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Wicker Park is a wonderfully diverse, dynamic neighborhood with a rich history and currently, home to one of the largest working-artist populations in the country. Originally settled by German beer barons in the 1860's, by the late 1800’s, the area had become a Polish enclave and Milwaukee Avenue (from Division Street to North Avenue) had become known as "Polish Downtown". In fact, Polish can be still heard on the streets and in some of the small Polish-owned delis and shops in the area.
In the 1960's, Wicker Park attracted Latino immigrants and during the last decade or so, became home to artists and yuppies alike. Today, people of all nationalities, religions, ages and incomes help to shape the unique character of this vibrant and exciting community.
Wicker Park’s architecture is late nineteenth century, with re-habbing and new development occurring everywhere. In recent years, the area has become one of the city’s hottest real estate markets. Together, the sister neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown feature some of Chicago's finest restaurants, clubs, bars, coffee shops and unusual artisan-owned galleries and boutiques. And Bon Appétit magazine (September 2002) judged Wicker Park to be one of the country's best neighborhoods for dining.
In a May 2003 article appearing in the New York Times' travel section, author Dennis Rodkin describes Wicker Park as "an area that lets you bypass the travel-guide version of the Second City and see how some of the locals might spend the weekend."
Conveniently located on the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Blue Line, a stay in Wicker Park does not require the rental of a car. Blue Line elevated / subway trains running from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to the Loop, pass through the center of the Wicker Park neighborhood. In fact, Wicker Park is an ideal base for exploring all of Chicago's sights. All major attractions are only a short train, bus, or taxi ride away.
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