Get a Lakeview 3-Bedroom Townhome for $400K: 2932 N. Wood
This 3-bedroom townhouse in the Wellington Park development at 2932 N. Wood in West Lakeview was recently reduced.
(This is the back side of the townhouse- sorry! I inadvertantly thought this was the front as there is a sidewalk that runs through the middle of all the townhouses here.)
It is now listed for $127,000 under the 2004 purchase price and $23,500 under the 2001 purchase price.
At 2,300 square feet, it has oak hardwood floors throughout 3 levels.
Built in 2001, there are also 3 outdoor spaces and an attached 2-car garage.
It is an end unit, so there are three exposures but that is also the Metra tracks right next to the townhouse.
Is this a deal for a 3-bedroom townhouse with this square footage and in this location?
(The Metra is on the other side of this wood fence.)
Maria Sabatini at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #H: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2300 square feet, 2 car garage
- Sold in May 2001 for $423,500
- Sold in August 2004 for $527,000
- Originally listed in February 2010
- Listed in August 2010 for $450,000
- Reduced
- Currently listed for $400,000
- Assessments of $236 a month
- Taxes of $7763
- Central Air
- Bedroom #1: 16×12 (third floor)
- Bedroom #2: 10×10 (third floor)
- Bedroom #3: 11×19 (fourth floor- with carpet)
It is not like me to make such comments but this house needs to be staged. The interior is a “confused mess”. It should sell with neutralization and Pottery Barn elimination.
I think this is a GREAT buy!!! I have been coming to this neighborhood for the past 30-35 years (close family friend lives near barry and ashland) and have seen how the neighborhood has improved (esp in the late 90s early 2000s). It is a good neighborhood and convenient. If you are in the market and looking in this area, you would be a fool to not at least consider this unit – you aren’t going to find anything nicer/bigger that is cheaper.
Dan – you are right about the staging – most people are morons, can’t see past the decor, and pass several properties that might work out well for them. Although it is their loss, I guess it is the seller’s loss as well. For this reason, sellers HAVE to cater to these idiots.
Yes it’s a deal. And its about time CC finally featured a property I’d be interested in buying (if I had the down payment)–its been awhile.
400k? This still has a lot lower to go.
“And its about time CC finally featured a property I’d be interested in buying (if I had the down payment)–its been awhile”
Would it be hard to find an investor willing to loan you the down payment? If everything checked out, I would be willing to loan you 80k @5.5% – short term (3-5 years). Alternatively (and maybe better for both parties) could you find an investor to buy the place (or another that you are interested in), do a contract sale, lease/option for 3-5 years? There are a lot of creative sellers/investors out there. A lot of my friends keep asking me to find them some “good real estate” for investment purposes. This might yet be another niche in this market.
sorry, too many other choices out there than to live 10ft from train tracks.
that is a dealbreaker for me.
$325k.
The place is also for rent at $2800 per month so it’s actually cheaper to own the place than to rent it.
As for the staging…I don’t think it’s that bad at all. Yeah, those red/orange tones could be improved on and the living area is a bit busy but good luck trying to get sellers to modify the way they live for a few months. They’ll pick the agent that tells them that the place is just fine.
I disagree about the staging. It has bold paint colors, but there is almost no clutter and lots of light and open floor space in the interior. It looks to be very clean
The furniture placement looks to be conventional. This is not exactly a property for the high design crowd.
Bob, why would you, as a ‘younger’ single guy, want to sink your money into a house? Just curious……
Fun Fact: If you look at the chi schools locator page (yes it is in Burley), you get to see the aerial shot of this development being built.
I don’t like this place, and would never live next to a train again. . . but if you’re looking for a 2/2 or 3/2 condo around there, seems like you’d have to look at this.
Don’t get the comments re: staging– unless you think the color’s too bright, seems pretty neat and neutral to me. I think it’s more a photography problem (they clearly didn’t have the proper lens, and weren’t able to get good angles. Or they used a 4” tall hobbit leg tripod).
“Would it be hard to find an investor willing to loan you the down payment? If everything checked out, I would be willing to loan you 80k @5.5% – short term (3-5 years). ”
Thanks for the offer clio. I’m a little more financially conservative and wouldn’t want to carry 400k of debt at my salary level.
As Mr. Meigi said: patience, Daniel-san. In a couple years I’ll be ready.
i think this is a great deal. I’m surprised others don’t. HD, can you provide a link to a Lakeview 3br place for 400k that you think is a better deal than this?
I think this townhouse is the same complex – 150k more though!
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1741-W-Wellington-Street-Unit-1741_Chicago_IL_60657_1120409367
whitecity, your comp is a different layout with a bigger footprint, extra floor (w/family room / arguable 4th BR), and an additional bath. . .
. . . which is not to say I think it’s wroth $550k, but it accounts for the difference.
This a great deal. I don’t think it will last long.
Surprised this isn’t a short sale. That’s quite a haircut for the current owners.
This price is pretty amazing since another unit in this complex (also adjacent to the Metra tracks) sold for $475,000 a couple of months ago. I thought for sure this had to be some sort of distress sale, but I guess not.
Every property that’s sold since 2007 has been a ‘deal’. Yet the day after the transaction, the deals get even better.
We’ve got a long way to go before all comps to this house are $400k or less.
I love this place. I think Sabrina might be trying to tell us there are some serious deals in Lakeview close to Clybourn? The only sticking point for me is that the taxes are high. They work out to about $650 per month. Added to the assessment, that is about $900 per month aside from your mortgage. If you have one car, I wonder if you could rent out the second parking spot? How much could you get a month in rent? Between $150 – 200 perhaps?
I think the problem with this general complex is that they are so far from the L. There are townhouses on Honore and Belmont, which also sit on the train, which seem to sell a bit more quickly.
SquareD, I was aware – I was just pointing out in the same complex for a lot more… I couldn’t find any other townhomes for sale in the same complex. I briefly did some hunting to see if there was a recently sold one in the same complex, but didn’t see anything.
oops didnt see DVD’s comment. Still backs up my point about thinking this is a good deal. I agree its further than public trans than most would like, but if the owner drives to work – ends up being a moot point.
there is a reason back in the day they only built factories and storage facilities next to train tracks. there is also a reason that it stayed that way when other modes of transport came into play.
people you had a choice and your demand provided a reason for sleazey developers to build homes 10ft from “live” train tracks. people you have a choice again please do the right thing.
I lived a half block from those tracks for a year and my bedroom window was on the tracks side of the house. The train sound was almost never more than a “whoooooshhhh” as it went by. I have no idea how much worse it was 1/2 block down, but the sound never really was an issue.
