I find myself more and more in Jefferson Park (Jeff Park, if you will). You will not find me here lecturing on the rich history of Jeff park, that's what the links are for.
A long time northwest side neighborhood, Jefferson Park has seen a boom in higher end single family homes, condos and town homes over the past 10 years. This has been no secret and maybe even a source of dismay for many long timer residents. But thus is the same in any neighborhood caught in the real estate boom. A new construction single family home will start at 650K for a brick and frame. Ouch for many of us.
But the value for young families is in the well kept Chicago Bungalows that start at $400K for a move-in condition home. Yes, I just took a look at several homes located from about 4900-5600 north and 4500-6300 west, and there were a couple "move-ins" at just over $400K... a couple.
These bungalows are located on quiet well kept streets, have terrific structures (foundation, tuck-pointing, roof, yard, garage, maybe mechanicals etc...) and are less than scary inside. Hell, one home on the 4900 block of North Meade was cute as a button... just pristine inside and out. Meade is a quick jaunt to 90/94 and easy down town.
So what am I talking about? If you live on the north side and are having kids... want a house...want to stay in Chicago... only have $400-$500K to blow on a house... you HAVE to look at this area of Jefferson Park. It's not that far really. Besides, you pretty much spend all your time watching your kids be kids and trying to keep your sanity, so why not do it in your own house?
Although there is not much retail to walk to when you get into the residential streets that make up the lay of the land out there, you will get nice neighbors, parks and schools. My favorite block of Jefferson Park may be the area surrounding Beaubien Elementary School and Robert Square Park. Beaubien is a top 10 elemenatry scholl year in, year out. This is a terrific three block radius with a mix of new construction homes, exisitng colonials, two and three flats, bungalows... very pretty block surrounding the park. Metra and Blue Line are just a couple blocks away.
As a Realtor, this specific area is definately on the list to watch for my family. I'm in Ravenswood now and own a duplex condo, but as we grow the family and the kids get a little older, Jefferson Park may be it. It's a pretty quick drive to my office in Lincoln Park too believe it or not. Every time I'm researching for clients, I'm looking at those houses and internalizing how it meets a family's needs. "Could I see my family here?" Yes.
As my broker and I were saying the other day, you can't deny Jeff Park if you want a house in the city and don't have a cool mil lying around.
Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce
Yo Chicagostyle="font-weight:bold;"> on Jefferson Park
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