Location is very important to buyers. Because a property’s location significantly impacts its real estate market value, I was curious to see if I could find condos for sale located in desirable spots in the city at reasonable prices. When it comes to living in a place like Chicago, every buyer has different location priorities. Some homeowners want to be close to the Loop, the lakefront, public transportation, dining options, or the city’s cultural attractions and nightlife. Still others prefer to live in a specific neighborhood or even a distinct piece of architecture (such as the Spanish-style Edgewater Beach and Casa Bonita buildings where larger units are rarely available). Each of the following properties offers unique features and amenities, yet are all tailored to specific location preferences for living in Chicago.
7350 N Ridge Blvd Unit 22B, Chicago, $329,000
Designed by architects Capraro & Komar in 1928, Casa Bonita boasts a white terra cotta facade and one of the grandest and deepest courtyards in all of Chicago. Imagine gazing out at that incredible landscaping from the window of your condo, one of only a few three-bedroom, two-bathroom units in the building. The interior has spacious rooms with high ceilings and includes vintage elements like a decorative fireplace and columns. The property’s $946 assessment covers unique amenities such as an indoor pool, woodworking room, library, and billiards room.
5013 N Wolcott Ave Unit 1E, Chicago, $260,000
Inside this historic yellow brick courtyard building is a first-floor 1,100-square-foot condo that comes with an updated galley kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Just outside, there is a rear balcony and shared patio space. The $365 monthly HOA fee includes gas, water, heat, a common bike room, and an individual storage unit. Plus, in the spirit of last week’s real estate round-up, the property is conveniently located within walking distance to the Ravenswood Metra train stop, as well as Lincoln Square, Andersonville, and Winnemac Park.
1640 E 50th St APT 16A, Chicago, $169,500
The 22-story Narragansett in the Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood was designed by architects Leichenko and Esser in 1928. This Art Deco beauty stands out for its impressive facade with terra cotta spandrels and decorative limestone base, while inside is a vintage lobby with terrazzo flooring. This 1,400-square-foot condo features one bedroom and one and a half bathrooms. There are incredible views of the lake from both the dining room and bedroom windows. However, despite the low asking price, it’s important to remember that these historic properties come with high monthly HOA fees: $1,433 to be exact.
500 S Clinton St #327, Chicago, $239,900
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo with south-facing windows and an in-unit washer and dryer is located right on the West Loop border, just steps from the Blue Line. Clinton Complex Lofts is a historic 19th-century structure that was originally part of the general headquarters for the Western Electric Company. The building, converted into residences in 2001, is pet-friendly and has average HOA fees for the area ($521 per month), which includes 24/7 door security, internet/cable, bike storage, and an exercise room. In addition to an individual balcony, there is also an inner courtyard with seating.
5555 N Sheridan Rd APT 710, Chicago, $460,000
The prominent (and pink) Edgewater Beach Apartments was once part of a larger complex: a three-block-long luxury beach resort on Lake Michigan that was the place to be in the 1920s. Designed by architects Marshall & Fox, the building’s octagonal tower has four Y-shaped wings that guarantee light and great views for residents, including this 2,000-square-foot classic seven-room unit. Two of the three bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom. A co-op since 1949, the property’s nearly $2,400 monthly expenses cover taxes, heat, cable, gas, water, internet, amenities, and the building’s reserve fund.