“How much could you get a month in rent? Between $150 – 200 perhaps?”
Would depend on whether it’s garaged. Also, street parking is not very difficult around here and most of the streets aren’t permit.
I don’t understand how people could actually consider renting, much less buying, a place that close to the train. Fools.
I seriously wouldn’t have a problem with a Metra train, bad issues are the rumbling of the elevated CTA lines, especially when they have to stop or turn.
But I strongly disagree this neighborhood improved in the 2000s – the whole area suffered from Matlak’s inability to ever refuse a zoning increase, so now it’s clusterf*** city. This was always an industrial area, people lived close by the jobs – it was never geared to handle every home (or in the new condo units, every 3) having several cars on the roads.
I am still strongly sentimental for the neighborhood & love it for all the parts that *weren’t* ruined/shops replaced by stupid cookie cutter condos and go through it or shop in it at least weekly, but they have got to do something about the traffic/congestion. Bring back the Belmont cable car, maybe. Or get bike lanes striped on Belmont to prevent those idiot motorists from using the parking lanes to pass on the right, it just creates chaos at every major intersection.
No joke, I walked east on Belmont from Kimball to Racine (on a summer Saturday to get to Wrigley) before a bus ever reached me. I could see the bloody bus a few blocks away, but the traffic was so bad it couldn’t even catch up to me. Pitiful.
I like it, I like SW lakeview, this will get scooped up at close to ask price
Beautiful place. The big negatives to me are the taxes and distance from an el stop. Not sure that being that close to Metra tracks is as big a deal. If you’re on the el tracks you have a train going by every couple of minutes — Metra (other than rush hour) are a lot further spaced apart. Where Metra is a major annoyance is an area like Fulton, where you have multiple trains coming into a yard and gates with bells going off.
HD, can you please share with us what you consider to be a great deal? Seems like you think every property will be cheaper next year.
I would love to know how you will know when the bottom of the market will be so you can pounce on the great deals and at what point are you just going to make a decision to buy a place. At the rate you are going, seems like you won’t be happy til you find a free house in Old Irving Park.
“I am still strongly sentimental for the neighborhood & love it for all the parts that *weren’t* ruined/shops replaced by stupid cookie cutter condos and go through it or shop in it at least weekly, but they have got to do something about the traffic/congestion. ”
Haha I like this development and the “new” neighborhood. So I eff off, I win? haha.
You sound like a granola eating conservationist or some sentimental gramps. What next are you going to talk about how you took the Belmont cable car to school every day even in 3ft snow drifts? Chicago cable cars haven’t operated in 52 years.
As SquareD accurately pointed out, this property is within the Burley attendance boundaries, which is one of the most desirable elementary schools in the city. This makes it significantly more desirable (at least to a family with children) than a similar home immediately west of the Ravenswood tracks, which is Jahn territory.
“Bob, why would you, as a ‘younger’ single guy, want to sink your money into a house? Just curious……”
I’m never sure if Bob is 25, 45, or 65.
“I would love to know how you will know when the bottom of the market will be so you can pounce on the great deals and at what point are you just going to make a decision to buy a place. At the rate you are going, seems like you won’t be happy til you find a free house in Old Irving Park.”
I don’t know if there was anything funny about the 2001 price, but it sure seems like a deal especially given Burley, which can’t have been any good in 2001. HD, I don’t have time to do the math, but this has got to be at something like 1999 prices if you benchmark at 2001 and take of whatever growth in case shiller was from late 1990s to 2001.
It seems to me perfectly reasonable for HD to believe that the overall all price level will decline over the next X years but (a) that gets repetitive on every thread and (b) that doesn’t mean that even given that expectation there aren’t some deals now that are either fair or good because of the particular circumstances of a property.
“Bob, why would you, as a ‘younger’ single guy, want to sink your money into a house? Just curious……”
Cuz its a nice place, its a decent price, its a great neighborhood & I already have friends living in the area who would sign up to renters on day 1.
If I didnt already own, I’d be willing to pay near ask for sure. I bet it gets multiple offers at ask. Thats a lot of space for the $.
Sorry, I do get a bit repetitive; i’m sorry. I’ve got ADHD or something.
I’ll let you konw where we’re at the bottom because we’ll be there a long long time.
“I’ll let you konw where we’re at the bottom because we’ll be there a long long time.”
I thought you’ve said in the past that you were looking for 1999 prices as a bottom. Isn’t this place effectively at 1999 prices, or lower? Why does it still have “a lot lower to go”?
“I think the problem with this general complex is that they are so far from the L.”
There seems to be an obsession with the “El” amongst people who post on this site. I know that a lot of people use the El, but is it THAT popular? I have only used it once (to go to a Cubs game) and I don’t think I will ever do that again. I guess people who work downtown would want to take the El to get to work, but not everyone works downtown. Taking the “El” to go out would be a real downer… maybe I am out of touch with reality, but I think there might be others out there who feel the same way!
“I’m never sure if Bob is 25, 45, or 65.”
+
“Cuz its a nice place, its a decent price, its a great neighborhood & I already have friends living in the area who would sign up to renters on day 1 (sic).”
=
Young enough to consider living with friends. Double slap.
Then again, we all know Bob won’t buy. Too busy pontificating about other buyers’ misfortunes.
To me this is a good example of why the “back to –pick your year– prices” benchmark is meaningless.
I bought a condo around the time this place sold in 2004. Back then I saw a lot of comparable places, in better locations and not next to trains, asking around $450k. I think these people got fleeced in 2004. So who cares if it goes below 2004 prices? Similarly, I’m sure there are people who had a good eye / got a good deal / got lucky in 2004, so who cares if they list over 2004 prices.
That point aside, you couldn’t pay me to live in this neighborhood. But that’s my own personal preference. I know some people like it so there probably will be buyers that see this a deal. But I guess I’m a . . . uh, how did Bob phrase it . . . “a granola eating conservationist” . . . because I think this part of the city has gone to shit.
“is within the Burley attendance boundaries, which is one of the most desirable elementary schools in the city.”
desirable but not the best school, and not even top 20 in the city and 176 in the state.
with those scores it shouldnt even be mentioned as a “positive”
I recall touring this project several times over the yeas. I lived there when it was being built and shopped at that Jewel every Sunday so on occasion I’d stop in an open house. While I’m not a town home guy I recall thinking that some of the layouts were decent. I even put that maple/black/ black look in a kitchen that I redid at that time. The home looks a bit dated today but, if it is in good shape, is suspect that this will sell at 90% of ask. $360k for this space and location is a solid deal. While I do understand that the el, metra train, or airplane noise is a problem for many buyers it is not an issue for me and my family. I think that for the price it is a fair deal.
