The near west suburbs share a lot — proximity to I-290, public transportation to Chicago’s Loop and the ability to brag about being close to the city with suburban amenities like lawns and easy access to shopping malls.
A housing budget of half a million dollars sounds like a lot, but what does it really get you in and around Oak Park and River Forest? The answer varies depending on which suburb you choose.
In Oak Park, the home at 622 Woodbine Ave. is listed for $499,000. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house boasts 2,000 square feet of living space. Outdoor entertaining is made easy with a front porch and back deck.
The kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and a separate area for a bar or buffet. The living room has a marble fireplace, and the full bathroom on the second floor includes the original clawfoot tub as well as a newer shower.
Built in 1899, the house has vinyl siding and includes a two-car garage. Property taxes of $19,585 do not reflect a homeowner’s exemption.
Also in Oak Park, 637 Clarence Ave. offers 2,800 square feet and four bedrooms and two bathrooms for $499,900. Built in 1919, the brick bungalow has been rehabbed with a new kitchen, bathrooms, roof, windows, fixtures and finishes.
The new kitchen features shaker cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There are two bedrooms on the main level, which share a full bathroom. The upper level is devoted to the master suite, which includes an over-sized bathroom with dual vanities and a frameless glass shower.
The partially finished basement, is a walkout to the yard, and hosts the home’s fourth bedroom and a recreation room. The home comes with a mudroom, two car garage and an annual property tax bill of $13,639.
In Berwyn, 3524 Gunderson Ave., will set you back $499,500. For that price, home buyers find plenty of room to spread out. The five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom house offers 4,059 square feet of living space over three stories.
Newly-built, the house has a kitchen with an island and stainless-steel appliances that opens to a family room. The master bedroom includes a private bathroom with two sinks, a Jacuzzi bathtub and a separate shower. The finished lower level has a bedroom, bathroom, recreation room and exercise room.
The home boasts hardwood flooring and a welcoming front porch. Included in the price is a two-car garage and an annual property tax bill of $5,570.
In Riverside, 339 Bartram Road is listed at $500,000 and offers 1,968 square feet of finished room, five bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Built in 1923, the brick house maintains its vintage charm with original features such as the living room fireplace, hardwood floors and a tandem off one of the bedrooms.
The updated kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, subway tile and granite countertops. The basement is a finished rec room, and a mudroom and custom-built Trex deck make the indoor-outdoor transition a breeze. The deep lot includes a two-car garage and plenty of room for a swing set for the kids. Taxes on the property are $12,811.
In Forest Park, 1037 Marengo Ave. is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house totaling 2,760 square feet and offered for sale at $480,000. Built in 1907, the raised bungalow has been completely updated for a contemporary vibe.
The modern kitchen includes custom cabinets, a subway-tile back splash and quartz countertops. Dark, espresso-stained hardwood floors are used throughout the home. The master suite includes a bathroom with double vanities, a free-standing shower with rainfall shower head, separate tub, and glass doors.
In the finished basement, 9-foot ceilings allow plenty of room for a pool table, custom-built bar, fourth bedroom and bathroom. The highly-customized home features designer touches in the modern light fixtures and custom-designed front gate. The home includes a parking pad for one car with the option of building a one car garage. The home’s annual property taxes are listed at $8,335.
In River Forest, a lannonstone exterior home at 1514 Monroe Ave., built in 1939, is listed for $499,000 and includes three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The classically styled home maintains its original slate roof and oak floors and totals 1,820 square feet.
A curved staircase rises from the first floor to the second floor, where the master bedroom has a walk-in closet and another bedroom includes a walk-out balcony. Solid wood doors and original tile in the bathrooms speak to the craftsmanship with which the home was originally constructed. The home includes an attached, single-car garage and comes with a property tax bill of $14,404.
Also in River Forest, 1315 Park Ave. is listed for $489,900. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom house offers 2,095 square feet of living space. Built in 1951, the brick house includes an attached two car garage and is being listed as a possible teardown or renovation candidate, complete with architect’s plans.
The house has an annual property tax bill of $15,439.
