Wicker Park, Bucktown Housing Markets Hottest in Chicago

Bucktown and Wicker Park are home to some of the hottest real estate markets in Chicago, topping local expert Dennis Rodkin’s list of places to buy and sell right now.

Rodkin covers the local housing scene for Chicago Magazine, and he was recently interviewed on WGN Morning News to talk about the city’s recent 8.5 percent jump in the housing market.

In general, America’s home prices shot up more than 12 percent in May, making it the biggest increase since 2006. And according to Rodkin, it’s both a buyer’s and seller’s market in Chicago.

“In a way it’s both. It’s a great time to be a seller because buyers are so eager to by right now,” Rodkin said on WGN. “It’s a difficult time to be a seller because many people stand to lose money when they sell. But if you price it right, it’ll go. For buyers it’s a really good time, and it’s a better time than it’s going to be a short time down the road.”

Also on Rodkin’s hot list includes nearby Ukrainian Village, as well as the North Side’s Lake View and Roscoe Village neighborhoods.

He says homes and condos in these communities are “flipping like crazy,” with multiple offers, pocket listings and homes being sold for more than asking price making them so interesting.