I recall touring this project several times over the yeas. I lived there when it was being built and shopped at that Jewel every Sunday so on occasion I’d stop in an open house. While I’m not a town home guy I recall thinking that some of the layouts were decent. I even put that maple/black/ black look in a kitchen that I redid at that time. The home looks a bit dated today but, if it is in good shape, I suspect that this will sell at 90% of ask. $360k for this space and location is a solid deal. While I do understand that the el, metra train, or airplane noise is a problem for many buyers it is not an issue for me and my family. I think that for the price it is a fair deal.
Oh my Clio, you had to ride the El once? I did, too. I rode it to work one day when the car service was inexplicably delayed in picking me up and some “gentleman” who looked like he just came from a Phish concert with very long dreads brushed one of his dreads across the arm of my suit. I had to throw the suit away so it was a very expensive train ride. I feel your pain on having to ride the El with the unwashed proles.
According to the link below, it’s #19 in the city. And its state rank, per this website, beats all elementary schools in Oak Park, exclusive of Mann.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1855121,chicago-elementary-schools-rank-1009.article
Also, according to the link below, it received a 100% (A+) score during the 2009-2010 evaluation of each CPS school.
http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/cps-scores.html
Seems like a selling point to me.
“$360k for this space and location is a solid deal. ”
If the owners were willing to sell for 360k then I’d be calling clio/parents/friends up for a loan for a DP. Seriously it’s already the lowest townhome listed for sale in the development by a long shot. I think it sells above ask even at 400k. We’ll see.
Oh here we go again… I hat to jump on the bandwagon but Clio is right. There are just as many if not more people living in lake view that NEVER take public transportation. They drive a car/vespa/hybrid to their job in the city. Anyone even notice that there are plenty of people EXITING the Kennedy Expy on the outbound side at North Ave, Armitage, and Fullerton around 4-6pm. They are drivers that drove their car into the gridlocked overpriced parking lots in the loop! Seriously folks this happens every day. If you are an el rider you will not likely buy this space. In the early 90’s my girlfriend lived on the 1600 block of Barry. She took the el every day and did not complain at all about the short walk!
Per the Chicago Sun-Time “How Chicago elementary schools ranked” data, it’s #19 in the city. And its state rank, per this website, beats all elementary schools in Oak Park, exclusive of Mann.
Also, per the Chicago Tribune’s recent posted “Chicago Public Schools Internal Grading” data, it received a 100% (A+) score during the 2009-2010 evaluation of each CPS school.
Seems like a selling point to me. Plus, most of the better performing schools in the city are selective enrollment, so there’s no guarantee of admission to them. At lease with Burley, your kid is guaranteed a spot (unless the attendance boundaries are changed).
(FYI…I tried posting the links for these pages but apparently that post is awaiting moderation.)
We lived at 1700 Barry and it was just over 1/2 mile to Paulina. This is a bit farther.
I’m not saying having perfect access to the L is a necessity for all people, but many people view a longish walk to the L as a detriment. When you’ve got your checklist out and you’re looking for properties, you might decide paying a bit more is worth being closer to the train.
“Per the Chicago Sun-Time “How Chicago elementary schools ranked” data, it’s #19 in the city. And its state rank, per this website, beats all elementary schools in Oak Park, exclusive of Mann.”
yep i was working off old data again,
but still according to the suntimes thingy my good ol Oriole Park is at the top for city and 13th state wide and being in the attendance boundry guarantees your kid a spot.
also the same with Norwood and Edgebrook all neighborhood schools (not selective enrollment) that are leaps and bounds above Burely.
GO NW SIDE!!!!!!!
2 thing to keep in mind.
1. There is a walking distance EL right at Paulina
2. The train makes a “Whoosh” sounds as it goes by.
I lived right by the train at 1754 W. Wellington with my wife and kid and the train was never; let me repeat, never an issue.
The hood is great and very family friendly. Lots of newborns and toddlers – not so much for the school age kids.
400K seems like a good deal to me.
Only during the bubble did people confuse the two segments of those who take the el with those who buy half million dollar properties. Sure the sets aren’t mutually exclusive, but the union of the two sets I suspect is small indeed.
Most of the people who take the el are younger people in the first decade of their careers from what I remember seeing. And they don’t tend to mind the crowds. The businessman, lawyerly or other potential high income types were definitely the exception and the admins and newly minted grads earning 50k-70k were the norm.
Most CCers likely fall into the same group: love their el or proximity to it but really shouldn’t be buying half million dollar properties. And in 2010 they aren’t.
I’ll give Bob props when due – he’s stated for a long time that he’d buy when ready, just not going to stretch. And he’s positive on a place & price rather than just negative (or just positive).
“Taking the “El” to go out would be a real downer… maybe I am out of touch with reality, but I think there might be others out there who feel the same way!”
Wow. Definitely out of touch with reality.
OFF TOPIC (sorry)
So I just called about a foreclosure house and (after lots of confusion) the agent gave me the combination to the lockbox to go check it out… Weird? I think so.
The agent probably throught you were an agent/broker. But, really, they couldn’t care less who you are…the place probably has already been stripped of everything of value, which could include the copper wiring.
“Most of the people who take the el are younger people in the first decade of their careers from what I remember seeing. And they don’t tend to mind the crowds. The businessman, lawyerly or other potential high income types were definitely the exception and the admins and newly minted grads earning 50k-70k were the norm.”
LOL. Bob, you’re hilarious, but you’re delusional. I know loads of well paid white-collar professionals who take the L to the Loop by choice, and who always have – it’s much less stressful than driving, and if you time it so get a seat you can actually read/work, etc.
That’s a multi-generational observation, btw, from someone who actually grew up in the neighborhood – what exactly forms the basis of your claim?
And although it’s true I like granola, biking and a clean environment, my selfish issue involves my TIME.
It just takes way too damned long to go from point A to point B in this neighborhood if you aren’t just walking from your house to a local watering hole or restaurant. I’m not saying I don’t like density and people, I just think this area suffered from a total disregard of (if not hostility for) sensible urban planning.
And the price of gas will go up again, just a matter of time…
“which could include the copper wiring.”
LOL is the economy that bad they’re now going after the wiring?
“Most of the people who take the el are younger people in the first decade of their careers from what I remember seeing. And they don’t tend to mind the crowds. The businessman, lawyerly or other potential high income types were definitely the exception and the admins and newly minted grads earning 50k-70k were the norm.”
