The area has quick access to all major attractions in the city of Chicago (by public transport or by car) including shopping, airports, and financial markets. However, it still maintains its appeal as a quiet wooded community with a rich historic appeal.