Buena Park is a small neighborhood tucked away in the North Side’s Uptown. Chicago Magazine named it one of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods to live in 2016, but the neighborhood continues to fly under the radar. Discover why this small community will continue to be a rising star. 

Location, Location, Location

Neighborhoods near the lake are always popular in Chicago. The proximity to lakefront amenities and the view of Lake Michigan make that a no-brainer, but popularity almost always means higher home prices. Buena Park — just a half-mile long and a half-mile wide, according to Chicago Magazine — manages to be a small pocket of lakefront affordability. The median home sale price in Buena Park is $240,000, while the median sale price in the nearby neighborhoods is much higher: it’s $414,000 in Lakeview and $398,000 in Wrigleyville, according to Neighborhoods.com. 

Buena Park offers the lake access of Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and Andersonville at a lower price, and the neighborhood has a quieter feel than its busy next door neighbors. Additionally, Buena Park is considered a safe place to live. The Buena Park Neighbors organization works hard to keep it that way.

Finding an affordable, safe, and somewhat sleepy lakefront neighborhood in Chicago can feel like striking gold. Welcome to Buena Park.

The Architecture

You will find many attached homes in Buena Park, but the neighborhood has a good mix of different home styles.

Buena Park dates back to 1890, when a real estate mogul built Buena House and developed the surrounding area, according to Buena Park Neighbors. Today, one of the neighborhood’s finest features is its historic architecture.

The 600 through 900 blocks of West Hutchinson Street are known as the Hutchinson Street Historic District. This short stretch has a beautiful collection of Prairie-style homes, an architecture style born in Chicago from the work of famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. The neighborhood is also home to classic examples of Queen Anne, Classical Revival, and Richardson Romanesque architecture.

Getting Around 

Sheridan stop photo courtesy of Graham Garfield

Though Buena Park is small, it is easily accessible. Residents can hop on the Red Line train at the Sheridan stop for a ride to the Loop, which is about seven miles away. Residents also have the option to access several bus lines that run right through the neighborhood, including the 36 Broadway and the 146 Inner Drive. 

The availability of public transit will get you where you need to go, and Buena Park’s small size means you can easily walk around the neighborhood.

Where to Eat 

Photo courtesy of Dollop Coffee

Buena Park does not have a big reputation as a restaurant hotspot — places like River North, Lincoln Park, and nearby Wrigleyville tend to steal the spotlight — but the neighborhood is hardly a food desert. Get your caffeine and pastry fix at Dollop Coffee. Enjoy classic pub food with a Mexican twist at the Bar on Buena. Satisfy a Thai food craving at Tac Quick.

You don’t have to leave the neighborhood if you are planning to make a meal at home. Residents can do their grocery shopping at the large Jewel Osco located at 4355 N. Sheridan Road.

What to Do

Montrose Beach photo by Shutterstock

Life in Buena Park is fairly mellow, but don’t worry — it is still very much a part of Chicago, which means there is plenty to do. The neighborhood is bordered by Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum, a 119-acre expanse of beautiful greenspace and historic landmarks. For more outdoor space, Montrose Beach is a short walk away. Swim and sunbathe during the summer and let your dog do the same at Montrose Dog Beach. You can also grab a bite to eat and listen to live music right on the beach at The Dock. 

Buena Park’s location means you can easily enjoy the entertainment scene of several other popular Chicago neighborhoods. Catch a show in Uptown’s entertainment district, which includes Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, and Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. A walk south will take you to Wrigley Field, where you can catch a Cubs game.

Buena Park’s winning location, relaxed vibe, and picturesque scenery are sure to keep it in the spotlight.