Chicago - Near West Side

BUCKTOWN

Bucktown is thought to have been named for the large number of goats that were raised there during the 19th century. First settled by Polish immigrants and later Germans, Bucktown today is a trendy neighborhood that is primarily residential with a mix of single family homes, new high-rises and industrial loft spaces. The neighborhood’s rough boundaries are the Kennedy Expressway on the east, Bloomingdale Avenue on the south, Western Avenue on the west and Fullerton Avenue on the north.

Commuters can either drive on the Kennedy Expressway (I-94), or take the CTA Blue Line from the Western-O’Hare stop. There are also many buses that will take you close to the city center.

Located within minutes of Wicker Park and Damen Street, Bucktown has a variety of shopping boutiques from which to choose. Restaurants, art galleries and nightlife options are plentiful in Bucktown and the surrounding area.

UKRAINIAN VILLEGE

Located northwest of the Loop, Ukrainian Village was first settled by immigrants from Germany, the Ukraine and Russia. Some of the beautiful cathedrals built to accommodate the faithful of that time still exist today and are amazing examples of craftsmanship. The Ukrainian culture remains prominent to this day. The Village retains much of the character of a European community, which has attracted many urban pioneers. The neighborhood’s boundaries are roughly Damen Avenue on the east, Chicago Avenue on the south, Western Avenue on the west, and Division Street on the north.

Commuters have easy access to the city by I-94, which can be reached in 5 minutes from the village center, or I-290 W, which can be reached in 10 minutes from the village center. Residents who wish to take CTA into the city have a short 5 minute walk to reach the Blue Line Division stop. There are also many bus stops that provide easy transportation into the city.

WICKER PARK

Tucked into the eastern corner of the larger community of West Town which extends south to Kinzie Avenue, Wicker Park is bounded by Ashland Avenue on the east, August Boulevard on the south, Western Avenue on the west and Bloomingdale Avenue on the north. Its Historic District features grand mansions. The Six Corners intersection of Damen Avenue, Milwaukee and North Avenues serves as the epicenter of activity. As Wicker Park was previously a relatively inexpensive area, it attracted artists, writers, craftsmen and artisans. Restaurants, small galleries and theaters followed, and today it is a trendy and popular destination.

Wicker Park is less than four miles northwest of the Loop. The CTA Blue Line stops at Damen and Division. CTA buses run on several streets including Milwaukee and North Avenues.

In the park that bears its name, the Wicker Park Garden Club maintains 10,000 square feet of ornamental gardens. Other park facilities include athletic fields and courts, a field house, gymnasium, meeting rooms, community garden and more.