Chicago Neighborhoods: Buena Park

Creative Commons License photo credit: freschwill

Where is Buena Park?  Does Buena Park exist?  This elusive Chicago neighborhood was the subject of conversation over brunch today.  Of course, Buena Park does exist, but it is not technically one of the official 77 Chicago neighborhoods – it is a small unofficial neighborhood within the larger Uptown community area.

Even so, the area called Buena Park is actually older than Uptown.  It was developed in 1887 when Robert A. Waller subdivided his property.  Uptown didn’t form until about 1900.

The Buena Park neighborhood is surrounded by Graceland West to the west, Lakeview East to the south, and Lake Michigan to the East.  The rest of the Uptown neighborhood is to the north of Buena Park.

With its sharp skyscrapers, Buena Park is visibly distinct from the surrounding Lakeview and Uptown buildings.  When people begin to get tired of the crowded and chaotic, post-college scene at Wrigleyville, they may migrate a little north and buy a condo in a high rise building in Buena Park.  It’s quieter and less expensive than Wrigleyville, but near enough to walk down to if you’re in the mood.  Buena Park also has a nice lakefront area where you can find bike paths, nature trails, and the Montrose Beach.

So besides the beach and condos, what else is in Buena Park?  My brunch guests suggested these highlights.

Holiday Club – A friendly restaurant for every age and culture.  Cheap comfort food and drinks.  4000 N. Sheridan.

Dollop Coffee Co – Unpretentious, laid-back coffee joint with cheap java.  4181 N. Clarendon.

Graceland Cemetery –  Forgive the morbid suggestion, but this Chicago cemetery is full of rich history, famous corpses, and ghost sightings.  4001 N. Clark.

What has been your experience with the Buena Park area?  How do the people typically compare here than in other neighborhoods?  Would you recommend the area to a young friend moving to Chicago?