Wicker Park/Bucktown

 

 

Wicker Park, and its neighbor to the north, Bucktown, are among Chicago's most vibrant and trendy communities located west of the Kennedy Expressway, just opposite the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The area along the Chicago River to the east, and what is now Milwaukee Avenue to the west, was home to some of Chicago’s first Polish settlers. In response to the heavy influx of Polish immigrants in the early 20th century, Bucktown was known as “Little Poland”. By the 1970s, Bucktown and its sister neighborhood to the south, Wicker Park, became havens for artists and musicians. What was once an immigrant community, then a growing artist and bohemian enclave, is now a much sought-after Chicago neighborhood.

 

Location

Bucktown runs from where Western Avenue intersects the Chicago River on the north, to Bloomingdale Avenue on the south to the Chicago River on the east. Adjacent on the south end lies Wicker Park, which runs further south down Western Avenue to Division Street, east to Ashland Avenue, and back north to Bloomingdale Avenue. Although all Chicago neighborhoods have access to excellent transportation within the city, this neighborhood is particularly convenient to those who desire close proximity to the highway as well.

 

The Vibe and Housing Style

Both the Bucktown and Wicker Park real estate markets are culturally rich and welcoming communities with a reputation for being on the cutting edge of fashion, music, art, and entertainment. Bustling activity adds to the buzz and appeal of the neighborhood. The intersection of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenues, dubbed Wicker Park’s “Six Corners”, features many music venues, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Apart from the dynamic commercial district, the quiet residential streets are home to many professionals and families alike, offering an appealing and unique mix of architectural styles from vintage cottages and condos to new construction and single-family homes. Wicker Park and Bucktown real estate are also known for their stylish urban lofts which are the product of old factories and warehouses having been converted to residential use. 

 

The Local Lifestyle

Bucktown and Wicker Park have ample green spaces and walking paths, most famously, The 606 elevated trail. It is a 2.7-mile walking and bike path extending westward from the dividing line of Bucktown and Wicker Park. The most notable park is Wicker Park, itself, which regularly hosts farmers’ markets, movie nights, and festivals like Wicker Park Fest throughout the spring and summer.

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

While Wicker Park’s Six Corners area is saturated with great dining, drinking and shopping options, there are plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown. Bucktown foodie favorites include the highly-rated Costa Rican restaurant Irazu, world-class authentic Italian eatery Antico, and upscale French bistro Le Bouchon. Not to be outdone, Wicker Park locals rave about modern ramen spot Oiistar, high-end New American restaurant Schwa, and widely popular retro-style burger joint Small Cheval.

 

In addition to countless amazing dining options, the area is also home to dozens of top-notch bars, clubs, music venues, and boutiques. Within a few blocks of Wicker Park’s Six Corners, you can sip craft cocktails at local treasures The Violet Hour and Club Lucky, shop at chic boutiques Una Mae’s and John Fluevog Shoes, and catch a show at historic Subterranean. The area also has plenty of options for brunchers and early risers, with local cafe favorites like Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, and Gallery Cafe. 

 

Bucktown’s WhirlyBall Chicago offers an exciting experience centered around a unique twist on lacrosse and bumper cars. Throughout the area, art and culture buffs can explore unique art galleries like Roots and Culture, Arc Gallery, and Dreambox, or take a Wicker Park walking tour to learn about Wicker Park and Bucktown’s architectural history.