Bucktown/Wicker Park

Bucktown

One of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, Bucktown is an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy an urban environment without being surrounded by high-rises. Less than two miles from the heart of downtown Chicago, the real estate market in Bucktown varies from new condos to refurbished walk-ups to renovated warehouses offering loft-style living. The popularity of the neighborhood means that Bucktown real estate has increased in value over the last few years, but there are still plenty of values to be had.

The Bucktown neighborhood shares a hazy border with Wicker Park to the south. Most consider the area between the Chicago River to the east, Western Avenue to the west, West Fullerton Avenue to the north, and Bloomingdale Avenue to the south to be the boundaries of this popular barrio. The neighborhood began in the 1890’s as home to primarily blue-collar Polish immigrants. Bucktown got its name from the goats kept in the backyard of its early residents.

Now, Bucktown is known for its hip bars, swank music venues, trendy restaurants, and designer bohemian boutiques. Home to the largest artist community in the Midwest, called Gallery Point, it is no wonder that over 30,000 visitors crowd the streets of Bucktown each year to get a taste of local craftsmanship in the annual Bucktown Art Festival. The mix of high art and vintage architecture, gives Bucktown an edgy vibe that has attracted young professionals in droves.

The nearly 160 restaurants and over 100 bars and clubs that line Damen and North Avenues make Bucktown a happening spot most nights of the week. The seven live music venues in the neighborhood attract international stars that enjoy the intimate setting of places like the Double Door as much as their fans enjoy the proximity to the bands.

Bucktown has several schooling options that include public, magnet, charter, and private schools. Casimir Pulaski Academy, Pedro Albizu Campos High, St. Mary of the Angels, the Thomas Drummond School, and William H. Prescott are just some of the options parents will have.

A myriad of transportation options make Bucktown a great choice for just about anyone. The CTA Blue line has several stops throughout the neighborhood; CTA buses serve east to west travelers; and the Kennedy Expressway has exits at North, Armitage, and Fullerton Avenues.

Wicker Park

Like Bucktown, its neighbor to the north, Wicker Park real estate is in the middle of a boom. The bohemian feel of the neighborhood that traditionally attracted artists and musicians is now drawing young professionals who value the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and the ease with which one can travel throughout the area. Still a great deal in terms of Chicago real estate, Wicker Park homes and condos range in price but average in the high $200’s.

Wicker Park was named after Charles and Joel Wicker, who purchased the area in 1870. Loosely defined at the neighborhood within Division Avenue to the south, North Avenue to the north, Ashland Avenue to the east, and Western Avenue to the west, Wicker Park was originally a popular area for Polish immigrants and often referred to the “Polish Gold Coast” until after World War II, when the neighborhood welcomed a variety of other ethnicities until becoming an artist community in the 1980’s.

Wicker Park real estate is made up primarily of single family homes, walk-up condos, and three and four story multi-unit buildings. While prices are still reasonable by some Chicago real estate standards, the cost of living in this popular neighborhood continues to rise.

For those who choose to call Wicker Park home, they will certainly find the dining, shopping and nightlife a good reason to stay put on the weekends. With more than 160 restaurants and nearly the same number of bars, clubs, and lounges, Wicker Park joins Bucktown as one of the places to go in town. Edgy boutiques and coffee shops dot the streets between fantastic eateries and live music venues.

In spite of, or maybe because of, the influx of young professionals, many families also enjoy living in Wicker Park. The park by the same name and the variety of primary and secondary schools makes Wicker Park a friendly and convenient spot for families. Schools in the area include the A. N. Pritzker, the Wicker Park, the Richard Milburn High, the Jonathan Burr, the Thomas Drummond, and the Hans Christian Andersen schools.

Getting around Wicker Park is fairly easy thanks to the CTA Blue line that runs through the center of the neighborhood. Several bus routes offer east to west transit, and taxis abound, especially during nights and weekends, when the neighborhoods bars, restaurants, and clubs come alive.