Nestled in Chicago’s Uptown community area, Buena Park is hidden gem with a great balance of city feeling without all the noise. Located just north of the Lakeview neighborhood, Buena Park is surrounded by the Graceland Cemetery and the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course. Buena Park is served by the CTA Red and Purple Line ‘L’ train and has easy access to Lake Shore Drive.

Buena Park features a mix of mid and high-rise apartments with views of Lake Michigan. Apartment hunters can find a one-bedroom rental for $1,200 easily, but a slightly higher rent budget can get you a unit with great amenities. It’s quite common to own a home in Buena Park instead of renting.

Robert Waller started developing the Buena Park neighborhood in 1887 when he subdivided his property predating the rest of Uptown by many years. Buena Park progressed as the surrounding areas grew, benefitting significantly from the CTA commuter rail expansion and Lake Shore Drive’s expansion. A series of mansions built around the turn of the 20th century attracted affluent residents then as they do today.

Buena Park especially attracts young families with the Disney Magnet Elementary School and Brenneman Elementary schools both located within the small region. There are significantly less singles renting apartments here than the Chicago average. This means less bars and nightlife, as well as safer, quieter streets. Being surrounded by parks certainly contributes to this as one can often find residents strolling the tree-lined streets. The Buena Park Neighbors association is active in maintaining the quality of life for residents of the neighborhood.

Population: 11,167 51.6% married, 19.5% married with children. 72% attained a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Median Household income: $59,716

Started in 1994, the Ginkgo Organic Gardens is a community garden that donates produce to local food pantries.

Take a walk through the Hutchinson Street historic district to see the collection of prairie-style mansions, many designed by the famed architect George W Maher. The Holiday Club, Bar on Buena and Michaels’s Pizzeria are all local favorites.