Bucktown Or Logan Square? Choosing Your First Condo

Trying to decide if your first condo should be in Bucktown or Logan Square? You are not alone. Both neighborhoods hit that sweet spot of transit access, lively streets, and solid condo options. In this guide, you will compare prices, unit types, commute options, and lifestyle highlights so you can choose the right fit for your budget and day-to-day life. Let’s dive in.

Quick take: price, vibe, commute

• Price: As of January 2026, Redfin reports a median sale price around $725,000 in Bucktown and about $610,000 in Logan Square. Redfin also shows a higher average price per square foot in Bucktown. Always verify current numbers in the MLS when you are ready to shop.
• Vibe: Logan Square leans local and arts-focused with a popular farmers market. Bucktown, near Wicker Park, skews boutique retail and polished dining.
• Commute & mobility: Both have direct access to the Blue Line for 24-hour service to downtown. The 606 blooms between them and is a favorite for biking and walking. Learn more on the CTA Blue Line route page and explore The 606.

Bucktown basics

Housing and buildings

You will find a mix of boutique elevator buildings, modern infill condos, and loft conversions. Many newer condos highlight rooftop decks, in-unit laundry, and garage parking that is often deeded. Smaller walk-ups cluster on residential streets, while newer amenity buildings tend to sit near major corridors.

Daily life and amenities

Bucktown offers quick access to higher-end dining, boutique shopping, and design-forward storefronts. The neighborhood edges The 606, which adds easy green space and a relaxed weekend routine. The Damen Blue Line station places you within a straightforward rail ride to the Loop.

Who it fits

Choose Bucktown if you want a shorter walk to boutique retail and dining and you are comfortable paying a premium for polished buildings and finishes. If secure parking and elevator access top your list, Bucktown has strong options.

Logan Square basics

Housing and buildings

Logan Square features many vintage greystones and converted two-flats and three-flats, often offering more space for the price. Newer mid-rise buildings continue to rise along Milwaukee Avenue and near the Blue Line station. Parking may be less common in older conversions, so confirm what is included.

Daily life and amenities

The long-running Logan Square Farmers Market is a core weekend draw. You will also find a deep bench of independent restaurants, bars, and arts venues. A major rework of the Logan Square traffic circle and Milwaukee Avenue streetscape is underway through 2026 and will add new pedestrian plaza space near the Blue Line station, with short-term construction impacts. Read details about the project at Block Club Chicago’s coverage of the traffic circle and plaza overhaul.

Who it fits

Choose Logan Square if you want strong value per square foot, appreciate vintage character, and like a local, independent food and arts scene. If easy Blue Line access is key, weigh the near-term construction near the plaza as you time your move.

Commute, biking, and walkability

Both neighborhoods plug into the CTA Blue Line for direct, 24-hour service to downtown and O’Hare. If rail is a must, focus your search within a short walk of the Damen or Logan Square stations, or nearby Western. If you bike or jog, units near The 606 or with secure bike storage can add daily convenience and long-term appeal.

What your budget buys

With Bucktown’s higher median price and price per square foot, you typically get newer finishes and amenity-forward buildings in exchange for a smaller footprint. In Logan Square, you often see larger living spaces in vintage conversions at a lower price per square foot, with newer mid-rises providing modern finishes near major corridors.

A few tips as you align budget with product type:

• Compare price per square foot and total monthly costs, including HOA fees and estimated taxes.
• If deeded parking matters, set that as a non-negotiable in Bucktown and confirm availability in Logan Square vintage conversions.
• Expect tighter inventory at times. Well-priced condos can move quickly, so have your financing and must-haves ready.

First-time condo checklist

Use this short list to protect your budget and reduce surprises:

• HOA documents: Ask for the operating budget, latest reserve study, meeting minutes for 12 to 24 months, insurance, and rules on rentals and pets. Learn key terms like reserves and special assessments in the Fannie Mae homebuyer glossary.
• FHA or VA financing: If you plan to use FHA or VA, confirm project approval or pursue single-unit approval options with your lender. Start with HUD’s condo approval search and guidance.
• Monthly assessments: Newer buildings with gyms, rooftops, or door staff tend to have higher monthly fees. Small vintage associations may have lower dues but lighter reserves. Ask what the fees cover.
• Parking and storage: Confirm deeded versus assigned parking, guest parking rules, street permit details, and where bikes or seasonal items will live.
• Inspection and building condition: Hire a condo-savvy inspector. Ask about roof, masonry, mechanicals, and any open permits or code issues the association is tracking.
• Disclosures: Illinois law requires specific disclosures on condo sales, especially for new developer units. If disclosures are incomplete, buyers may have rescission rights. See a legal reference example on Illinois condo disclosures.
• Property taxes and exemptions: Cook County taxes are paid in arrears. Review the property’s PIN and check eligibility for exemptions like the homeowner exemption at the Cook County Assessor.

Projects and value signals to watch

• Logan Square circle and plaza: The multi-season CDOT project will reshape pedestrian space and restaurant frontages near the Blue Line, likely improving walkability in the long run while creating short-term construction impacts. Track updates via Block Club’s project coverage.
• The 606 as a lifestyle anchor: Proximity to The 606 often adds appeal for daily exercise and weekend leisure. Keep an eye on any planned improvements or programming.
• New infill and mid-rises: Both neighborhoods continue to see boutique infill and small mid-rises. These can refresh retail corridors and support long-term neighborhood vitality.

How to choose in 3 steps

1. Rank your day-to-day priorities. Is it a faster walk to dining and shopping, a larger floor plan for the price, or a quicker Blue Line walk-up?

2. Lock your deal-breakers. Decide on essentials like deeded parking, in-unit laundry, outdoor space, elevator access, or pet rules.

3. Balance numbers with lifestyle. Compare per-square-foot pricing, HOA fees, and estimated taxes alongside commute time and weekend routines. Tour a few options in both neighborhoods to feel the difference.

Ready to explore condos?

If you want a data-forward, design-savvy partner to help you compare Bucktown and Logan Square, let’s talk. We can outline real-time pricing, pull association docs early, and curate tours that match your budget and lifestyle. Connect with the Dwell Wisely Group to get started.

FAQs

How do Bucktown and Logan Square prices compare for first-time buyers?

• As of January 2026, Redfin reports a median sale price near $725,000 in Bucktown and about $610,000 in Logan Square, with Bucktown typically higher per square foot.

Is the Blue Line convenient from both neighborhoods?

• Yes. Both have direct access to the 24-hour CTA Blue Line for a straightforward commute to the Loop and O’Hare.

What should I know about HOA fees in Chicago condos?

• Fees vary by building type. Newer amenity buildings tend to be higher, while small vintage associations can be lower but may have lighter reserves. Review key terms in the Fannie Mae homebuyer glossary.

Will Logan Square’s circle construction affect my condo search?

• Possibly. Expect near-term impacts around the plaza and Blue Line station, with long-term walkability gains. See Block Club’s project overview.

Do I need an FHA-approved building to use an FHA loan?

• You either need a project-level approval or may pursue single-unit approval with your lender. Start with HUD’s condo approval resources.

How do Cook County property taxes work for condo buyers?

• Taxes are paid in arrears. Check the property’s PIN, exemptions, and recent assessments with the Cook County Assessor.