Budlong Woods Real Estate
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Budlong Woods Home Sales Statistics

Budlong Woods Facts

Location: About 10 miles north of the Loop
Bordering Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, North Park, Arcadia Terrace, Bowmanville, Rosehill Cemetery
Boundaries: Bryn Mawr Avenue to the north, Western Avenue to the east, Foster Avenue to the south and the North Branch of the Chicago River to the west
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

It's probably safe to say that Budlong Woods is the only Chicago neighborhood named for pickle farmers. The first non-native settlers arrived in what we know today as Budlong Woods back in the 1850s and 1860s. Most were farmers from Germany, Sweden, and Luxembourg. Two of these settlers, Lyman and Joseph Budlong, started growing cucumbers, and in 1857 they founded the Budlong Pickle Farm and Factory, one of the area's first major employers. The business took off, and the factory became the primary supplier of pickles and pickled beets in the Chicago area. (Who knew pickles and beets were in such high demand?) The Budlong Brothers later opened Budlong Greenhouses in 1880 to grow flowers year-round.

There were some other farms in the area, and cow pastures also dotted the landscape. Immigrants from the city came to work in the fields, traveling down Western Avenue in horse cars, and later in streetcars.

Despite good public transportation and available jobs, only a few homes had been built in the area by 1900. Workers commuted to their farm jobs and then returned to their homes in the city. But change was on the way. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the rural locale became more attractive to city dwellers who wanted to move away from urban crowding. In 1907, the Ravenswood branch of the Northwestern "El" train (so-named for its elevated tracks) was built in the area, and the same developers who funded the train construction also began snatching up parcels of land for residential construction.

The next decades were ones of amazing growth in Budlong Woods and neighboring communities. Red brick bungalows, large apartment buildings, and two- and three-flats sprung up, many along the North Branch of the Chicago River (Budlong Woods' western border). Numerous businesses set up shop along Lincoln and Western avenues. Entertainment options for the burgeoning population included a stable at the intersection of Berwyn and Western avenues that offered horseback riding. Residents also flocked to movie theaters in nearby Ravenswood, Bowmanville and Lincoln Square to see the latest from Hollywood.

Over the years, waves of immigrants flooded the community -- Germans, Greeks and Koreans -- to name a few. Today, Budlong Woods is home to many ethnic groups, each of which has enriched the community's culture and expanded its identity to include customs and traditions from around the world. Budlong Woods' residents take pride in their diversity, and to this day the pleasant and attractive neighborhood continues to draw people from all walks of life.
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Parks

Budlong Woods is surrounded on all sides with greenery, picturesque river beds and even an enormous cemetery that is nothing but peace and quiet. But within the neighborhood borders, Budlong Woods has its very own unique park that is the pride and joy of these north side residents.

Legion Park (W Peterson Ave to W Foster Ave at the Chicago River) stands on a 48-acre stretch of the North Shore Channel's east bank. The North Shore Channel is a man-made drainage canal connected to the Chicago River's north branch. In fact, Chicago's only waterfall, a four-foot-high wonder, is located where the river drops into the channel. Created in 1930 to promote recreation along the channel and the river, the park was named Legion Park to honor World War I veterans. A playground, volleyball court, softball field, and outdoor gym were installed, and a flower garden was planted in 1933.

Today, concrete walkways, bike paths, and playgrounds line the length of the park, making it a beautiful place to get a dose of summer sunshine near the river's edge. We've even spotted canoes paddling by on the water while strolling along the banks of the serene landscape. Not to mention ducks, geese, and even the occasional heron. Fishermen are another common sight in Legion Park, though we haven't yet spotted any hauling a big catch.
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Real Estate

Leafy trees and lush lawns edge the residential neighborhood lanes of Budlong Woods. Perfectly shaped hedges and colorful flower beds dot the front of homes, while the rear gives way to some fairly large back yards -- and most likely a summertime barbeque or two. Attached garages are a common amenity in this north side Chicago neighborhood and the mix of housing designs presents an eclectic architectural charm. Good-sized two-story brick homes, traditional bungalows, two-flats, frame cottages, split-levels and several apartment buildings -- many built after World War II -- line the neighborhood's beautiful side streets. Recent years have seen many apartment buildings rehabbed and converted into condominiums, and several brand-new developments have been built. While there are many modest dwellings in Budlong Woods, a portion of the properties are high-end real estate.

The price for a detached single-family three-bedroom home in Budlong Woods ranges between $330,000 and $670,000. If you're interested in prime properties with four to five bedrooms, you're looking at a price tag closer to eight or nine-hundred thousand, with some selling for just under a million dollars. You'll find one- to two-bedroom condos priced between $120,000 and $445,000, so it pays to shop around.

