Joseph Mohan/Getty Images/ via Forbes



Forbes and Next Door published a study on September 20th indicating that Wicker Park is number 4 in their list of "Hippest Hipster" Neighborhoods.

Before everyone starts groaning about how the "real" hipsters have moved to Logan Square... read the article. Their definition of 'hip' and 'hipster' might be a little different than you think. It's beyond skinny jeans.

In fact, their definition uses criteria like: # of coffee shops (guilty), # of artists/galleries (guilty), farmers markets (guilty) and indie music (guilty) in addition to food options, boutiques and many more.

Actually, when you look at how they determined the 'hippest', it does sound exactly like us here in Wicker Park and quite frankly is one of the reasons we created the Insider's Guide. Wicker Park offers so much in terms of art, entertainment, food, boutiques and more. And having this winning combination isn't available in every neighborhood. We know that... and have known that for a very long time. Now Forbes, Next Door and the rest of the world know it too.

Many like to focus on the negatives (which every urban neighborhood has) and the fact that gentrification has run rampant. And yes, we've seen the transformation happen. But it's not all bad. It's a safer neighborhood now because of it. And the people who live in Wicker Park are just so incredibly cool ... and tolerant. Try walking down Milwaukee Avenue sporting a green tutu, purple mohawk and high tops. Bet ya $100 no one even notices. Open minds and tolerance also run rampant here.

We prefer to focus on the positive and love seeing Wicker Park getting the recognition it deserves ...finally. A little late? Sure. But you know the old saying ... better late than never.

Forbes: America's Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods







