{"id":35013,"date":"2020-11-27T04:50:30","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T12:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=35013"},"modified":"2026-01-22T01:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:50:10","slug":"living-in-bucktown-one-of-chicagos-trendiest-neigborhoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/living-in-bucktown-one-of-chicagos-trendiest-neigborhoods\/","title":{"rendered":"Living in Bucktown, Chicago – One of the City’s Trendiest Neighborhoods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bucktown is one of Chicago\u2019s trendiest neighborhoods, located in the Logan Square community, just west of Chicago\u2019s Lincoln Park<\/a> and to the north of another popular neighborhood – Wicker Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Map<\/a><\/p>\n

Because of its proximity to Lincoln Park, one of Chicago\u2019s most attractive and most expensive neighborhoods, the more affordable Bucktown area became a logical alternative for those wanting to live near Lincoln Park, DePaul University, or simply close to Downtown<\/a>. This is evidenced in the concentration of Gen-X\u2019ers and Millennials<\/strong> who have gravitated to the area – giving Bucktown a young and hip profile distinctive from its neighbor to the immediate east.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n

The neighborhood of Bucktown forms the eastern-most boundary of the Logan Square community, and is defined by the North Branch of the Chicago River to its east, Bloomingdale Avenue to the south, Diversey Parkway to its north, and Western Avenue to its west.<\/p>\n

In addition, the Kennedy Expressway (I-94) runs right through the middle of the neighborhood, thus giving residents easy access by car to the Chicagoland area and beyond. Though Damen Avenue is considered the main artery in Bucktown<\/strong>, there are a number of popular areas along Diversey Parkway, Fullerton, and Armitage Avenues (east-west) and Elston as well as a slice of Milwaukee Avenues (north-south). This gives the neighborhood numerous pockets for shopping, dining, and entertainment, all walking distance from wherever one resides. Add to this the Bloomington Trail – also popularly known as \u201cThe 606<\/a>\u201d – at the southern boundary, and you’ll find that you\u2019ll never be without something to do, indoors or out.<\/p>\n

\"Park<\/a><\/p>\n

History<\/h2>\n

What an unusual name for a neighborhood – Bucktown. Its\u00a0origin<\/a> is actually thought to go back nearly 200 years, even before Chicago was incorporated as a city. The area along the Chicago River to the east and what is now Milwaukee Avenue to the west was home to some of Chicago\u2019s first Polish settlers who raised goats (the male known as a \u201cbuck\u201d). In fact due to the heavy influx\u00a0of Polish immigrants in the early 20th century, Bucktown was known as \u201cLittle Poland<\/em>\u201d and until well into the late 1900s the area was predominantly populated by those of Polish descent. Interestingly, Milwaukee Avenue is still to this day Chicago\u2019s \u201cPolish Corridor\u201d<\/strong>, though more toward the northwest boundaries of the city and nearby suburbs along that street.\u00a0By the 1970s Bucktown and its sister neighborhood to the south – Wicker Park – became havens for artists and musicians looking for affordable places to rent<\/strong>. Thus was born a real estate boom that has never looked back and has given both communities an eclectic mix of million dollar homes and inexpensive rental units.<\/p>\n

\"Wicker<\/a><\/p>\n

Bucktown is home to approximately 18,000 residents (2010 census). Surprisingly, though it is close to downtown, it is below Chicago\u2019s average community density – no doubt due to the fact that the neighborhood is characterized by many older low-rise buildings and single-family homes. What was once an immigrant community, then a somewhat seedy, Bohemian enclave, is now a much sought-after, upscale Chicago<\/a> neighborhood.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Transportation<\/h2>\n

Located only a few miles from downtown, the commute to Chicago\u2019s CBD is quick and with many options. Public transportation is extensive, given the easy access to both a number of bus lines; 76 Diversey<\/a>, 74 Fullerton<\/a>, and 73 Armitage<\/a> are just a few – all of which connect to the CTA Red Line. There’s also the CTA Blue Line stop at Western<\/a>, which connects you to downtown, the suburbs, and even O\u2019Hare airport. The Kennedy Expressway is at your doorstep if you’re opting for travel by car and of course there are numerous bike lanes along all the major streets if you\u2019re an avid cyclist. Then there\u2019s the Metra stop at Clybourn Avenue that connects to downtown\u00a0and\u00a0the northern suburbs. Finally, with numerous DIVVY bike rental stations<\/a> throughout the neighborhood, Bucktown is truly a neighborhood where a car is unnecessary.<\/p>\n

Schools<\/h2>\n

A healthy mix of public, selective enrollment, and charter schools provides numerous options for\u00a0families with children. Active participants in the local school councils have been successfully improving public schools, and there are charter schools that provide an alternative to district-run schools. Finally, a handful of private schools<\/a> in the area give parents yet another possibility. These include\u00a0six parochial schools, of which the highly noted Josephinum Academy<\/strong><\/a> (A Catholic college prep high school), the Pulaski International School of Chicago<\/strong><\/a> (an International Baccalaureate school) as well as a number of Montessori<\/strong> schools.<\/p>\n

Public Safety<\/h2>\n

Though affected by crime, as any urban neighborhood will be, it\u2019s the civic engagement of citizens through their CAP\u2019s (Chicago Alternative Policing<\/a>) beat meetings and numerous block club initiatives that insures that crime, when it occurs, is mitigated quickly. In addition, one major consideration when it comes to public safety in any urban area is the presence of\u00a0citizens on the streets, which has been shown to reduce crime in some communities. Bucktown certainly has no shortage of that.<\/p>\n

Shopping and Dining<\/h2>\n

Dining and shopping in Chicago<\/a> is always an experience. If you love food – eating out or in – you\u2019ll have no shortage of places in the area to satisfy your needs. If you like a wide selection of beers to go with your burger then Floyd\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> is the place to go. Want a great French bistro, but not interested in flying to Paris? Well,\u00a0Le Bouchon<\/a><\/strong> is for you. Looking for something New American? Then head to The Bristol<\/a><\/strong> — they offer a delightful hybrid of classic and contemporary delights which are inspired by the Chicago area, but based on the timeless techniques of French cuisine.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by MyPiPizzaChicago (@mypipizzachicago)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n