Chicago Neighborhoods > Logan Square Profile

Logan Square, Chicago, IL

You can find a great map showing the smaller neighborhoods within Logan Square here.

Historically, Logan Square has always been a melting pot of sorts. Because the area was initially exempt from the stringent(and costly)building requirements of the city's fire limits, many economically priced frame houses were constructed following the Great Fire of 1871. Along with an extended street railway line to Armitage and Belmont,this led to an influx of German and Scandinavian immigrants who were unable to afford the brick and stone dwellings nearer to city's center. On the other hand, the scenic boulevards laid down in the early 1890s -for which the area is still famous - made Logan Square a prime destination for the new wealth of Chicago's immigrant populations who were shunned, as it were, from joining the landed gentry of the South Shore. This cultural and economic diversity is still reflected in an abundance of residential options,from the prominent, aging mansions that testify to a bygone era to the more-humble condominiums situated off of the large parkways. New condos and brick townhomes are also available, adding to an already sizable list of options.

Public Spaces and Summer Outings

In addition to its residential feel, Logan Square is home to several public spaces, including the stately square which bears the same name, located at the 3-way intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Logan Boulevard,and Kedzie Boulevard. A 70-foot Doric column originally erected in 1918 to commemorate Illinois' first Centennial towers over the tree-studded intersection. If one square isn't enough,however,there's also Palmer Square (on the southeast corner of Palmer and Kedzie). Comprising 7-acres of green space, Palmer Square is the home of an annual arts festival in August known for its local flavor and live music. This is but one of several offerings that have made Logan Square a popular summer destination. In addition to the local farmer's market (which starts in June), the neighborhood holds its own culinary celebration - The Taste of Logan Square - a scaled back but nonetheless massive counterpart to the earlier Taste of Chicago occurring in late June/early July.

Bucktown

Located on the eastern end of Logan Square and West Town (northern most portion), Bucktown is a neighborhood that is known for its extensive nightlife as well as its artistic community. Supposedly, the area got its name from the scores of male goats (i.e. bucks) raised by Polish immigrants who flocked to Bucktown during the nineteenth century. One hundred years later, the neighborhood has become a haven for artists, due to its convenient location and low rents. Yet while there are still many galleries and performance venues in the area, the artistic community has begun to move south (to nearby Wicker Park) due to rising prices brought about by gentrification. Perhaps one of the upsides to this gentrification is the voluminous amount of trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs - not to mention plenty of upscale boutiques. The numbers swell on nights and weekends when people from all over the city venture to this trendy neighborhood. Amidst this hustle and bustle, however, the permanent residents may find some peace and quiet in the numerous local parks, of which there are plenty. The options include Holstein Park, which boasts of a free outdoor pool, as well as Senior Citizens Memorial Park, where you might try your hand at a game of shuffleboard. At various points in the year, there are also two large art festivals, the Bucktown Arts Fest in August - of national repute - and the Around the Coyote Festival in October.

Transportation

While most of Logan Square is quite walkable,there are plenty of ways to get around. For starters, the Blue Line runs diagonally through the neighborhood, with two convenient stops in the Bucktown area (at Armitage & Western and Damen) and two convenient stops further north (at California and Logan Square - near the square itself). If you plan on taking the car, Kennedy Expressway runs right across its northwestern corner as well as Diversey and Fullerton Avenues for those heading east. Parking is also surprisingly easy, with plenty of open spots and garages. Cabs rush by the major intersections and a host of busses will take you in every which direction.

Logan Square Real Estate

As in most parts of Chicago, the vast majority of Logan Square homes are condos or townhomes. You can browse through the MLS listings for Logan Square homes at the links below:

MLS listings for Logan Square condos and townhomes

MLS listings for Logan Square single family homes

MLS listings for Logan Square multi-unit buildings

Be sure to check out the Logan Square Housing Market.

Crime Statistics

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