One of the special things about Chicago’s inner ring suburbs is how these communities effortlessly blend and balance the best attributes of busy city life with the slower pace and residential streets of a small town. A true standout in this category, Park Ridge boasts not one, but two central downtown districts, top public schools, and a housing inventory that’s equally diverse in aesthetics and price points.
After a long few days at the office, a weekend getaway can be the perfect way to relax and recharge. It’s no wonder so many Chicagoans flock to quiet waterfront locales in Wisconsin and Michigan to experience the wonderment and rejuvenation that these places have to offer. One destination of note is New Buffalo, Michigan, a town of just under 2,000 people along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Looking to buy or sell a home? While there’s no shortage of online resources these days, there are plenty of reasons why most buyers and sellers enlist the services of a real estate agent to guide them through the process. At the same time, there are thousands of agents out there, so where do you start?
Imagine a place that’s got world-class golfing, high-end spas, relaxing boat cruises, charming shops, breweries, and even skiing. What if we told you there was such a place and that it is only one and a half hour’s drive from downtown Chicago? That place is Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. And as a popular resort town that draws visitors from both the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas, there is plenty to see and do.
Chicago goes through a sort of metamorphosis as winter takes a firm grip over the city, bringing cold weather and incredibly short days. But don’t feel bad making runs to the local convenience store in sweatpants and slippers — during the coldest winter days, it takes a lot of motivation and sheer willpower just to leave the house. When not hibernating, Chicago residents can be seen digging their vehicles out from snow drifts and ice, meeting up at corner bars, or even jumping into a frozen Lake Michigan.
A house is often an individual’s single most expensive purchase, and therefore, most valuable asset. But the costs of ownership, including ongoing maintenance and taxes, can be a considerable undertaking. The good news is that there are many ways that owners can cut costs.
Following are a few recommendations, and don’t hesitate to connect with an agent who can provide invaluable advice on cost-saving ideas.
Coastal lifestyle magazines often get the Midwest wrong. There’s almost always a portrait of farmers and hectares upon hectares of corn fields and images of a frozen Chicago. And sure, the sweet yellow crop may be Iowa’s single largest export, and yes, Chicago can and does get incredibly cold in the winter, but throughout the Great Lakes region, there is history to explore and an infinite number of outdoor recreation opportunities.
It’s a theme that Chicago-area residents are well versed in — adventure awaits in any direction you decide to drive.
It may be unfair to describe Downers Grove as simply a suburb. With a location just about 20 miles due west of downtown Chicago, this village of 50,000 residents boasts a thriving local economy, highly ranked schools, and some of the top natural attractions in the metro area. And it’s certainly not flyover country, being the corporate headquarters to some massive publicly traded companies while also having direct access into Chicago via the expressway system and commuter rail.
The holidays are in full swing, and if you happen to be selling your home, there are some important themes to keep in mind.
Before you go all out with the tinsel and lights, here are some useful tips and suggestions for homeowners when listing during the busy holiday season.
Legendary American author Mark Twain once famously quipped to a reporter that news of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Similarly, we Chicagoans frequently find ourselves in the position, these days, of having to remind others that our city is not only still alive, but is thriving in many ways.
While major cities throughout the greater Midwest struggle to reinvent themselves, Chicago has remained economically viable and vibrant despite a flurry of negative headlines. Tourism figures continue to break records, a revitalized downtown has drawn numerous new corporate headquarters and expansions, and the city’s vast housing stock remains quite affordable relative to other major metros – both nationally and internationally.