Last Updated on: 28th February 2024, 10:00 pm
Located close to downtown Chicago, Bucktown is best known for its artistic vibes and inclusivity. You will often find murals and street art all through the area.
Bucktown is one of the best places to live in Cook County, IL, and there is something for everyone in this family-friendly Chicago neighborhood. This area is filled with historical single-family homes and provides an affordable place for people to settle down and plant roots.
There is an interesting story about how Bucktown got its name. During the 1830s, it was common for Polish families to raise their goats in the area, and because the males are known as bucks, they decided to name the town after it. Then in 1863, it officially became part of the Chicago area.
If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood to settle down in the city of Chicago, Bucktown is the place for you!
Table of Contents
Where is Bucktown?
Bucktown is 5.2 miles away from Downtown Chicago and is accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. It is close to Naperville, IL, and borders the Chicago River. The zip codes are 60622, 60647, and 60614. Bucktown is close to the heart of Chicago and is known as one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the area.
When it comes to public transportation, you have two options. The first is the Rail Station (METRA), and the second is the CTA Buses through the Chicago Transit Authority. The Damen station of the CTA Blue Line services Buckton as part of Chicago’s “L” system.
Depending on the route, there is a bus that comes every six minutes, twelve minutes, and twenty minutes. If you plan to drive or take public transportation, schedule extra travel time to ensure you arrive on time to work since being close to the heart of the city means more traffic.
Bucktown, Chicago Map
Bucktown History & Overview
What went from a small town where Polish descendants congregated and raised goats in the 1830s has flourished and has become a place where people feel at home, accepted, and a part of the community. The Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants helped transform this neighborhood in the 1960s, and it’s a place known for its artists and the creative spirit among the area.
There are plenty of fun events throughout the year in the community, such as the Bucktown Arts Fest, Bucktown Garden Walk, and the Chillfest Chicago.
While there are fun events staggered throughout the year, here are two of the most notable places that are perfect to visit anytime: St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture.
The average household income in Bucktown is $133,826, and the total population in this neighborhood is 12,940. Here is a breakdown of the demographics that can be found throughout this quaint Chicago neighborhood:
Demographics of Bucktown
- 75% White
- 12% Hispanic
- 6% Asian
- 3% African American
- 4% Biracial
What’s it Like Living in Bucktown?
Being the 11th best walkable neighborhood in Chicago, Bucktown is ideal for you if you want to ride your bike or walk around town more than driving. It is one of the most family-friendly areas, and while there is some crime, just like any place, it’s lower than other similar Chicago neighborhoods. Bucktown is a friendly neighborhood for everyone, but especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
The nightlife is hot. If you like to hit the local bars, cafes, theaters, or pubs, there are plenty of options. You will get a mixture of urban and suburban lifestyles, so if you are not into hitting the town at night, you will have activities at your fingertips that are great for any age.
What was once known for the historical buildings has transformed the neighborhood by keeping the history of the community while adding features to make the area more modern like: sleek fitness centers, bars, and cafes.
People often think that Bucktown and Wicker Park are the same neighborhood, and while they are very much similar, the thing that divides the two areas is the iconic 606 walkway–a converted train line that is 2.7 miles long.
While this neighborhood is small, it’s a perfect place to settle down and still be close to the city without living in the hustle and bustle every day.
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Things to Do in Bucktown – Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a fun date idea for couples, there is a wide variety of things to do in Bucktown, Chicago. Here are a few popular examples:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Due to community support, Lincoln Park Zoo can give everyone free admission to the zoo. There are 35 acres to explore, and as the fourth oldest zoo in North America, it’s a kid-friendly attraction to spend the day exploring.
Escape Artistry- The Railcar
Are you up for the challenge of preventing the railway from being highjacked? At Escape Artistry, you and your team are in charge of solving the mystery and putting the puzzle together before it’s too late.
Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park
The indoor pool, kitchen, club rooms, baseball fields, football field, tennis court, and an ADA-accessible playground are just a few things that make Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park unique.
The Chicago Diner, Logan Square
Since 1983, the award-winning Chicago Diner has been serving vegetarian and vegan meals and winning over the crowd with its delicious recipes.
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Cozy Corner Restaurant and Pancake House
With four locations throughout the Chicago area, this diner has everything you could want–ranging from mouth-watering breakfast items to your favorite comfort foods.
Riverfront Plaza
Riverfront Plaza has everything you could want, from big retail stores like Ross, Micro Center (a large computer store), and even a bowling alley–making this a family-friendly and kid-friendly place to get your shopping done.
Riverpoint Center
A grocery store called Jewel-Osco and a wide variety of stores such as Marshalls, Five Below, and Justice is just a few of the shopping experiences you can explore in this center
Places To Visit In Bucktown
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 742-2000
- Escape Artistry-The Railcar, 1579 N Milwaukee Ave #350, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 789-9535
- Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park, 2732 N Avers Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (312) 742-7546
- The Chicago Diner-Logan Square, 2333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 252-3211
- Cozy Corner Restaurant and Pancake House, 2294 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 276-2215
- Riverfront Plaza, N Elston Ave &, W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 (847) 256-8800
- Riverpoint Center, 1730 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (877) 265-7417
Schools in Bucktown
When you live in Bucktown, you are part of the City of Chicago public school district. There is an option to attend a charter school if you desire through the Chicago International Charter School Association (CICS).
Most schools in this area are where you will attend from kindergarten through 8th and then transfer to the High School for 9th-12th grade. Here are a few examples:
If you’re looking for a college prep school, there is one within the school district called Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Quite a few of the graduates go onto Ivy League schools, so if this that’s your goal, check out this school.
Wright College Humboldt Park is a community college within the Bucktown area, so if you want to stay local while getting your associate’s degree, this would be a great option.
Is Bucktown Safe?
While Bucktown has a higher crime rate than the national average by 17%, that doesn’t mean it’s not a safe and family-friendly community. It’s 30% lower than the surrounding areas in Chicago, with the majority of the crimes committed being against a piece of property. Per 100k people, there are 516 violent crimes and 2,229 property crimes.
Bucktown, Chicago Real Estate
The median sale price for all types of homes is $610,000. If you want to see the average for each type of home, here’s the breakdown:
- Single-family: $1,370,000
- Condo: $505,000
- Townhouse: $675,000
Based on the prices above, condos are getting sold for cheaper compared to single-family homes and townhouses. If you’re on a budget or looking to find your first place, a condo might be a good first step.
While most of the homes are old historical buildings, some new modern houses are getting built, so regardless of your style, you can find them here. Click here to see some of the homes for sale.
If you’re not interested in purchasing a piece of property, don’t worry because there are plenty of beautiful apartments in the area. Depending on your preferences like: the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities, and so forth, you can expect your monthly rent to range between $1,795 and $4,060+.
Are you thinking about living in the one-of-a-kind Bucktown neighborhood? Federal Companies has been providing top-rated moving services to the Chicago area for the past 110+ years. To learn more about moving to Bucktown, we are happy to answer any questions. Call us at (800) 747-4100 for a free estimate!
