Who here lives/lived in Wicker Park? (Chicago, Ashland: fit in, apartment)

[wowitskristin]

What are your thoughts on the neighborhood? Do/Did you love it? Hate it? Thinking about relocating to that neighborhood.

[Bakesalee]

I lived there in 2005 and I loved it. It had the big city feel I wanted (coming from Arizona). I lived above a storefront, and I was a few steps to the underground subway. It's got plenty of bars, record stores, food options, etc.

However, I could never afford living there now. For the apartment I paid $800 for, probably goes for about $1200 these days.

I'm moving back to Chicago again in a few weeks, and would kill for the same apartment/location, but sadly I just can't afford it anymore.

[Vlajos]

Where are you relocating from? What do you like in a neighborhood?

[jwaiter]

I like it, it was better 15-20 years ago, but that time is gone and no new neighborhood has what WP had back then, so it's still the best area for me.

[salata87]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

I like it, it was better 15-20 years ago, but that time is gone and no new neighborhood has what WP had back then, so it's still the best area for me.

Unfortunately I must agree with you. Still nice neighborhood but too yuppie and too expensive.

[Jesse69]

I've lived here since 1976. In the 80's there used to be Latino gangs between Damen and Ashland and North & Division - they tried to steal my bike. I got along in the 80's in this rough neighborhood because I was a cool bmx freestyler. I used to play baseball and tennis in the fields at Clemente HS. Would play indoor basketball at Clemente in Winter. Nowadays Clemente HS playgrounds is a very BIG disappointment: they locked up to tennis courts and baseball fields so no kid except from the schools can play there. When I was in 6th grade I play Little League Baseball there. I was a very athletic kid growing up because of the playgrounds at Clemente and around Wicker Park. But nowadays I don't want to play with the black kids around the basketball court.

The yuppie white people that moved in at Wicker Park - I don't fit in with them because I don't drive a BMW or an expensive car. Never went to bar lately here, and I don't like beer. Only way I meet people is if I go on a bike cruise, go to St Mary of the Angels church, or when I go to Jewels.

I'm lucky to live in a 3 story remodeled house with a good garage. 2nd floor of a house next to me rents for $1400.

Wicker Park is a nice central location to live in; you have easy access to highways going North, South, or West for any Chicago or Suburban job.

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by Jesse69

I got along in the 80's in this rough neighborhood because I was a cool bmx freestyler.

Like this?





Jesse is right, the neighborhood has changed drastically over the last 20 years, and is a great location for transit of all types.

[sydbarrett]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

I like it, it was better 15-20 years ago, but that time is gone and no new neighborhood has what WP had back then, so it's still the best area for me.

15-20 years ago it was great. It still was good for me 10 years ago in many ways. The last 5 years or so it has truly turned into something I despise.

[quigboto]

I live about a mile away. I spend a good amount of time in Wicker Park. I like it.

[Vlajos]

I never actually lived in WP, but have visited friends and gone out there many times. It's a nice area.