Chicago is alive with artsy neighborhoods throughout. Bucktown joins these exciting neighborhoods as one that always seems to have something cool and exciting going on. Located in the Logan Square Community, West of Lincoln Park and North of Wicker Park, Bucktown is bordered by some vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in Chicago. For those looking for an option close to Lincoln Park, DePaul University, or simply downtown, Bucktown might be for you. As expected from a young and hip neighborhood, the liveliness of the neighborhood starts early and ends late. One can start their day in the heart of town, the “Six Corners” area where North, Milwaukee, and Damen Avenues intersect. Here, one can find coffee shops (Mindy’s Bakery, Ipsento, Red June), record shops, art galleries (Firecat Projects, Martin Lawrence, Jackson Junge), boutiques, and more. As the day moves into the night, Bucktown and its adjoining neighborhoods are hubs for late-night clubs, dive bars (The Mutiny, Club Lucky, Floyd’s Pub), music venues, and more. Bucktown residents also have easy access to the blue line as well as the highly celebrated “606” trail, a recreational trail that spans three miles on an elevated track above Bucktown. Bucktown is a vibrant community filled with boutique buildings, 3 to 4-unit walkups, new construction, and renovated vintage Chicago homes.
Wicker Park is a colorful, eclectic neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago with an urban feel that is sure to provide an enjoyable city experience without the hustle and bustle of a downtown area. Considered the hippest neighborhood in Chicago, Wicker Park has plenty of modern coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that line the streets of the downtown area. This community provides good schools, plenty of parks, and fun activities for children of all ages such as Little Adventures and Urban Air Trampoline. As far as dining in Wicker Park, one can find just about whatever they are looking for in this neighborhood, whether its coffee (Wormhole Coffee, Brü Chicago, Fairgrounds Coffee), great restaurants (Cebu, Kennedy Rooftop, Paulie Gee’s, etc.), or late-night drinks (The Violet Hour, Bangers and Lace, etc.). As far as activities go in Wicker Park, look no further than the park that the neighborhood is named for. With a large garden, sports fields, and a spectacular fountain, Wicker Park is always a great place to spend time outdoors. Wicker Park is just 20 minutes from the loop and provides easy access to the highway, el train and bus routes.
Sitting on the northwest side of the city near the west loop, the Ukrainian Village has become a hub for the culture you can lose yourself in with a wide variety of languages, shops, and cuisine that stem from the Ukrainian population that resides there. Used as farmland before the Great Chicago Fire leveled the fields, the Ukrainian Village has grown into a mainly residential area that provides a friendly neighborhood feel with many connections among its residents who all interact through locally owned businesses, a slew of coffee shops such as The Dark Matter Coffee, and trendy bars, as well as the annual Ukrainian Village Festival that celebrates with music, food, and drink, bringing together the community. Just a few must try places such as Fatso’s Last Stand, Arami, Roots Handmade Pizza and Whisk.
This neighborhood is full of green parks to run, walk, relax at, or entertain the children at. Commercial Park has great events in addition to its playground and grassy fields. Excellently rated public and private schools are also in the area along with attractions such as the Smith Park Pool, Kid City, and the free St. Nicholas Music and Movement Class where parents and kids of all backgrounds can enjoy music and dancing. The Ukrainian Village also has many who fall in love with the late-night dance clubs and live music that are littered throughout the downtown area and are sure to satisfy any social itch for residents-such as Empty Bottles. For those With an easy commute to the highway, as well as Metra, el train, and bus routes, the Ukrainian Village is very convenient for any travel in and out of the city.
