One of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, Wicker Park has long been considered one of Chicago’s most creative neighborhoods. In fact, much of its foundation was built on it being a respite for many artists and beatniks within the city, and later, with the development of the Blue Line, it evolved to offer a more textured community, embracing its past while welcoming the future.
Today, remnants of that rich history are still present among the murals, artist lofts, shops, and culture of ‘cool’. Vintage shopping and unique stores are dotted throughout Wicker Park. You can shop eclectic styles at Vintage Underground, urban chic threads mixed with vintage selections at Una Mae’s, to local women’s boutiques such as P.45 and Penelope‘s are favorites. The renowned Reckless Records and the used book store Myopic Books are long-time neighborhood staples. Nights in Wicker Park are always well spent. Grab a cocktail at speakeasy-inspired The Violet Hour before settling into your reservation at The Delta for southern comfort food and tamales. See a show at Subterranean before ending your night enjoying the jaw-dropping views of Wicker Park and Chicago from The Up Room, on the Robey Hotel’s rooftop. Below you will find a handful of both new and old places to shop, eat, or visit in the Wicker Park Neighborhood.
Blue Line Stop
Reckless Records
Myopic Books
Sub T
Wicker Park’s residential identity reflects the long-lasting juxtaposition between the past and future, with many of its vintage exterior facades with a fully gutted and modern interior. There are also a plethora of new-builds, extra-wide lots allowing for creative yet expansive modern homes. This coupled with the always-burgeoning cultural scene allows for the real estate value to steadily rise and remain a solid investment. Currently, the average price of detached single-family homes to purchase are 1.1M, condos fall around 550k, and rental prices reflect that of the market and are often on the higher-end among its 77 neighboring areas. Wicker Park has six public schools available to its residents with a high rating for education. While Wicker Park is on the trend of more polished-off developments and fewer alternative outlets, it still remains a young, hip, and artsy area. Living here, you will feel like you are at the center of Chicago city life.