Wicker Park 

Wicker Park is a small but thriving neighborhood centered on Milwaukee, Damen, and North Ave. This community and its neighbor Bucktown are both known for their draw to creative hipsters and artists. Wicker Park is defined as the area North from Division to North Ave and West of Ashland to Western Ave.  

Wicker Park was named by its founders, brothers Charles and Joel who established the community with a mission in mind in 1870. The mission was to build a community where all economic backgrounds could coexist. They accomplished this feat by purchasing 80 acres of land and developing it into various types of housing. Deviating from the grid system allowed them to build a variety of homes on the same block. This led to the eclectic mix of real estate you see today in the area and adds to Wicker Park’s unique flavor. The brothers also made room for a 4 acre public park which shares its name with the neighborhood “wicker park”. Today it is a popular green expanse where people can walk their dogs, picnic, enjoy a book and some sun in the summer months, or just sit and enjoy a quiet retreat from the city around them.As one would expect it is also a great place for families and children to play.  

This area of the city has long been attractive to musicians and artists for its variety of cafes, theaters, nightclubs, and galleries. The famous Double Door bar and concert venue is here and draws in up and coming artists as well as major headliners. Another popular activity is the Coyote Arts Festival held each autumn for one weekend. The festival opens over 50 local art studios and galleries and is known as the best art festival in Chicago.  

The cost of housing in this northwestern off-shoot of the city can be substantially lower which in recent years has made it popular among young professionals and families looking to get more for their money.  

Although this neighborhood may not offer as easy of a commute as some other locations the Blue Line El does run through the neighborhood making it accessible to all other parts of the city. There are also bus lines running along North Avenue and Damen Avenue and it is close in location to the Expressway. Getting downtown is a quick trip by car and makes it popular for those working in the Loop. Parking is also less of an issue in this area and many streets are permit only but it does not see the same congestion that other areas of the city struggle with.
 

Bucktown  

Bucktown is directly to the North of Wicker Park and about twice its size. Its boundaries are west of Ashland to Western Ave and North of North Ave to Fullerton.  

Popular among artists and musicians it is seeing a peak in interest from others looking to enjoy lower rents and all the rich diversity that the neighborhood has to offer. Many young professionals and families call this neighborhood home adding to the interesting mix the community thrives on.  

Named for the goats (or bucks) that German and Polish Immigrants used to keep, Bucktown is a neighborhood with a long history and a bright future. There are several investment opportunities and a variety of real estate to choose from, from single family homes, to 2 and 3 flats, or even larger apartment buildings and lofts.  

Bucktown is one square mile in size and easy to navigate through on foot or by bike. It has countless boutiques and artist galleries to keep you interested. Also it has seen a growth in bars and restaurants, most with a unique flare and personal charm. It is a vibrant and full community continuing to flourish and grow.  

The transportation is similar to that found in neighboring Wicker Park. The Blue Line is the exclusive CTA line servicing the neighborhood and it is also close in proximity to the Expressway. There are also additional bus lines running along North Ave on the South and Fullerton on the North.