Bucktown, located on the northwest side of Chicago, is bordered by the Kennedy Expressway on the west, Western Ave on the east, North Ave on the south and Fullerton on the north.

Bucktown is historically a residential area, with much of the housing stock being older style, single family homes. There has been some new construction and rehab work, giving many of the homes more modern features. Some of the industrial loft areas have also been converted into living spaces.

Rentals in the Bucktown area can vary in price due to condition, placement, and space. Many of the one and two bedroom apartments have smaller rooms and eat in kitchens. The three bedrooms are generally roomier, and usually have separate dining rooms. One bedroom apartments rent for $800 - $1,200. Two bedrooms go for anywhere between $800 and $1,800. Three bedrooms start at $1,400 but often go as high as $2,800.

Sale prices in Bucktown (as in other areas of Chicago) have increased dramatically in the past ten years. As a matter of fact, Bucktown properties have appreciated as much as 50% in one year. One bedroom condos can be found for as little as $200,000…though these tend to be very small. Two bedroom condos start at $300,000. Anything larger can be found at $600,000 and up.

 

Single family homes mostly stay in the $1,000,000 range…sometimes more. There are still cottages in Bucktown, and most of them (if they had been rehabbed in the past 15 years) sell for around $500,000.

 

Multi-family homes start at $400,000 for a small 2-flat, and $800,000 for most 3-flats. Some of the stunning examples of Victorian-era architecture can sell for much more.

Bucktown offers its residents access to several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. This includes Casimir Pulaski Academy and St. Mary of the Angels School (a private school). Drummond and Burr Elementary school also fall within Bucktown.

Bucktown (whose boundaries are often blurred with those of Wicker Park’s) has a wide variety of dining options. Miko’s Italian Ice is a small (mostly carryout) operation located on N. Damen…reputed to be one of the best slushy makers in Chicago. Not far from there, fine diners can enjoy Japanese food at Coast. And just a few blocks away, on Western Ave., Mexican food lovers can get their fill of goat meat stew at the Birria Estilo Jalisco.

Bucktown and Wicker Park have a variety of bars, pubs, and dance clubs lining the street of Milwaukee Ave. Broadway lovers can get their fill of theatre at the Wing & Grove Theatre on North Ave. And comedy lovers can go and see a variety show at the Still Life Donkey located on Milwaukee Ave.

Bucktown was named after goats that the early polish immigrants had raised in the town (a male goat is called a buck).