In Chicago, summer means one thing: it’s lake season. With 26 miles of shoreline and over two dozen beaches, the city serves up a beach for every kind of day—whether you’re chasing volleyball matches, skyline views, or a quiet spot to dip your toes.

To make choosing easier, we pulled together five of our favorite beaches—plus a look at what it’s like to live just steps from the sand.

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Earlier this month, Congress passed a $4.5 trillion budget bill—nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—which includes updates that directly impact state and local tax (SALT) deductions, mortgage rules, and housing investment incentives.

Read on for a closer look at what the new bill means for homeowners, buyers, and sellers.

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Come summer, nothing beats lake breezes, fire pits, and small-town charm. For those dreaming of beach days, campfire nights, and bike rides into town, look no further than these properties in beloved Midwest resort communities. From the scenic beaches of Michiana Shores, Indiana, to the sparkling waters of Delavan Lake, Wisconsin, each of these summer escapes is available for under $1 million.

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From stately mansions to charming row homes, Chicago’s historic districts offer a window into the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. These neighborhoods capture the stories of a city constantly evolving – one façade, foundation and front porch at a time. Here’s a look at four historic districts that stand out for their beauty and significance – and just might inspire your next move.

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Nestled within Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, the Southport Corridor offers a charming, village-like escape in the city’s North Side. Stretching along Southport Avenue from Belmont Avenue to Irving Park Road, this vibrant area attracts homebuyers with its tree-lined streets, historic character, and a thriving collection of independent shops and eateries.

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On June 25, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate agents, corporate staff and colleagues joined Habitat for Humanity International to help build affordable housing in the south Chicago suburb of Park Forest.
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Selling a home is never a one-size-fits-all process. Every property is unique, and so is every homeowner. So, each situation demands a strategy that’s personalized, not generic. That’s why @properties Christie’s International Real Estate developed Private to Prominent: a proven marketing strategy that helps sellers build momentum and maximize exposure without sacrificing control.

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Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a hot day on the lake—the gentle waves, warm sunshine, and a cool breeze to top it all off. From Lake Shore Drive to the North Shore and beyond, these available homes offer sun-soaked comfort, alfresco entertaining, and endless opportunities for making lasting memories.

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Amid economic uncertainty, Chicago’s real estate market is defying national trends with rising prices, strong demand, and growing appeal as a climate-safe investment.

As many real estate markets across the U.S. grapple with volatile conditions, including inventory surpluses in Austin and Tampa and stagnating or declining prices in Phoenix and Miami, real estate in the Windy City is on the upswing. Despite the broader national challenges brought about by high mortgage rates and concerns over inflation and tariffs, Chicago is showing remarkable resilience. Home prices here continue to rise, fueled by strong demand and exceptionally low inventory.

The numbers tell the story. In May, home prices in the Chicago metropolitan area^ rose 5.5% year-over-year, with Chicago proper seeing an impressive 8% increase.  Similarly, April reports by the Illinois Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors revealed that the median home price rose 5.7% in the metro area and 8% in the city year-over-year – well above the national average home price increase of 1.8% in the same timeframe.

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There’s nothing quite like a Chicago summer. The lake glistens, fireworks light up the sky every week, and the city’s iconic skyline becomes the backdrop to rooftop hangs that linger well into the evening. These four properties each come with their own private rooftop decks, offering the perfect perch for everything from morning coffee to golden hour gatherings. Whether you’re in the market for a new place to call home or just daydreaming, these rooftops are pure Chicago summer goals.

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