Wicker Park Bucktown has been part of Chicago since its incorporation as a city in 1837. Today Wicker Park Bucktown is one of the most eclectic and exciting neighborhoods in the city!
In 1847 the city’s western boundary moved to Western Avenue and in 1853 the heart of what would become Wicker Park had homes on the corners of Milwaukee and North Avenues. The city’s northern boundary moved to Fullerton Avenue in 1863 while Wicker Park’s northern boundary was Armitage. Bucktown at that time stretched north from Armitage. In 1870, Charles and Joel Wicker purchased 80 acres of land along Milwaukee Avenue and developed a subdivision surrounding a four-acre park now known as Wicker Park. Bucktown meanwhile got its name because the neighborhood was originally known as Kozie Prery (Goat Prairie) and the fact that most of its 19th century residents were goat herders. The term for a male goat is “buck”.
Today, Bucktown’s boundaries are Chicago Avenue to the south, Armitage Avenue to the north, I-90-94 to the east and Western Avenue to the west. Damen Avenue runs through Bucktown and serves as the main commercial area in the neighborhood. Wicker Park is directly south of Bucktown west of Pulaski Park within West Town.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce says “you’ll discover a cool blend of people, personalities, culture and charisma that all combine to create our hip and cosmopolitan style”.
The Wicker Park Bucktown area today features a thriving nightlife scene with friendly neighborhood bars, nightclubs and nearly 150 restaurants including French, Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Thai, Sushi and so much more. The area is also home to upscale retail stores, art galleries and small boutiques. Bucktown in particular thrives as an artists’ community with art festivals that draw thousands each year. The music scene is also home to popular venues including the Double Door and the Empty Bottle.
Wicker Park Bucktown real estate features housing prices that have been on the rise as the neighborhood has changed from working class to upwardly mobile in the recent decade or so. You’ll still find plenty of old architecture that helps give the area its unique character and Old World charm along with more contemporary housing choices. The old mansions have been divided into apartments and you’ll also find walkups and restored brownstones.
Overall, Wicker Park Bucktown has much to offer for everyone from families to art lovers, theatergoers and music lovers. Wicker Park Bucktown is definitely a dynamic, culturally rich community.
Menard Johnson & Associates Real Estate is a Chicago real estate company that helps their clients buy and sell properties in many downtown Chicago neighborhoods including Wicker Park Bucktown. Click here to learn more about them.
Menard Johnson & Associates
2200 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-472-6016
