People took more than 1 million trips on The 606 last year. Though the elevated trail has not been without controversy—e.g., discussions about gentrification, the changing character, and the rising prices in the neighborhoods it runs through—it has become a prominent Chicago neighborhood feature. 

Cutting through four communities, The 606 has 10 access points that casual pedestrians, runners, bicyclists, and rollerbladers use to exercise, commute, and spend time outdoors. The elevated trail, built on the remains of an erstwhile train line, is within easy walking distance of parks, restaurants, and homes, making it an ideal way to get to know these four neighborhoods. 

Logan Square

A street lined with colorful trees in Logan Sqaure.
A street lined with colorful trees in Logan Square. 

The 606 trail runs right along the southern border of Logan Square. The neighborhood’s stretch of the trail, shared with Humboldt Park, is lined with greenspace including Monticello Playlot Park and Julia de Burgos Park.

Logan Square, a hot Chicago neighborhood, is known for its bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. The neighborhood is a mix of historic architecture (particularly the homes lining Logan Boulevard) and newer residential construction (popping up both on main stretches like Milwaukee Avenue and quieter side streets). 

The neighborhood’s popularity comes with a higher price tag for prospective homebuyers. The median sale price in Logan Square is in the mid $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. Yet, those on the hunt for a new home can still find affordable options in this North Side community.

In addition to the convenience of The 606, residents can get around with the multiple bus lines running through Logan Square and two CTA Blue Line stops (Logan Square and California). Logan Square is also a very popular community for walkers and cyclists.

Humboldt Park

A Colombian restaurant in Humboldt Park.
A Colombian restaurant in Humboldt Park. 

Humboldt Park and Logan Square share access points to the trail, which serves as a clear division between the two neighborhoods. Located south of The 606, this neighborhood is most widely known for its enormous park, complete with gardens, walking paths, sports fields, cultural attractions, and a lagoon (the former home of Chicago animal celebrity Chance the Snapper).

The open space offered by the Chicago Park District’s Humboldt Park is just a few blocks south of The 606, and you’ll find smaller parks, such as Greenbaum Park, just along the elevated trail. No CTA ‘L’ lines run through the neighborhood, but The 606 and multiple bike lanes make the neighborhood a favorite among cyclists. 

Humboldt Park is typically a more affordable option than Logan Square. The median home sale price in this neighborhood is in the low $300s. Housing here is an eclectic yet pleasing blend of single-family homes and attached units in a range of architectural styles from the more vintage to new construction.

Bucktown

The 606 trail passing through Wicker Park
The 606 trail passing through Bucktown

As The 606 moves further east, you’ll find yourself in Bucktown/Wicker Park territory. The neighborhoods, though distinct, are often tied together by a similar trendy vibe. Bucktown, just east of Logan Square, has a busy stretch of The 606. Walk down the steps of the trail to street-level and you’ll find spots like Ipsento 606 and Yolk.

Bucktown is the most expensive neighborhood off The 606, with a median home sale price in the low $600s. Though a fairly dense North Side neighborhood, Bucktown still has a solid stock of single-family homes. These are balanced by a collection of modern condos that can boast an impressive view—Bucktown is bordered by the North Branch of the Chicago River.

The neighborhood is easy to navigate with a CTA Blue Line station (Western), a Metra station (Clybourn), and I-90/I-94 running right through its center. Bucktown also scores major points as a highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood. 

Wicker Park

The Damen Blue Line stop.
The Damen Blue Line stop. 

Wicker Park is the slightly quirkier half of the Bucktown/Wicker Park on-trend powerhouse. Where Bucktown tends to have the convenience of major shopping outlets, Wicker Park skews more toward independent boutiques and hipster-friendly watering holes (think Emporium, The Wormhole Coffee, and Fatpour Tap Works). The neighborhood even has an upscale twist on hot chocolate at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, an award-winning spot right next to The 606.

South of The 606, Wicker Park is slightly less expensive than its sister neighborhood Bucktown; its median home sale price is in the mid $500s. The residential options on the main roads that crisscross through Wicker Park (North Avenue, Damen Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue) are mainly in the form of condos. As you move into the quieter side streets, you’ll find more single-family homes. 

Another Blue Line neighborhood, Wicker Park is highly accessible thanks to the CTA’s Damen stop. Pedestrians will also be thrilled that this community is the fifth most walkable in the entire city, according to Walk Score. Wicker Park also scores highly on bikeability.