Chicago Neighborhoods Near The 606 Trail: Live Near The West Side's Top Recreational Path

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. But there's one area that's capturing the hearts of locals more than any other right now—The 606 Trail. Also known as The Bloomingdale Trail, this elevated park and trail system has transformed the surrounding neighborhoods into vibrant communities full of life and activity.

What is The 606 Trail?

The 606 Trail is an elevated green space built on an old railway line. It stretches for nearly three miles across Chicago's Northwest Side, offering a scenic route perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. The trail connects several parks and provides stunning views of the city, making it a favorite spot for both exercise and leisure.

Why The 606 Trail Matters to Locals

The 606 Trail has breathed new life into the neighborhoods it touches. It serves as a community hub where residents can come together, enjoy green space, and participate in various events. Plus, it has spurred economic growth, with new businesses and real estate developments popping up along the trail. 

Wicker Park

Welcome to the best of the West Side - better known as Wicker Park. It's been part of Chicago since day one, when first settlers established the city back in 1873. Today, this 26,000-resident community's old-world character is complemented by contemporary hangouts that make it a hotspot for artists, musicians, and young professionals. The iconic "Six Corners" intersection buzzes with energy day and night. Wicker Park itself is well-deserving of its notoriety. The lush green space's towering trees provide optional shade for picnickers and sunbathers alike.

Stroll down Milwaukee Avenue and you'll find an eclectic mix of vintage shops, indie boutiques, and trendy restaurants. Those with further destinations in mind can take the Blue Line downtown or to O'Hare airport. Natural transitways are abundant as well; the 606 Trail's multi-mile route connects Wicker Park to neighboring communities with an emphasis on stunning outdoor scenery. 

Bucktown

The buck stops in Bucktown, Chicago; and that's because there's no better place to be in the city. Roughly 28,000 Chicago residents call this community home according to recent data. One can think of many reasons why a prospective buyer might want to do so; being just three miles north of downtown, commuting from the neighborhood is a breeze. You've got easy access to Lincoln Park, the West Loop, and neighboring Wicker Park by car or by foot, plus a direct connection to the 606, which comprises Bloomingdale Trail and six adjacent street-level parks. Although no one calls it by its old name, Kozie Prery (Goat Prairie), anymore, Bucktown still has more than enough green space to suit.

The area's history as a working-class Polish neighborhood has left its mark with multigenerational small businesses, independently-owned coffee shops, and old-school delis still to be found in abundance. Century-old buildings now rub shoulders with sleek modern condos to create a unique streetscape that's as diverse as its residents. 

Logan Square

Situated on Chicago's Northwest side, Logan Square is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its historic boulevards, trendy restaurants, and thriving arts scene. It was named after General John A. Logan, a Civil War hero and Illinois senator, and first settled in the 1830s. Chicago officially annexed the area in 1889. An influx of residents from South America then led to a building boom, resulting in the construction of many distinctive greystones and bungalows that still characterize the local architectural landscape today.

Logan Square remains strongly rooted in Latino culture, with a significant Puerto Rican population and influence. This cultural heritage is celebrated through annual events like the Chicago Latino Dance Festival. Other shared traditions and spaces include the Logan Square Farmer's Market, the Logan Square Arts Festival, and the Illinois Centennial Monument. A location south of the Kennedy Expressway puts homeowners within minutes of downtown Chicago and other popular neighborhoods. The area's excellent public transportation options include several bus routes, walkability to the CTA Blue Line, and of course, direct access to the 606 Trail.

Humboldt Park

Despite being only one of many communities on Chicago's West Side, Humboldt Park has more than enough local flavor and character to be considered a city in and of itself. The now 55,000-resident neighborhood dates back over 150 years to Chicago's early days as a fledgling prairie town. Originally settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, the area was transformed into a lush urban oasis with the creation of its namesake park in 1877. This verdant expanse, designed by William Le Baron Jenney, became a cornerstone of the neighborhood's development.

Humboldt Park underwent a significant demographic shift in the 1950s and 1960s as a wave of Puerto Rican families settled in the area. Their migration brought with it a new cultural flavor that transformed the neighborhood into what we see today. People come from near and far to take part in the annual Latin Jazz Festival and the Puerto Rican Parade, which draws more than one million people each year. Mercado Del Pueblo showcases vibrant entrepreneurial spirit with colorful murals, authentic eateries, and shops like the famous Café Colao. Just like Logan Square, this community is one of several main access points to the 606 Trail's 2.7 miles of multi-use recreational road.