BUENA PARK
A neighborhood in Chicago's Uptown community, Buena Park has a rich history that includes the Hutchinson Street Historic District, which features numerous mansions that reflect the best of Prairie-style architecture.
It is also bounded by one of Chicago's most historic sites, the Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum, which was founded in 1860 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buena Park is an almost bucolic neighborhood that stands in stark contrast to the many high-rise sites that surround it, with so many tree-lined blocks and acres of green space spread across the neighborhood.
Commute Times
The Loop by train, by car
Merchandise Mart by train, by car
Union Station by train, by car
Millennium Park by train, by car
38m
21m
36m
20m
42m
24m
31m
19m
Boundaries
East to West - Lake Michigan to Graceland Cemetery
North to South - Montrose Avenue to Irving Park Road
Nearby Neighborhoods - Wrigleyville, Uptown
Closed Prices:
$85,000 to $2,480,000
Median Sale Price:
$267,000
Average $ per sq ft:
$230
Association Fee Ranges:
$0, $100 to $1492/mo
Square Footage:
500 to 8000 Sq. Ft.
Type:
Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Year Built:
Current Prices:
$80,000 to $2,650,000
Quick Facts
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms:
0 to 5 Bedrooms
1 to 7 Bathrooms
1894 to 2014
THE NEIGHBORS
Buena Park has an interesting seat just above Wrigleyville's never-ending party. As a result, the neighborhood attracts a large number of young people who enjoy going out but prefer not to live in the middle of it all. It's also ideal for young Chicago families looking to stay in the city while also finding some peace and quiet within the city limits.
WHAT TO EXPECT
College students and young professionals as well as families.
A kind of “sports and spirits” energy that can go from day to night.
The entire north side seems to pause and watch when the Cubs are playing. Given how close Buena Park is to Wrigley Field – it's about a 10-minute walk from the neighborhood's Irving Park border – you'll feel the excitement if a game is on. Otherwise, expect to see partygoers at Sheridan and Irving Park bars.
THE LIFESTYLE
A quieter neighborhood but by no means a boring place to live.
Buena Park is bounded on three sides by major Chicago roadways: Irving Park Road, Montrose Avenue, and Lake Shore Drive, as well as the Graceland Cemetery on the west side. This means that, despite its small size, this area has a plethora of walk-in cafes, restaurants, and sit-down eateries. You might also want to go to Broadway Avenue, which has a lot of restaurants.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
Quiet streets that matches an introspective or relaxed mood.
Buena Park's overhanging trees and curvy, house-lined streets make it the ideal setting for a Sunday stroll. You'll find quiet streets to match a contemplative or relaxed state of mind, whether you're pushing a stroller or pulling a curious pup. Of course, you might just want to cheer for the Bears, drink a 312 and watch the game; you can do so by visiting one of the many sports bars.
THE MARKET
Affordable walk-ups, pricier single-family homes and high-rise condos with decent lake views.
The median home price in Buena Park is comparable to that of northern neighborhoods such as Uptown and Edgewater. Because of the historic nature of the neighborhood, single-family homes can be more expensive and difficult to find. If these are the homes you're looking for, keep an eye on inventory because they don't last long once they hit the market (if at all). Near the lake, there is a much more reasonable selection of mid-rise condos with more modern home features at an affordable price—not to mention that most buildings have a decent view.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Beautiful scenery and close proximity to the lakefront.
Walking or driving east on Buena Street on a summer day, one cannot help but notice an elegant canopy of trees framing prairie-style homes leading to the lakefront. Other notable architects, including Bertrand Goldberg and Frank Lloyd Wright, have contributed to the architecture of the neighborhood. As a result, they have earned the right to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stanley Tigerman, the renowned architect, designed his first high-rise in Buena Park.
TRANSPORTATION
Despite the fact that Buena Park is 6-7 miles from downtown Chicago, the commute is quite convenient. Because it is located along the lakefront, there are numerous public transportation options, including a number of bus lines (22 Clark Street, 36 Broadway, and 151 Sheridan Road, to name a few) and a CTA Red Line stop at Sheridan Road and Irving Park, all of which connect to downtown. If you want to drive, there are entrances to Lake Shore Drive on Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road, and cyclists are just steps away from the Lakefront Trail.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Toast of Uptown: A Buena Park Wine Walk
As a ticket to this event, each attendee will receive a wine tasting glass. This wine walk will take you on a tour of the many businesses in Buena Park. North Buena Deli & Wine, as well as local restaurants and cafes, have generously curated wine selections. Small bites from local restaurants will also be available along the route.