The summer real estate market has been hot in the near west suburbs with houses selling for more money and in fewer days than this time period last year. In June, Oak Park homes were on the market for nine days and sold for a median sales price of $413,000. In River Forest, average market time was eight days in June, with a median sales price of $525,000.
A look at what a budget of $850,000 buys you in both villages shows that buyers willing to spend well above the median price points will find bigger homes with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms.
The higher price tag often includes some fun extras as well. From outdoor spaces to entertain to renovated kitchens or restored original details, many of these homes offer a bit more for the money.
In the heart of Oak Park, 142 S. Kenilworth Ave. recently listed for $859,000. The four-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home was under contract within days of hitting the market. Designed in 1887, the Asa S. Burrows home is a stick style Victorian and has been featured on the Wright Plus Housewalk.
The home boasts a remodeled kitchen with a designer stove, bullseye woodwork and transom doors. The wraparound porch and turret offer quintessential old-house charm. The home measures approximately 3,400 square feet and had a 2019 tax bill of $15,626.
Up the street about a mile, 830 N. Kenilworth Ave. is a four bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house offered at $859,900. The stucco home has roughly 3,000 square feet of living space and plenty of Oak Park details from the built-in bench in the entry to the stained-glass windows.
The gourmet kitchen was designed by Jean Stoffer, and a backyard patio and basement rec room offer entertainment options. The home had a 2019 tax bill of $20,012.
In northwest Oak Park, the home at 835 Belleforte Ave. recently listed for $835,000. This home has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The home was doubled in size during a 2012 renovation project and includes an updated kitchen that opens to a family room.
The house is a Victorian farmhouse style that was built in 1895 and includes a front porch and spacious outdoor patio. The home offers over 3,100 square feet of living space and had a 2019 property tax bill of $23,442.
In River Forest, 1339 Ashland Ave. is listed at $850,000. The French provincial style home has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Built in 1936, the house offers a panoramic view of Constitution Park through its front bay window.
The original wrought-iron staircase offers old-world style, while the kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The house offers over 3,900 square feet of living space and had a 2019 tax bill of $15,680.
The home at 1409 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest is listed for $880,000 and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms over 4,400 square feet of living space. Designed by mid-century architects Keck and Keck in 1952, this home has an addition and two decks and a screened-in porch. The home boasts four fireplaces and a finished attic. Property taxes in 2019 were $27,191.
Also in River Forest, 1503 Monroe Ave. is listed for $825,000. Built in 1941, this French provincial style home has limestone walls. The four bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home has been newly renovated.
The kitchen and bathrooms are new, and a separate family room and living room offer space to spread out. The house comes with a wine cellar and over 3,200 square feet of living space. Taxes in 2019 were $18,021.