Agree with Skeptic that Bob is clueless. I’m a lawyer. I can afford to drive to work. I don’t. I take the train or the bus or ride my bike because driving in the city is stupid. Unfortunately most of my friends are lawyers. They take the train too. Maybe Bob just thinks that he can spot wealthy people by their gold-plated canes or something?
“Maybe Bob just thinks that he can spot wealthy people by their gold-plated canes or something?”
So the lawyers dress in jeans and rock out to their ipods just like the youngins? Seriously the el is mostly youngins. You as the “professional class” must recognize you’re the odd man out.
And also alanon: are you a property owner and are you within the first ten years of your career? The answers to these two questions will show which of us is clueless. Lots of lawyers likely don’t earn coin and are in the same 50-75k set that I mentioned. And they’re likely as enthusiastic about the el as all the other youngins.
Yeah, I was in a foreclosed property several months ago where all the copper wiring was ripped out of the house.
Anyone can graduate from Robert Morris college, alanon. When I talk about the upper-middle professional class I’m talking about lawyers and others that actually make coin. And they are definitely the odd man out on the El.
“LOL is the economy that bad they’re now going after the wiring?”
It’s less of a problem now than 2 years ago, b/c copper isn’t worth nearly as much. Copper theft from vacant homes was a *huge* problem in ’08 in the sand states and Minneapolis. You can look it up.
“are you a property owner and are you within the first ten years of your career? The answers to these two questions will show which of us is clueless.”
Bob–I am a property owner and not in the first 10 years of my career and would like to be about 2-3 blocks closer to the el than I am–it makes for a great alternative to driving when a car is in the shop, or is needed to go to someplace other than work. I generally drive, but use CTA 3-4 times per month on average and will likely be using it more (and *would* use it more were it a 5 minute walk rather than a ~10). And I know many other in my ‘hood in similar financial circumstances who also use the el regularly.
Sorry, Bob… you have no clue. A ton of highly compensated professionals take the EL on a regular basis as it makes ZERO sense to drive in Chicago if you are near public transportation for a weekday commute.
You can’t look at how people dress because you have no idea what they do for a living. A lot of places aren’t overly stuffy anymore and could care less how people come to work.
I won’t even consider living somewhere without easy access to the El. I can easily afford to drive everyday if I so choose.
“I don’t know if there was anything funny about the 2001 price, but it sure seems like a deal especially given Burley, which can’t have been any good in 2001. HD, I don’t have time to do the math, but this has got to be at something like 1999 prices if you benchmark at 2001 and take of whatever growth in case shiller was from late 1990s to 2001.”
’01 price was for brand new. If they haven’t replaced any of the mechanicals, and I’d bet they haven’t, $400k just about reflects the depreciation of the hvac/water heater, etc. Also, the *dramatically* higher taxes are going to hurt the units value, too.
You could have purchased a moderately, but not completely, updated SFH just west of the tracks for only slightly more in 2001. At the time, I thought these were overpriced for what and where they were (but I’m firmly in the “don’t like this sub-hood at all”, like others).
I have to agree w/ Bob about the El clientele. I am jealous (and amazed) that a professional (such as a lawyer) would be able to ride their bike to work. Don’t you get sweaty, etc.? Also, what about your overall appearance to clients? I have dealt w/ many attorneys downtown and i don’t think any of them ride their bike (but, of course, they were mostly ciminal defense attorneys – they have to be in court – so maybe that makes a difference).
I’ll admit that I’m on the extreme end of the spectrum in that I’m 38 and I don’t know how to drive. It’s because I’ve always lived in big cities where a car becomes a huge expense and liability.
When I’m in Chicago I always rely on the CTA, even to get to and from the airports and I buy a 3 day or 7 day pass. Other than that I walk a ton. I never take cabs. I can afford to take a cab here and there if I want, but I rarely do because I think it’s a huge waste of money. I’d rather have that coin for cocktails or a dress or to just save it.
As far as this property, I love it so much I think I could deal with the extra long walk to the el.
As an aside, I finally managed to find a reasonably priced air/hotel package, so I will be in town next week looking at distressed properties. In addition to that I want to do a super long walk all the way up Milwaukee from Chicago Avenue to Jefferson Park. I’m also going to take the Blue Line out to Oak Park and walk down to Berwyn. Maybe have lunch at the Olive Garden. I realize none of this is the norm to most people, but I am really excited and I can’t wait!
“it makes ZERO sense to drive in Chicago if you are near public transportation for a weekday commute”
I wouldn’t go that far *at all*. Even excluding the large number of people who drive during the school year b/c they drop off their kids at a non-neighborhood school (which is why LSD traffic sux from Sept-June, but is great in July-August), in many, many city locations with reasonable transit access, the PM commute is 50-75% shorter by car than train. AM commute is about a wash, usually.
The wildcard is if it’s raining or snowing, the el becomes relatively much, much faster.
“Maybe have lunch at the Olive Garden. I realize none of this is the norm to most people, but I am really excited and I can’t wait!”
Tell me this is a joke posting.
Don’t you get sweaty, etc.? Also, what about your overall appearance to clients?
I am an exercise junkie who prefers to be outdoors and I will sometimes walk from Brooklyn to work in Midtown. I shower at the gym before going into the office.
Have to agree with Jon…I’m all for walking and public transit, but traveling to Chicago for, among other things, lunch at Olive Garden? Wouldn’t be at the top of my list of must visit restaurants in the Chicago area.
“Maybe have lunch at the Olive Garden. I realize none of this is the norm to most people, but I am really excited and I can’t wait!”
No, not a joke. We discussed the merits of Olive Garden a few weeks ago.
If you live in New York, getting the full Olive Garden experience in a mall can be exotic!
Here’s another twist – so my wife makes about twice as much a year as I do, and when I don’t bike or drive/carpool, takes the CTA. Working in the south loop where it takes me an extra 30 minutes due to blue line switchover/bus/walk, and as I take our daughter to school, I often drive.
And I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a block or two (much less more) makes in terms of the CTA being attractive in the bitterest winter days/sweatiest jungle summer days.
“I generally drive, but use CTA 3-4 times per month on average and will likely be using it more (and *would* use it more were it a 5 minute walk rather than a ~10). And I know many other in my ‘hood in similar financial circumstances who also use the el regularly.”
“Wouldn’t be at the top of my list of must visit restaurants in the Chicago area.”
Isn’t at the top of the list w/in walking distance of Cermak Plaza, nevermind the rest of Chicago.
