River views and house sales in North Center

The North Branch of Chicago River in a western pocket of North Center

We are in and around North Center quite a bit in our daily business. While checking out some properties, I could not pass up the perfect weather this week to visit the almost secluded riverbank area. This area of North Center has popular public schools, quiet streets and fantastic community.

This makes a nice backyard!

There are many reasons to buy a home.  Living adjacent to a large city park or distinct topographical feature (like a river!) can make all the difference where you call home.

A newer construction single family home development fronts commercial North Rockwell but backs up to the river

The long time residents in the area basically between Western Ave and the river, West Montrose and West Irving park Road have played stewards to the river paths in these photos.  It's a great source of pride and a terrific way to bring neighbors together.

Amazing custom home along the riverbank in North Center

Riverbank properties are rare and can be out of reach for many single family home buyers.  Just off the river a good amount of newer construction and rehabbed homes sell in the $600K to $1 million range.  But this area also offers relatively affordable bungalows and two-flats within a block or so of the river. 

Sales near the riverfront in North Center (area map below)

In the last twelve months, 12 homes were sold and closed in the river front area serviced by either popular  Coonley and Waters Chicago Public Schools shown above.  The highest sale was $965,000 for a luxury newer construction house.  The lowest sale was $220,000 for a "tear-down" home on an undersized city lot.  The median price was around $630,000 for the last twelve months.

If you keep your eye out, a decent move-in bungalow or two-flat building will come on the market $350K to $500K.  For Chicago, this is a value for a cool area with great schools.