5 Reasons to Live in Chicago's Ukrainian Village

Ukrainian Village, a small Chicago neighborhood on the city’s West Side, has some trendy neighbors, Wicker Park and West Town among them. What it lacks in size the neighborhood makes up for in aesthetics, accessibility, and eats. Take a tour of the community to get a taste of Ukrainian Village’s trendy flavor.

The Homes

Ukrainian Village is not the least expensive neighborhood in the city, but it’s slightly less pricey than its popular neighborhoods. The median sale price of homes in the neighborhood is $485,000, but homebuyers will find a range of prices starting in the high $100s and reaching $2.6 million. Wicker Park’s median sale price of $500,500 is slightly higher, while West Town’s median sale price of $515,000 is higher still.

Though a smaller neighborhood, homebuyers will find a wide variety of home types. If you’re interested in single-family homes you’ll find ranch-style homes, two-flats, and workers cottages spread across Ukrainian Village. The neighborhood also has condo buildings. Bordered on all four sides by major Chicago streets, you can expect homes on the edges of the neighborhood to have a busier, urban vibe right outside your front door. As you move more toward the center of the neighborhood, you’ll find a grid of quieter, more residential streets. Whichever vibe you choose, the compact size of Ukrainian Village means you can easily reach the neighborhood’s restaurants and public transit options. 

The Accessibility

Unlike some neighborhoods, Ukrainian Village does not have its own L stop. But being bounded by Damen Avenue, Division Street, Western Avenue, and Chicago Avenue means residents have access to bus routes that will take you all over the city, including downtown. If you want to stretch your legs for part of your commute, a 20-minute walk will take you to the Damen Blue Line Stop or the Division Blue Line stop. For anyone who drives, Division Street and Chicago Avenue will take you right to I-90.

Plus, the neighborhood is eminently walkable and bikeable. Ukrainian Village passes the WalkScore analysis with flying colors—nabbing the distinction of fourth most walkable neighborhood in Chicago and earning a bikeability score of 97 out of 100.

The Architecture

Ukrainian Village is beautiful to look at. Part of the neighborhood, the Ukrainian Village District, is preserved as a Chicago landmark. The residential area is full of homes dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s.

In addition to the neighborhood’s historic residential architecture, you’ll also find a collection of striking and ornate churches so beautiful that people pay to tour them. Outside, the churches tower above many of the other buildings, making the crossing into the neighborhood easily recognizable. Look for the spires of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. 

The Food

More than one Ukrainian Village resident has probably been tempted to write an ode to the neighborhood’s bakeries. Ann’s Bakery and Deli makes fresh bread. Letzia’s Natural Bakery has a full espresso bar and baked goodies. Dollop Bakeshop serves its fresh-baked cookies, croissants, and bread with coffee. And Shokolad Pastry & Cafe offers its patrons a taste of classic baked goods and traditional Ukrainian cuisine. 

For brunch goers, Whisk is an essential experience. Located on the southern edge of the neighborhood, this restaurant does a hearty breakfast that Ron Swanson would be proud to order.

If you like having a local watering hole in your neighborhood, Ukrainian Village has a couple of options on tap. Try Ez-Inn on Western Avenue for a traditional bar experience, or go nautical at the Queen Mary Tavern on Division Street. 

The Entertainment

In honor of the neighborhood’s namesake and cultural roots, you’ll find the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art near the intersection of Chicago and Western avenues. The museum, dating back to the 1970s, has permanent collections of art from notable Ukrainian artists. 

If residents want a taste of nightlife, there’s no better spot in the neighborhood than The Empty Bottle. This classic hole-in-the-wall style bar regularly hosts live music and keeps the drinks full.

If shopping—whether through the window or with the intent to buy—Ukrainian Village has a couple of cute spots to meander through on the weekend. Right across the street from Whisk, you can browse Sprout Home for plants to green up the inside of your home and office.