| Considering a Move to Downtown Chicago?
Or, do you live elsewhere in the Chicago area, and are you contemplating a move into the City of Chicago? For some, “Downtown Chicago” means the Chicago Loop, or the Near North, Near South, or Near West Sides of the city.
For others, however, including many suburban Chicago residents, “Downtown Chicago” would include the vibrant in-city communities of The Gold Coast, The South or West Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lincoln Square, North Center, Albany Park, Rogers Park, or West Ridge.
Chicago Neighborhood Condos Come In All Shapes and Sizes
Far north of downtown, a smaller one-bedroom or studio unit can still be found for around $150,000. Closer in, a larger, three-bedroom, multi-bath unit may range into the millions. Condo prices all depend on location, condition, view, and amenities.
 Many moving into the city prefer a high-rise condominium. Although amenities are plentiful in these buildings, and views often spectacular, monthly maintenance assessment fees are usually high. Elevators, large exercise rooms, sundecks, and club rooms have to be maintained, and door and janitorial staff has to be paid! Expect to pay a premium for high-floor units with a Lake Michigan or partial lake view, and in buildings closest to The Chicago Loop.
Mid-rise elevator buildings offer similar amenities, but, most often, without the view. Maintenance assessments here are more reasonable.
Established Chicago neighborhood condos offer many walk-up and courtyard buildings, many built in the 1920’s, and before. In closer-in neighborhoods, many date back to the 19th century. Many offer restored vintage features – hardwood floors, trim, built-in hutches, unpainted wood trim, formal dining rooms, exquisite foyers – while others have a vintage outer shell, with a gut-renovated interior, and up-to-date finishes and appliances. In some vintage buildings, hot water or steam heat is included in the assessment – but, of course, this increases the overall assessment fee.
In the older buildings, the scale is smaller, and there are fewer neighbors in your building. Parking is often tough to find in some of the older buildings, and street parking most scarce in the Lincoln Park, Loop, and Near North Side neighborhoods, although parking is often available for monthly rental nearby.
Many younger professionals consider loft living. Throughout the city, many former industrial structures, with their heavy, weight-bearing flooring, timber or concrete support columns, exposed ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans offer great character, and loads of space. Many open layouts, however, lack the separated-room privacy of traditional condos. Some buildings are in former industrial areas, where the residential neighborhood surrounding them has yet to be built up. Many interesting opportunities await you here.
Whatever your living preference here in Chicago, there are literally thousands of available Downtown Chicago Condos to suit your needs and lifestyle. Please contact Dean’s Team with your specific needs and desires. We’ll be happy to help you find your next Dream Home, right here in the City of Chicago! |