Too many comments for me to go through them all but my wife and I looked at these places. They’re good value for the square footage. I had two comments:
1. 2 car garage plus two car pad behind. AWESOME for car lovers like me who want a 3rd or 4th car.
2. The front of the place we looked at overlooked the Jewel loading dock. Instant DQ.
Wouldn’t be at the top of my list of must visit restaurants in the Chicago area.
It’s not like eating at the OG is the point of my whole day. Just the cherry on top of exploring Berwyn!
My list of other restaurants to visit this trip:
M Henry
Hopleaf
La Gondola
Black Dog Gelato
Gaztro-Wagon
Delhi 6
Panozzo’s
And my old favorites Zebda and Tank Noodles.
Bradford, which place overlooked the Joolz? That would have be on Paulina, wouldn’t it?
“driving in the city is stupid”
I won’t go that far but somewhat agree. I’m single, 40ish, and make good coin. I could go out and buy a car tomorrow and get monthly parking downtown. It just seems like a decadent luxury to me and something I do not need. I like public trans and my bike when the weather allows.
I lived pretty close to the redline in Andersonville and took it regularly to the office. Much easier than driving. Now that I am in Oak Park, I take the Green line. The El is packed between Harlem, Oak Park, and Ridgeland stops with nothing but professionals and most of them clearly aren’t broke/low income. A ton of Biglaw attorneys, consultants, bankers, etc. Hell, I even see our state senator from time to time riding into the loop. It takes me the same amount of time to drive as it does to take the EL most mornings, but the EL is a lot less of hassle.
I live about a mile or so from the station, so I typically can catch the bus as the stop is only one block from my house. The CTA Bus Tracker makes this very easy. The other thing I do is I bought a big ass beach cruiser bicycle that I ride to the El. As long as it isn’t humid and like 90 degrees outside, I don’t sweat. It only takes five minutes from my house. Faster than taking the bus. On really nice days I may just walk.
I agree weather can make a difference if driving is preferrable. However, assuming weather is agreeable, unless there is something going on in your life where you need a car – dropping kids at school, appointments, etc – I much prefer getting on the El.
About the only thing I dislike now about the EL is the class differences between the Oak Park residents and the west side of Chicago. Makes for an interesting ride to say the least some days…
Isn’t at the top of the list w/in walking distance of Cermak Plaza, nevermind the rest of Chicago.
I’ve only been to Berwyn once. I don’t know it well. I’ve wanted to return since Sabrina profiled it. Which restaurants close to Cermak Plaza would you recommend?
Russ–if I had to guess, it sounds like you’re in the northeast corner of Oak Park. I’ve looked at some places up around there and found that the Galewood Metra stop was a reasonable walk, if close enough to North and Ridgeland.
“Hell, I even see our state senator from time to time riding into the loop.”
Say hi to Don. He’s a nice guy. Ask him why he was willing to fall in line on nominating the Toddler.
“Which restaurants close to Cermak Plaza would you recommend?”
I’m not out there enough to have a specific recommendation (groove might), but I’d go with any of the many non-chain (mostly mexi) restaurants along cermak.
Olive Garden is like Crib Chaatter…when you are here you are family. Crib Cahtter might be the most dysfunctional family on the internet but we sure have a few “crazy uncles and aunts” with some “wild views” on things!
Everyone knows what I’m talking about. When I was younger on the car ride over to see Aunt Matilda (name changed to protect the crazy) we were told to not start any conversations and to agree with her crazy rants (no matter how nuts she sounded) at the dinner table just to get her to shut up!
Crib Chtter needs a slogan….
“Which restaurants close to Cermak Plaza would you recommend?”
I haven’t been to most places around there but have liked La Lupita (on cermak, a bit east of the plaza, maybe half mile) the couple of times we went. Flamingo ice cream place is also good around there. It’s one of our detours when we going to the SW burbs and Kennedy/Stevenson sucks. We take the Eisenhower and figure out a place to eat.
“are you a property owner and are you within the first ten years of your career?”
I am not in the first 10 years of my career, don’t own a house but could financially, and am happy taking the El, hipsters aside. For me, it’s a ~$500/month increase to drive regularly, not the end of the world but not needed since I prefer the El in many respects. You can get some work done on the El, especially if you get a seat. I can get finish off a bunch of email and read one document generally.
Of the people I know who are in a broadly comparable place financially AND live in the city, I would say it’s maybe even between El and driving. Not completely sure, maybe a little more driving, but certainly not a minority who take the El.
Chris: Yeah, it isn’t a bad walk to that metra stop. They also have parking up there as well. I have taken the metra on occassions, but the El is more convenient for me. Union station is a bit far from my office compared to the EL and I don’t like the rigid schedule of Metra although it is certainly a more pleasant ride than the El.
Main reason I like Oak Park is that you have two El lines and the Metra plus 290.
This area of Lakeview does suck though imho.
“I take the Green line. The El is packed between Harlem, Oak Park, and Ridgeland stops with nothing but professionals and most of them clearly aren’t broke/low income.”
My comments largely referred to the green zone and quasi-GZ areas like LP/LV/RN/Uptown. I have no experience with the eastern legs of the El.
“I take the Green line. The El is packed between Harlem, Oak Park, and Ridgeland stops with nothing but professionals and most of them clearly aren’t broke/low income.”
My comments largely referred to the green zone and quasi-GZ areas like LP/LV/RN/Uptown, which this place is near. I have no experience with the eastern legs of the El, which sounds like a totally different animal.
“For me, it’s a ~$500/month increase to drive regularly, not the end of the world but not needed since I prefer the El in many respects. ”
My comments re: the el were not absolutely in comparison to just driving. One of my common rants on here is CCers apparently love (and willing to pay a premium) for all things related to fixed rail public transit yet consider the bus beneath them.
I have noticed there is a significant premium to proximity to el stops in the green zone (which I consider unjustified). Bus stops? Not so much.
“I have no experience with the eastern legs of the El, which sounds like a totally different animal.”
Yeah, very different. Like aquatic.
I don’t get it – you can get a monthly parking spot downtown for 200/month – why wouldn’t anyone do this? I know that driving is a hassle – but so is taking the train (in terms of waiting on the platform, dealing w/ undesireables, and walking in bad weather). 2400/year is nothing – esp. when you consider the amount you are paying to live in a condo/townhouse/single family.
We’re over 40 and take the train. Every day. To the Loop or River North. We could drive.
We moved from the 12 minute walk to Paulina to the 10 minute walk to Wellington and that small change has made the commute much more pleasant.
