Wicker Park offers a rich living experience from morning to night with everything from cozy coffee houses to trendy bars and galleries. Originally a popular district for merchants in the 19th century, this West town community area is still a go-to for creatives to flourish with its artistic atmosphere and endless inspiration. This neighborhood offers a lively art scene that includes a variety of galleries, as well as one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants that showcase local makers’ wares and talents. Beyond art you can find entertainment venues, a bustling nightlife, and a 4 acre stretch (around the size of 5 football fields) of green space called Wicker Park wedged between N Wicker Park Ave, W Schiller St, and N Damen Ave.
The iconic Six Corners area (N Milwaukee Ave, N Damen Ave, and W North Ave) is the heart of the Wicker Park neighborhood. This section is home to must-sees such as The Robey hotel, which offers a rooftop bar with a stunning view, and the Flat Iron Arts building, which houses many artists and galleries that run a monthly open house. Looking for some retail therapy? You’re in luck since this area also happens to be a shopper’s paradise with vintage shops, record stores, bookstores, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. If you get hungry, you will be able to appease any craving with a smorgasbord of award-winning eateries and coffee shops at your fingertips. And finally, you don’t want to skip the Bloomingdale/606 Trail. The unused railroads have been repurposed and transformed into miles of trails perfect for walking, running, or biking. Here you will not only get an unrivaled, elevated view of Wicker Park but also of 3 other bordering neighborhoods—Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square.
Many people choose to make the Wicker Park neighborhood home not just for its lively atmosphere steeped in art and never-ending leisure, but for its close proximity to downtown Chicago. Public transportation like the CTA Blue Line makes it a short commute—6 minutes from Division station to downtown and 8 minutes from Damen station to The Loop. Division station, which serves Wicker Park and East Ukrainian Village, is located at Polonia Triangle (Milwaukee Avenue, Ashland Avenue, and Division Street). While Damen station on N Damen Ave services the ever-growing Bucktown area. With some of the best bike lanes in Chicago, Wicker Park is also a hotspot for those who prefer getting around by bicycle.
A large portion of this neighborhood is designated as a Chicago Landmark District, so it is no surprise that much of the real estate in the area is brimming with vintage charisma. Wicker Park rentals range from cozy studio apartments to spacious luxury apartments. But no matter which end of the spectrum you are leaning toward you won’t be disappointed. Older Wicker Park buildings with their brick facades such as those that run along the tree-lined W Crystal St hold a ton of charm, while options like 1241 N Milwaukee Ave will please those who crave a more contemporary aesthetic. Beyond those that seek housing close to downtown or historic architecture, this area is also popular among dog owners due to the abundance of parks and walking trails. Additionally, this neighborhood also offers many doggy daycares like Pups Pet Club, Wicker Pet, and Dog Day Afternoon on W Evergreen Ave—to name a few. If you are looking for the best of both worlds—a pet-friendly apartment in Wicker Park with a potent old meets new aesthetic— The Milwood on 1422 N Milwaukee Ave is a go-to. This pet-friendly complex has a knack for infusing modern-day living with the unrivaled beauty of historic Chicago by using a mix of preserved vintage features and modern upgrades. These include brick accent walls and floor to ceiling windows offset by glass-enclosed rain showers and custom cabinetry.
This historic neighborhood has no lack of good eats. Whether it’s a light lunch or a 5-star spot for an intimate dinner, Wicker Park delivers. Below are a few of our favorite restaurants in the area.
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The Milwood features studio and 1-bedroom apartments with exposed brick, poured concrete floors, subway tiling, custom cabinetry, in-unit laundry, glass-enclosed rain showers, bike storage, and limited parking. This building has historic charm with contemporary features. The Milwood is located on Milwaukee Avenue, a popular street in Chicago with charming shops and restaurants.
West of Wicker Park is Humboldt Park, a community area featuring miles green space with lagoon, trails, and summertime recreation. Humboldt Park is home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, one of Chicago’s many art museums. The nearby 606 bike trail extends east to Wicker Park/Bucktown and is a great option for biking, running, and walking.
The North hotel features studio and 1-bedroom apartments with exposed brick, poured concrete floors, subway tiling, custom cabinetry, in-unit laundry, glass-enclosed rain showers, bike storage, and lobby lounge with co working table. The FLATS apartments in the North Hotel offer residents historic details such as exposed brick while providing close access to recreation in Humboldt Park and the nearby 606 bike trail.