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Buena Park

Buena Park

Urban Core Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60613 , 60640
$339,461 Average Value
$275 Average Price per Sq Ft
29 Homes For Sale

Fun neighbors in eclectic Uptown region

Buena Park is a smaller area of Chicago’s Uptown, known for its walkability and access to dozens of local restaurants and nightlife. “It has a different type of feeling. Buena Park is a great location. It has great access to the lake,” says Dan Hellweg, President of Buena Park Neighbors. “It’s not too on top of each other, but it’s not spread out.” Besides being an eclectic area, it’s a diverse demographic. “It’s the energy and the attention of the neighbors,” Hellweg says. “They show up, and they’re engaged with the community. They appreciate the community and want to give to the community. It’s nice to have neighbors like that.”

Lake Shore Drive high-rise condos in Buena Park offer lake views and modern amenities.
Lake Shore Drive high-rise condos in Buena Park offer lake views and modern amenities.
Luxury condos near Buena Park’s lakefront combine gated lawns with upscale living.
Luxury condos near Buena Park’s lakefront combine gated lawns with upscale living.
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Queen Annes and Chicago brick bungalows

While the area is primarily high-rise condominiums, the single-family houses available have Chicago-style brick exteriors. “As you get closer to the lake, you have homes developed 100 years ago, mainly single families and condos,” Hellweg says. “One of the blocks has mansions. We have more six-unit places usually split three by three.” Architecturally, there are bungalows, Queen-Annes, and prairie style that add to its architectural charm. A simple one-bedroom high-rise can cost around $150,000. Condos among six-unit brick properties can be $600,000. The detached single-family bungalows can reach over $1 million.

Brick bungalows in Buena Park showcase classic Chicago architecture and historic charm.
Brick bungalows in Buena Park showcase classic Chicago architecture and historic charm.
Queen Anne homes in Buena Park add architectural elegance to this historic Chicago neighborhood.
Queen Anne homes in Buena Park add architectural elegance to this historic Chicago neighborhood.
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Diverse upscale and casual cuisine

“We have a good, diverse selection, whether you want something nicer or casual to catch the game and watch the Bears play,” Hellweg says. For more upscale dining, the Reservoir is the neighborhood favorite. Their crafted cocktails are paired with flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. Catch the game or have a casual happy hour at Michael’s Original Pizzeria and Tavern on Broadway. Their beer selection is paired with authentic Chicago-style pizza. North Buena Deli and Wine is the neighborhood staple for a quick sandwich. Up north on Broadway is where weekly grocery hauls can be done at the nearby Aldi or Target.

North Buena Deli features an extensive wine selection for Buena Park locals and visitors.
North Buena Deli features an extensive wine selection for Buena Park locals and visitors.
The Breakfast House is a Buena Park staple for hearty breakfasts and casual morning dining.
The Breakfast House is a Buena Park staple for hearty breakfasts and casual morning dining.
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Parks for the pets and the people

Buena Park is known for its walkability and easy connections to many city parks. “You have outdoor recreation to the lakefront of Lake Michigan,” Hellweg says. “Everything is relatively within walking distance. The furthest walk for someone is 10 minutes or so. There’s a golf course. Montrose Harbor is there for boating.” Buena Circle Park is one park on the west end that carries a smaller playground, and just adjacent to this is the Challenger Bark Park. Four-legged children can enjoy the drinking fountain or swim in the pool in warmer months. Take an afternoon bike or jog along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Golfers can get a round of nine holes in at the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course. Montrose Beach is in the northeast neighborhood. Spend the summer months lying on the brown sands or playing fetch with the dog on the dog beach. Residents also like to walk around the Graceland Cemetery, a hidden gem that is the resting spot for several city figures.

Lakefront Trail near Buena Park provides scenic paths for biking, jogging, and lakefront views.
Lakefront Trail near Buena Park provides scenic paths for biking, jogging, and lakefront views.
Marovitz Golf Course and Lakefront Trail near Buena Park offer recreation with city views.
Marovitz Golf Course and Lakefront Trail near Buena Park offer recreation with city views.
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Monthly neighborhood happy hours

“We just recently did a neighborhood ugly sweater bar crawl. We go to all the local bars in our ugly sweaters,” Hellweg says. “We have a block party in the summer, where residents and businesses come out. Booena, that’s on Halloween. Halloweentown style where we close Kenmore Ave and kids trick or treat and decorate.” Other opportunities to meet neighbors include monthly happy hours, which are held at one of several bars nearby.

STEM based lectures

Most Buena Park students attend Brennemann Elementary, which covers grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The B-minus school sits on the northeast end. The Walt Disney Magnet School is another option and rates a B-plus on Niche. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students have fine arts and technology mixed in with their curriculum. Lake View High School holds a B-minus on Niche. This school is an early college STEM school, enabling students to earn dual credit.

Walt Disney Magnet School in Buena Park blends fine arts and technology for K–8 students.
Walt Disney Magnet School in Buena Park blends fine arts and technology for K–8 students.
Brennemann Elementary serves Buena Park families with a strong community and STEM programs.
Brennemann Elementary serves Buena Park families with a strong community and STEM programs.
Lake View High earns a B-minus rating, serving Buena Park with diverse academic programs.
Lake View High earns a B-minus rating, serving Buena Park with diverse academic programs.
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Red line to the city and the suburbs

To get around Chicago, the major Red Line CTA metro stops of Wilson and Sheridan can be found north and south of the neighborhood, respectively. Those who need to head into the suburbs can hop on the Metra from there. The neighborhood also carries several bus stops along the main drags.

Sheridan Red Line station connects Buena Park commuters to downtown Chicago and beyond.
Sheridan Red Line station connects Buena Park commuters to downtown Chicago and beyond.
Active bus routes in Buena Park make commuting easy throughout Chicago’s Uptown area.
Active bus routes in Buena Park make commuting easy throughout Chicago’s Uptown area.
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Kaitie Lamb
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
David Fritzson
Video By
David Fritzson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

24 min drive

Bus

Marine Drive & Gordon Terrace

Bus

4242 N Sheridan

Bus

Irving Park & Clarendon

Bus

Broadway & Buena

Bus

Clarendon & Cuyler

Bus

Sheridan & Belle Plaine

Bus

Marine Drive & Buena

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Buena Park US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Buena Park Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$279,900
Median Sale Price
$282,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,938,125
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$642,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$340,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
229
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$275

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,607
Number of Homes for Sale
29
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,580
Significantly above the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,261
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,276
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
860
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
546
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
19,602

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
13,607
Median Age
38
Population Density
53 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,057
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$103,286

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.4%
College Graduates
65.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

67 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

80 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Buena Park