What's on the Menu?

Gyros, kimchi, empanadas -- Budlong Woods' ethnic diversity is definitely reflected in its assortment of restaurants.

For an expansive Korean feast, Garden Buffet (5347 N Lincoln Ave, 773-728-1249) fits the bill. We like to fast a bit before visiting this strip-mall restaurant (and by fast we mean skipping the snack between breakfast and lunch), so we can try a bit of everything they offer. For one price, you can eat your fill of an unbelievable selection of kalbi (short ribs), grilled chicken, grilled pork, shrimp, fish, and kimchi, soups -- just to name a few. You can even opt to pick some raw meats and have them grilled at your table. Your server will bring out hot coals (with a self-contained ventilation system) and give you a quick how-to for preparing the meats. While there are plenty of items on the spread that grab our taste buds' attention, the first thing we noticed about this Budlong Woods neighborhood mainstay is the size of the dining area -- it's gigantic. We're talking about the capability to accommodate hundreds of people! So if you're looking for an intimate dinner, you're not going to get it here. You will, however, get a fun, lively setting, complete with a waterfall and turtle pond.

Another ethnic gem in Budlong Woods is Hub's Restaurant (5220 N Lincoln Ave, 773- 907-9155). This north side neighborhood boasts one of the highest Greek-speaking communities in Chicago, so it's no surprise that Greek food is easy to find. Hub's owner, John Thanoukos, emigrated from Greece in the 1970s, worked in several Chicago restaurants, then opened his own casual eatery combining his love of Greek food with American tastes. The result: an extensive menu that includes Greek chicken, shish kabob, beef kabab, chicken kabab, ribs, spinach pie, baklava, burgers, salads, soup, chili, deli sandwiches, and more. The memorabilia on Hub's walls commemorates its other claim to fame. In the early 1990s, the restaurant achieved national recognition when it inspired sketches on NBC's Saturday Night Live. The sketches showed employees talking about the restaurant host's affinity for "the juice," resulting in the catchphrase, "You like-a da juice, ah? For fast carryout service, just call or fax in your order. Hub's also has a catering menu, featuring large portions of all of its food at reasonable prices.

Mekato's Bakery (5423 N Lincoln Ave, 773-784-5181) bills itself as "the first and the only Colombian bakery in Chicago and the Middle West, and we'll take their word for it. The bakery, owned by the Bohorquez family, is much more than cakes and breads. Mekato's serves homemade empanadas, filled with meat or chicken; meaty chicharrones (fried pork rinds); arepas (grilled cornmeal cake); and chorizo (pork sausage). Need something really different for your next cocktail party? Try the bakery's hors d'oeuvres, like mini-empanadas, mini-bunuelos, guava mini-chicharrones, as well as different kinds of sandwiches and delicious pasabocas. Of course, Mekato's Bakery has a wide range of Colombian breads and sweets, too. Traditional desserts include sugared roscados, brazos de reina, panecillos, tortas, roscones, piononos, cakes made with chocolate, and Colombian tarts. Overwhelmed by the selection, we neglected to ask what all of the aforementioned are, but take it from us -- they all look extremely delicious. Mekato's also offers beverages to accompany its bakery goods, including cafe columbiano, cappuccino, cortadito, cafe espresso, and an interesting assortment of Colombian sodas (gaseosas). You can even fool your friends into thinking you just came back from a Colombian adventure by picking up "souvenirs" from the bakery's assortment of Colombian ponchos, shirts, hats, and key chains.
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Night on the Town

One bar in Budlong Woods satisfies trivia buffs, sports fans, lounge lizards, dart enthusiasts, and even burger lovers. The mysterious-sounding Hidden Cove (5336 N Lincoln Ave, 773-275-3955) packs in neighborhood bar hoppers looking for fun and really good drinks. Adorned with black-light canvases and heavy red curtains, this nightspot is a great choice for karaoke, which is offered every night until 4 am. The song selection includes every song ever recorded -- wait, that might be an exaggeration, but it sure seems like every song we can think of is on Hidden Cove's huge song list. If you're a karaoke novice, like we are, don't worry; the crowd is very supportive. You may even hear some future stars here, as some of the singers are quite impressive. TVs are plentiful, showing a variety of cable and satellite sports, and the bar also has a number of dartboards if you're still feeling competitive after belting out some tune on the karaoke machine. All of the activity here usually makes us hungry, and fortunately Hidden Cove has a good bar-food menu, including some great burgers. It's no wonder this place consistently attracts a crowd.
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Mark Your Calendar

Summertime in Budlong Woods means it's time for our favorite event, Concerts in the Park. Sponsored by the Chicago Park District, the concerts take place at Legion Park (W. Peterson Ave. to W. Foster Ave. at the Chicago River), and offer music ranging from salsa and reggae to rock and jazz. We like to pack a picnic, some lawn chairs and blankets, and friends and family who enjoy music in the great outdoors. Did we mention that the concerts are absolutely free? It's a fabulous way to spend a pleasant summer evening.

