Moving To Wicker Park Chicago, IL Neighborhood Guide
Updated: May 4
Welcome to the vibrant neighborhood of Wicker Park in Chicago! If you're planning a move to this trendy and diverse area, you're in for a treat. As a local moving company that has helped countless individuals and families settle into Wicker Park, we're excited to provide you with a comprehensive neighborhood guide to help you navigate your new home. From its rich history and cultural heritage to its unique blend of art, food, and entertainment, Wicker Park has something for everyone. So, whether you're a young professional, a family, or someone looking for a hip and happening community to call home, let us be your trusted source for all things Wicker Park. Join us as we take you on a tour of this dynamic neighborhood and share insider tips and insights to make your move to Wicker Park a seamless and enjoyable experience. Let's dive in and explore all that this vibrant Chicago neighborhood has to offer!
Wicker Park History and Overview
Wicker Park, located on the northwest side of Chicago, has a rich history that spans over a century. The neighborhood was named after Charles and Joel Wicker, who purchased 80 acres of land to develop and donated 4 acres of the land for the park that now bears their name. In the late 1800s after the Great Chicago Fire, wealthy German and Norwegian immigrants, many of whom were merchants, moved to the area to establish their houses and businesses. Over time, the neighborhood also became a destination for a large number of Polish immigrants, earning it the nickname of the Polish Gold Coast.
In the 1960s and 70s, the construction of the Kennedy Expressway led to the displacement of many Wicker Park residents, causing the neighborhood to decline. Nevertheless, the 1980s and 90s marked a period of revitalization, with young professionals and artists flocking to the area. Today, Wicker Park is a thriving and diverse community, known for its hip and eclectic vibe, as well as its lively cultural scene.
What is it Like to Live in Wicker Park?
If you are moving to Wicker Park you will have a diverse range of housing options to choose from. The neighborhood features classic Chicago brownstones, walk-up apartments, condominiums, vintage apartments, and new-construction buildings.
According to Redfin, the average home price is $565K, up 9.3% compared to last year.
RentCafe states that the average apartment rent is $2,665 which is 20% higher than the Chicago average rent of $2,215.
60% of Wicker Park residents are renters while 40% are homeowners.
Wicker Park has a Walk Score of 96 making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Chicago. Its Transit Score is 76 and Bike Score is 96.
According to Niche, Wicker Park is the 17th best neighborhood for young professionals and the 20th best neighborhood to raise a family in Chicago.
The population is 24,482.
The median age is approximately 32.
The median household income is $138,096.
Wicker Park Chicago Location
Wicker Park is located northwest of downtown Chicago in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Nearby neighborhoods include Bucktown, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Noble Square, and Ukrainian Village. The boundaries of Wicker Park are the Northern boundary 1800 North (The 606 Trail), the Southern boundary 1200 North (Division Street), the Western boundary 2400 West (Western Avenue), and the Eastern boundary 1600 West (Ashland Avenue). The Wicker Park zip code is 60622.
Wicker Park's proximity to the Kennedy Expressway and public transportation makes it an ideal place to live for commuters. It takes only approximately 20 minutes to reach downtown Chicago by car and 14 minutes by train, making the commute short and convenient. The area is well-connected by the Blue Line, which has several stops within and just outside Wicker Park, as well as buses. Additionally, Milwaukee Avenue has the busiest bike lane in the city, making it an excellent option for biking commuters. This famous thoroughfare is often referred to as the "hipster highway."
Map of Wicker Park, Chicago
Wicker Park Restaurants
Wicker Park is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse array of restaurants and dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From trendy gastropubs and upscale eateries to cozy cafes and ethnic cuisines, Wicker Park's food scene has something for everyone. Let's take a look at a few popular spots.
Antique Taco
Casual spot for gourmet tacos such as garlic shrimp tacos with elote cauliflower, basil avocado salsa, and fried kale.
1360 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 687-8697
Dove's Luncheonette
Tex-Mex meets Southern retro diner specializing in breakfast and brunch. Popular dishes include chicken fried chicken and burnt ends hash.
1545 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 645-4060
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
New Haven-style pizza and award-winning brews. Pizza topping choices include gourmet toppings such as mashed potatoes and clams. Hot Doug's atomic sausage pizza and honey butter fried chicken pizza are based on ingredients from one current and one former popular Chicago restaurant. Voted one of the top pizzas in the US.
1927 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-4422
Taxim
Regionally-inspired Greek cuisine and Greek wine list featuring an outdoor patio.
1558 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-1558
The Delta
Southern cuisine and cocktails with an ode to the Mississippi Delta region with specialties such as Mississippi red hot tamales and Sunday Soul Brunch.
1745 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 360-1793
Wicker Park Bars
Whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail lounge or a laid-back dive bar, Wicker Park has it all.
Bangers and Lace
Tavern featuring assorted sausages to pair with craft beer.
1670 W. Division Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-6499
Emporium Arcade Bar
Bar filled with classic 80s and 90s arcade games to go along with craft beer.
1366 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 697-7922
The Violet Hour
Speakeasy serving some of the finest craft cocktails in the country. Voted by Food and Wine readers in it's first Global Tastemakers awards as the most creative bar in the U.S.
1520 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-1500
Wicker Park Coffee Shops
Stan's Donuts and Coffee
Coffee and some of the best donuts in Chicago.
1560 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 360-7386
The Wormhole Coffee
80's pop culture-themed coffee shop.
1462 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 661-2468
Unique Places to Shop in Wicker Park
Wicker Park has its share of well-known retailers, but it's the small boutiques and stores that give Wicker Park its hip and quirky feel. If you're looking for artsy and vintage you will find it here.
Myopic Books
Three floors of 60,000 used books.
1564 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 862-4882
Reckless Records
Record store.
1379 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 235-3727
Una Mae's
Men's and women's new and vintage clothing.
1528 N. Milwaukee Ave # 1, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 276-7002
Art, Music, and Theater Venues in Wicker Park
Chopin Theatre
Theater that hosts a wide variety of performing arts events many of which are international or avant-garde.
1543 W. Division St, Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 278-1500
Flat Iron Arts Building
Hosts an artist open house first Friday event every month.
1579 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 566-9800
Subterranean
Music venue.
2011 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 278-6600
Outdoor Activities in Wicker Park
The 606
This popular multi-use trail along an abandoned train line runs along the northern border of Wicker Park between Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Wicker Park
Park with children's playground, dog-friendly area, and other amenities.
1425 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 742-7553
Wicker Park Farmer's Market
Held Sunday mornings held outdoors approximately May-October and indoors November-April.
1425 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Wicker Park Fest
Takes place every summer in July featuring Wicker Park food and drink, music, art, and more.
Wicker Park Grocery Stores
Aldi
1753 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (855) 955-2534
Jewel Osco
1341 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 342-3410
Gyms in Wicker Park
Orangetheory Fitness
1634 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 757-1644
TITLE Boxing Club Chicago Wicker Park
1355 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 661-6746
Wicker Park Dry Cleaning
Wicker Park Cleaners
1250 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 489-5531
Wicker Park Post Office
USPS
1240 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60622 (773) 772-4734
We hope this neighborhood guide has been helpful in giving you a glimpse of what it's like to live in Wicker Park. As a Chicago mover, we understand the excitement and challenges that come with moving to a new place. When you are ready to make your move to Wicker Park we are here to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Blog authored by Michelle Mathena, President of Under One Roof, a local moving company in Chicago. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. Under One Roof has had thousands of satisfied customers since 1982.