“And I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a block or two (much less more) makes in terms of the CTA being attractive in the bitterest winter days/sweatiest jungle summer days.”
“Yeah, very different. Like aquatic.”
beat me too it, cleverly. but how can you tease groove about his cotton hill legs and be put off by a 10 vs 5min walk.
Russ, the beach cruiser is an impressive strategy. how cold will you ride in?
Milkster, understand completely the og appeal. Sometimes I feel like vacationing in suburbia just so I can patronize all the eateries and shops that don’t exist downtown.
“you can get a monthly parking spot downtown for 200/month”
Is that really right? The (small) garage in my building is $400. I know there are cheaper out there, but are they that much cheaper? I haven’t looked around.
Bob, bus stops are everywhere, therefore there’s no demand for proximity to them. L stops are not, therefore the reverse.
And there is a reason – the bus stinks compared to the train.
It’s slower (tons), jerkier (physically, starts and stops), and the windows seem to often have residue of god-only-knows-what. A much less pleasant experience on all counts, although I know friends living off the lake that love the express buses (but that’s a different bus ride altogether).
And waiting for a bus on a cold winter morning just sucks.
Clio – part of the annoyance of driving downtown is that driving in bad weather is *extremely* stressful. People already drive like idiots, but throw a half inch of rain into the mix and it gets very unpleasant, very fast.
And you ever drive in rush hour during a blizzard?
I think it boils down to which kind of hassle bugs you more: Sitting in traffic and dealing with bad drivers or waiting for the smooshed train.
“Yeah, very different. Like aquatic.”
Blame Miller Lite(s) for my bad geographic compass today.
As far as cheap food goes, there’s a very old school Czech place @ the plaza (better is Klas further in on Cermak). Used to be a good Italian spot, too, but it closed.
Agree that La Lupita is not bad. I personally think the Depot is overrated, but many love it (Berwyn location coming?).
Freddy’s is not too far away and is a true gem.
Lots of good IB and taco joints in Berwyn.
“It’s slower (tons), jerkier (physically, starts and stops), and the windows seem to often have residue of god-only-knows-what. A much less pleasant experience on all counts,”
I disagree. Also it might be slower but the el tracks don’t go everywhere in Chicago. For me the fastest way to work is definitely the bus. Its a straight shot vs. walking 3 blocks to crowded el stop, taking el downtown, getting off and walking 10mins.
And if you think the buses are filthier I disagree there too. I’ve seen some filth on the el that would put bus filth to shame. Also transients don’t treat the bus as a mini-SRO like they do with some el cars.
Have you looked at the price of copper lately? I’ve heard of people stashing bars, expecting it to reach $6 a pound in the next few years.
“It’s less of a problem now than 2 years ago, b/c copper isn’t worth nearly as much. Copper theft from vacant homes was a *huge* problem in ‘08 in the sand states and Minneapolis. You can look it up.”
“skeptic on September 17th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Bradford, which place overlooked the Joolz? That would have be on Paulina, wouldn’t it?”
Yeah, same complex tho.
All the units in this complex have a shitty view.
“Is that really right? The (small) garage in my building is $400. I know there are cheaper out there, but are they that much cheaper? I haven’t looked around.”
Yeah, you can get a deal for $200 at the InterPark places and a few others. I’d say avg monthly pass in the loop is around 250 or so.
“I personally think the Depot is overrated, but many love it (Berwyn location coming?).”
Depot Diner? They’re opening a new location? Is that what you mean?
Well, a friend told me a while back she saw that on the internet somewhere (she loves that place, me not so much, except for dessert). I just searched and didn’t find anything about it, I will email her and ask.
Milkster-Scratch Delhi 6 off the list, they’ve already closed. never made it there myself, it had some odd hours, which probably contributed to why it didn’t survive in the neighborhood. Also. on La Gondola, make a reservation. There are only 5 tables in the place.
” But I guess I’m a . . . uh, how did Bob phrase it . . . “a granola eating conservationist” . . . because I think this part of the city has gone to shit.”
I have to agree. That entire area west of the Ashland Jewel has sort of a forlorn, institutional feel to it. And am I the only one who thinks the exterior of this property looks dated? In fact, it’s hard to believe it’s only around 10 years old. That said, though, it’s a lot of space for the money and some people really like this hood, so I think it will sell relatively quickly. (And I used to like that bar on Barry at Paulina — is that still there? An ex-boyfriend bought a two-flat on Nelson back in the early 90s and we used to spend quite a bit of time there)
Milkster, if you’re here next weekend, the Berwyn bungalow tour is Sunday: http://www.berwynbungalow.org/
“And I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a block or two (much less more) makes in terms of the CTA being attractive in the bitterest winter days/sweatiest jungle summer days.”
Agree. I live slightly closer to the brown line than the red line (in SoPoor), and I will usually walk the extra 2 blocks to the redline because it’s so much faster. However, on really bad hot/cold days, it’s brown line all the way, baby.
“how can you tease groove about his cotton hill legs and be put off by a 10 vs 5min walk”
Groove would call it a 25 minute walk. I’ll walk it before I’ll wait for a bus that isn’t w/in view when I get to the stop. It would be nicer to be close enough that the bus would be slower even if it were waiting for me.
” But I guess I’m a . . . uh, how did Bob phrase it . . . “a granola eating conservationist” . . . because I think this part of the city has gone to shit.”
I have to agree. That entire area west of the Ashland Jewel has sort of a forlorn, institutional feel to it. And am I the only one who thinks the exterior of this property looks dated? In fact, it’s hard to believe it’s only around 10 years old. That said, though, it’s a lot of space for the money and some people really like this hood, so I think it will sell relatively quickly. (And I used to like that bar on Barry at Paulina — is that still there? An ex-boyfriend bought a two-flat on Nelson back in the early 90s and we used to spend quite a bit of time there)
Milkster, if you’re here next weekend, the Berwyn bungalow tour is Sunday: (sorry, it’s not letting me post the link)
“And I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a block or two (much less more) makes in terms of the CTA being attractive in the bitterest winter days/sweatiest jungle summer days.”
Agree. I live slightly closer to the brown line than the red line (in SoPoor), and I will usually walk the extra 2 blocks to the redline because it’s so much faster. However, on really bad hot/cold days, it’s brown line all the way, baby.
“And I used to like that bar on Barry at Paulina — is that still there?”
Yes, time warp that it is.
The Depot is in Berwyn. Roosevelt and a block east of Austin. THey are opening another style place somewhere else though soon. Funny thing is, they almost went out of business like a year ago then all of a sudden the world discovered them and they got put on Food Network. There were a few save the depot fundraisers. It is pretty good diner food, but you really just have to get the donuts.
