Wicker Park

The Chicago Board of Public Works declared in late 1868 that it wanted to establish a park "west of Milwaukee Avenue and south of North Avenue." The grounds have a large capacity and are put up as a park in a smart and pleasant manner. Alderman Charles Wicker, who purchased 80 acres of land along Milwaukee Avenue with his brother Joel in 1870 and set up a community with a range of lot sizes surrounding a 4-acre park, was present at the meeting.

Wicker Park is known for its densely packed streets. Along Milwaukee Avenue, Damen Avenue, North Avenue, and Division Street, trendy coffeehouses, restaurants, bars, stores, and galleries keep the atmosphere alive with countless alternatives for the day or night.

With its unexpectedly affordable and expansive apartments in Victorian duplexes, sun-drenched condos in gated complexes, excellent live-work loft spaces, and elegant penthouses, Wicker Park appeals to just about every style of renter or buyer. New, contemporary-style homes don't last long on the market, but there are plenty of older properties that have been lovingly repaired.

The area's pedestrian streets and bike paths are lined with hip cafés, diners, bars, and vintage shops, giving it a vibrant, welcome vibe. To the north, the Bloomingdale Trail (The 606), an elevated rail-trail that runs through numerous Chicago communities, is open to runners, bikers, and even those who like leisure strolls.