Getting Around

Budlong Woods residents have an array of commuting options. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) #11 Lincoln/Sedgwick bus route has a stop in the neighborhood at Lincoln and California avenues. The bus takes riders south down Lincoln Avenue to three different rapid transit (train) stations, each of which follows a different route to downtown Chicago and beyond; so take your pick of the Western Brown Line station, the Fullerton Red Line station, and the Clinton Blue Line station. The end of the line going north on the #11 bus is Howard and McCormick, near both Skokie and Evanston.

As much as we like taking public transportation, when we've got a car parked in the garage at home, it's hard not to use it, especially for traveling about the city. From Budlong Woods, neighborhood drivers have less than a three-mile trip down Foster Avenue to Lake Shore Drive which is a quick route to downtown Chicago and the Loop. Motorists can also get to the Edens Expressway (I-94) in a matter of minutes by heading west down Foster Avenue to the entrance ramp just east of Cicero Avenue. Just a word of warning: Chicago is a big city with a whole lot of traffic, so if you plan to drive during rush hour, give yourself some extra time to get to your destination -- especially if you take the highways.
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School's in Session

Schools in Budlong Woods include public and parochial elementary schools and a college-prep high school. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago neighborhood schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Basic Needs

We've compiled a sampling of some of the places you can get your bare necessities in Budlong Woods, from refrigerator staples such as milk and butter, to literary classics for Dickens and Twain.

Dining

American Cuisine
Hilltop - 2800 W Foster Ave - (773) 989-9100
Hubs Restaurant - 5220 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 907-9155

Asian Cuisine
Chop Suey Huang - 5202 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 561-8888
Da Rae Jung - 5220 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 907-9155
Garden Buffet - 5347 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 728-1249
Lincoln Korean Restaurant - 5501 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 784-5225
One Night in Bangkok - 5416 N Campbell Ave - (773) 348-6500
San Soo Ka San - 5247 N Western Ave - (773) 334-1589

Bakeries
Grazers Gourmet - 5333 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 561-5500
Mekato's Bakery - 5423 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 784-5181

Bosnian Cuisine
Bel Ami - 5530 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 878-2808

Coffee Shops
Grazers Gourmet - 5333 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 561-5500
Mekato's Bakery - 5423 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 784-5181

Latin American Cuisine
Adobo Express - 5343 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 293-2362 (773) 293-2362

Mexican Cuisine
Aztecas Mex Taqueria - 5421 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 506-2052
Pueblito Viejo - 5429 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 784-9135

Nightlife/Bars
Cafe Latin Bliss - 5515 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 275-8888
Hidden Cove - 5336 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 275-3955
Papa's Place at the Bend - 5511 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 271-8269

Grocery Stores

Dominick's Finer Foods - 5233 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 728-4100
Nea Agora Grocery - 5357 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 907-9780

Gyms

Curves - 5360 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 769-1000

Library

Chicago Public Library Budlong Woods Branch - 5630 N Lincoln Ave - (312) 742-9590

Pharmacies

Dominick's Pharmacy - 5233 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 728-4100

Emergency Rooms

Swedish Covenant Hospital - Foster & California Aves - (773) 878-8200

Shopping

Chicago Christian Book Center - 5356 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 561-0055
Cinderella Shoe Store - 5503 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 334-2744
Italian of Fashion - 5357 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 907-9780

Transit

Our neighborhoods guide is meant to give potential homebuyers a general overview of what every Chicago neighborhood has to offer and what makes it unique from the rest, and believe us, no two neighborhoods are the same! Searching for a new home isn't just about finding that prefect condo or house, making sure the setting fits your style and needs is just as important. And whether Budlong Woods neighborhood is your ideal locale to settle down, or you've found the scene here just isn't your cup of tea, we're here to help you find the right place to make sure your home purchase a is total success. From the type of restaurants to the outdoor venues to the local schools, every detail is an essential factor in what makes a property of dream home. By utilizing our comprehensive accounts of each community, such as this one for Budlong Woods, we hope to provide a detailed picture of not only the residential real estate available in the area, but also the additional features of the neighborhood. A quick glance and you'll know exactly what shopping, dining, entertainment and resources are in Budlong Woods, all without ever having to go anywhere.
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