@Bob: Even when I rode the Redline from the far Northside it was mostly professionals with a sprinkling of a few nut jobs. Not sure why you think it is all broke Columbia college student riding the El. You certainly can’t tell from people’s dress. I wear jeans and t-shirts most days to work and do listen to my ipod.
@CH: The beach cruiser is awesome. Paid like $300 for it. Since I started riding it to the train I have noticed a few other people getting them. Oak Park is flat so you don’t really need multiple gears. It is a very comfortable upright ride versus a Mountain Bike. I ride all over town now with it.
“Scratch Delhi 6 off the list, they’ve already closed”
Thought they’d just shifted to catering only. Really closed?
“that bar on Barry at Paulina — is that still there?”
Yes. Cody’s.
“2400/year is nothing – esp. when you consider the amount you are paying to live in a condo/townhouse/single family.”
Nothing?
Thats 3 months rent for HD!
or a single mortgage payment on a $500,000 loan at 4.4%!!!
not to mention the insurance, gas, and cost of the car!
“driving in the city is stupid”
doodes and doodettes i live in the city and drive everywhere, given i dont work in the loop or live by the clusterf***** of belmont/lincoln either.
milky, when you walk down milwaukee to jeff park end at Gale Street Inn for some good eats.
as for great places in berwyn, there are many, walking distance would depend on what train and what stop you will depart from.
and screw you guys my hobbit legs still have me touching rim. (albeit slower to get to the rim)
“The Depot is in Berwyn. Roosevelt and a block east of Austin.”
It’s on the north side of Roosevelt which is Chicago west to Austin.
love Cody’s. I swear they have had the lowest turnover of any bar I’m aware of over the past 15 years.
Bob, you just inadvertently proved my point – el tracks DON’T go everywhere, that’s why proximity to a stop commands a premium.
As for the speed of the bus, where you live is not a microcosm of Chicago – how many bus lines go straight into the Loop? Only those few that are directly east or west, and I’m guessing you aren’t suggesting real estate on the west side is a good deal because you can take a bus straight to work.
I’ve taken the bus and train all my life – the Red line can definitely have some homeless/odor problems, but so do many buses with extended routes. I used to alternate between the 8 Halsted and the train going south, and we had stanky bums a plenty on the bus.
“I disagree. Also it might be slower but the el tracks don’t go everywhere in Chicago. For me the fastest way to work is definitely the bus.”
“Yes. Cody’s.”
More importantly is the big O’s Hope and Change banner still hung up? I seem to recall awhile ago the miracle-believing/socialist leaning set seemed to take a liking to it.
Yeah – the stripping of copper isn’t a new thing. Ever since the price shot up a few years ago, theives looked to strip it anywhere they could find it.
———————————————-
juliana on September 17th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Have you looked at the price of copper lately? I’ve heard of people stashing bars, expecting it to reach $6 a pound in the next few years.
“It’s less of a problem now than 2 years ago, b/c copper isn’t worth nearly as much. Copper theft from vacant homes was a *huge* problem in ‘08 in the sand states and Minneapolis. You can look it up.”
Tank Noodle sucks, horrible service there unless you’re a hot asian chick… try Pho 777 just down the street
“Well, a friend told me a while back she saw that on the internet somewhere (she loves that place, me not so much, except for dessert). I just searched and didn’t find anything about it, I will email her and ask.”
“The Depot is in Berwyn.”
I think the original is technically Chicago.
Looked for something on the new location. Just saw it. Sounds like they’ve filed some paperwork in Berwyn or something.
I like the Depot quite a bit. I wouldn’t make a very long trip for it, but definitely would and do go there sometimes if we are in the vicinity. It just gets built up too much by some people to the point where it’s hard to meet expectations.
“Have you looked at the price of copper lately? I’ve heard of people stashing bars, expecting it to reach $6 a pound in the next few years.”
Apparently not too lately, but it’s still not where it was in Aug-08. And the inventory is still high enough that its a spec market price rather than a current demand price.
“Tank Noodle sucks, horrible service there unless you’re a hot asian chick”
Service is perfectly fine for the kind of place it is. I am assuredly not a hot asian chick. Get items 12, 25, 47 (I would get a different pho than 47 but that’s what my wife wants) and the ice coffee w/condensed milk.
“So the lawyers dress in jeans and rock out to their ipods just like the youngins? Seriously the el is mostly youngins. You as the “professional class” must recognize you’re the odd man out.”
Yes, I know a lot of lawyers that dress in jeans and “rock out their ipods.” I don’t typically wear jeans to work, but unless I’m going to court or have a client meeting you would never guess by looking at my clothes how much money I make.
________________
“And also alanon: are you a property owner and are you within the first ten years of your career? The answers to these two questions will show which of us is clueless. Lots of lawyers likely don’t earn coin and are in the same 50-75k set that I mentioned. And they’re likely as enthusiastic about the el as all the other youngins.”
No, I am not within the first ten years of my career. And yes, I am a property owner. I have a two car garage and a car. But driving to work if you live in the city is just silly. You’re right that lots of lawyers don’t make coin. But that doesn’t mean that the lawyers who do make coin don’t ride the train.
__________
“I am jealous (and amazed) that a professional (such as a lawyer) would be able to ride their bike to work. Don’t you get sweaty, etc.? Also, what about your overall appearance to clients?”
It’s not that hard. Just join the gym in your building, or one near by if your building doesn’t have one. Ride in, shower up, change into appropriate work attire. Nobody knows the difference.
In other BelPort news, Joey’s Brickhouse closed this week.
I’m surprised it lasted that long. Worst service I’ve ever seen at a bar/restaurant. Including sitting at the attended bar for around 30 mins before the bartender lady decided to take my drink order. Also the weirdest music I’ve ever heard at a restaurant.
I guess because its “upscale urban contemporary” music they are allowed to throw the N word into some of their lyrics? Yeah..catchy.
“I guess because its “upscale urban contemporary” music they are allowed to throw the N word into some of their lyrics? Yeah..catchy.”
You were the second to last regular here who I expected to complain about something like that. Groove–who won the pool?
“Groove–who won the pool?”
over haed on that one?
“You were the second to last regular here who I expected to complain about something like that. Groove–who won the pool?”
Not the use of the word, per se, but mentioned it to show how crazy/weird their music selection was. It was really out there stuff that likely only appealed to Joey and his artsy-fartsy followers/cult.
I only ate there once and the place was dead. They had an odd menu, but at times it was packed.
