Today, we traveled up to the north side to look at 6 houses in the North Park community area - a stretch on the far north side that is bisected by Lincoln Avenue. Our wedding reception was held at a restaurant in this area, but other than that experience we are drawn only by the excellent schools, Korean and Middle Eastern restaurants, and affordable streets of single family homes. All were 1950's era ranch and Georgian homes, and all were in need of some serious updating. 3 we immediately ruled out - a ranch that reeked of dog pee and sported a shoddy rehab; a ranch in terrible shape needing to be completely gutted; and a split level on a busy street at the very edge of the city.
The other 3 houses are still in play, pending further visits to other houses. None of these are spectacular, just the better of what we saw today. One is a split level, 3 bed, 2 bath home with a mural of Paris on the wall. It is a bit too expensive for the condition of the house, but the local elementary school teaches Chinese! Another is a Georgian, built in 1950, and until quite recently was occupied by its original owners. The house is a time capsule to the '50s, but is in good condition. However, the kitchen is about 25% of the size we would like, with little room to expand. The final house is a slightly larger Georgian down the street which is cheaper but also needs some work.
The weather was terrible for looking at houses - windy, cold, with some snow. Even still, it was fun to look. We will look at some more houses on the north side on Monday, in North Center and in Edgewater. I am not holding my breath. The nicer houses in our price range are further west.
-alan
The other 3 houses are still in play, pending further visits to other houses. None of these are spectacular, just the better of what we saw today. One is a split level, 3 bed, 2 bath home with a mural of Paris on the wall. It is a bit too expensive for the condition of the house, but the local elementary school teaches Chinese! Another is a Georgian, built in 1950, and until quite recently was occupied by its original owners. The house is a time capsule to the '50s, but is in good condition. However, the kitchen is about 25% of the size we would like, with little room to expand. The final house is a slightly larger Georgian down the street which is cheaper but also needs some work.
The weather was terrible for looking at houses - windy, cold, with some snow. Even still, it was fun to look. We will look at some more houses on the north side on Monday, in North Center and in Edgewater. I am not holding my breath. The nicer houses in our price range are further west.
-alan
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