“over haed on that one?”
joke about who had Bob as the first person to complain about n-word in music. but the explanation ruins the whole thing.
And I used to like that bar on Barry at Paulina
Yes Cody’s was awesome back in the early 90’s. An actual dog named Cody used to greet you at the door and try and sneak out into the street on snowy days.
Great memories at that bar!
“second to last regular here who I expected to complain about something like that”
And the last??? Apologies if we’re making you spell everything out today.
I live in University Village and I still drive to work in River North. I take Lower Wacker and it’s a quick trip. I have no patience for waiting for a bus or the el and then being squished in between babies, bums, and people who turn up their music so high that everyone can hear it.
Also, I’m not a high earner. I give up other luxuries so I can afford to have a more peaceful commute.
An analysis of it I read recently points out that mines are getting depleted. But you’re right about the demand being based on speculation. Hence the hoarding, like gold and silver, by people trying to hedge their dollars.
http://www.madhedgefundtrader.com/september-2-2010-3.html
“Apparently not too lately, but it’s still not where it was in Aug-08. And the inventory is still high enough that its a spec market price rather than a current demand price.”
I bought an Electra Townie Cruiser (three speed) for my daughter when she was going into high school and now she has it at college. Besides the upright ride, she loves the big comfortable seat and the flat foot technology. Since she is only 18, I guess the thing she likes most is that she gets lots of attention for its retro styling.
“The beach cruiser is awesome. Paid like $300 for it. Since I started riding it to the train I have noticed a few other people getting them. Oak Park is flat so you don’t really need multiple gears. It is a very comfortable upright ride versus a Mountain Bike. I ride all over town now with it.”
“joke about who had Bob as the first person to complain about n-word in music. but the explanation ruins the whole thing.”
sorry bout dat, busy day at work and not “truly” reading each post.
and BTW the DEPOT is a Chicago place not a burb place (only by a matter of feet i think)
“and BTW the DEPOT is a Chicago place not a burb place (only by a matter of feet i think)”
You want to wait a few more hours and mention it again?
“You want to wait a few more hours and mention it again?”
i only mentioned it once at September 17th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
“i only mentioned it once at September 17th, 2010 at 2:11 pm”
You really are distracted–DZ and I (and maybe someone else I missed) already pointed out it’s in the city. I’m just razzing you, man.
“You really are distracted–DZ and I (and maybe someone else I missed) already pointed out it’s in the city. I’m just razzing you, man.”
To be fair, anon’s comment reads in part like it’s razzing groove for repeating himself rather than others.
“sorry bout dat, busy day at work and not “truly” reading each post.”
My bet would have been that groove had already started the weekend.
“To be fair, anon’s comment reads in part like it’s razzing groove for repeating himself rather than others.”
True, but I like to believe he doens’t skip our posts.
Thank you for all your recommendations. I am looking everything up and writing it down. Personally I’m not a museums/indoor activities type. My favorite things to do are walk around, explore neighborhoods, look at the architecture, people and street life, eat, drink and take the el. Chicago is so beautiful. You are lucky to have that above-ground perspective from the train. It’s really unique compared to any other big city’s subway system.
“You really are distracted–DZ and I (and maybe someone else I missed) already pointed out it’s in the city. I’m just razzing you, man.”
“My bet would have been that groove had already started the weekend”
doode i wish i am dealing with the state of california franchise tax board, dear gosh i swear nobody works there now and when you get a hold of someone they can only tell you what their screen says.
“A certain someone whose rants about discrimination against straight white men get deleted with some frequency.”
Straight white *Christian* men. He doesn’t much care for those of the Jewish persuasion.
“Straight white *Christian* men. He doesn’t much care for those of the Jewish persuasion.”
Not liking one subset doesn’t imply I am or supportive of the other, genius. But in your simplistic mind its your group vs. the “normal folk”, ain’t it? Certainly explains a lot.
Bob, I wasn’t talking about you, though.
Perhaps you should re-read the thread to see who’s being discussed before you impugn others’ intellectual abilities. Genius.
Madeline got it.
As for Bob, I just didn’t see it as something he would note and complain about. Now, were it a song about *bankers* and how great they are, that would be different.
I’ve never trusted the 2,300 sf claims of these 3 level townhouses. It should be easy to calculate. 3 levels of almost 800 sf per floor. Is there a floorplan available? I bet the calc includes the “Attached 2 Car Garage”.
Dan,
There is usually a bonus room upstairs on the 4th level. I have been in these units and they are close, if not, 2300 sq ft.
The “Real” Dan
A few comments:
1) copper is still being stripped from homes by crackheads looking for an easy way to fuel their addition.
2) EVERY income level city resident should and probably do ride CTA or MTA here in NYC whether it be the train or bus. To not do so would mean 100% gridlock on already packed roads during 8-10 and 4-6. The one major difference between CTA and MTA is our subway stations are now cultural centers featuring many types of very well paid entertainers and restored tile and other forms of art work. While lines of CTA could use a good scrubbing on a daily basis, they are not as bad as clio makes them to be. It is a rarity now to find dirty or smelly subway cars here in NYC and even the occasional flasher or other form of public sex perv have been reported by all regular riders to the point of having their face pic posted in cars and subways. They have disappeared for the most part, but occasionally there are reports of a masturbating perv on a few lines. Rare but it does happen once a month or so.
Personally I prefer riding the subway than taxi or a car service…or heaven forbid, actually driving without leaving the island. On many days you find models and out of work actors riding to get to work along side Wall Street moguls and Upper East side rich kids. EVERYONE rides here in the city…and a good percentage of upper income in Chicago do the same.
****OOPs forgot to add my main reason for doing MTA over taxis most days…the smell of curry or clover cigs will not come out of my nicer threads regardless of which cleaners I utilize. Those mid-eastern BO infested cabbies stink like you would not believe!!
*Disclaimer* Am not attempting to be racist in any way whatsoever…it is a common fact in NYC taxis that those smells are deeply embedded in the interiors of most cars and once in your threads, they are useless. And I am not even going there with those smelly drivers who burn that god awful incense while ferrying passengers to their appointments or work! Disgusting!
westloopelo,
if you are so rich, why don’t you have a personal driver? it can’t cost more than 40k/year – a drop in the bucket for you (actually, its not that bad an idea)
“There is usually a bonus room upstairs on the 4th level. I have been in these units and they are close, if not, 2300 sq ft.”
I’m not sure. I still think the calc include the 400 sf garage. The 4th floor bonus room is usually tiny. I think if you take the 3bds, then the LR/DR, add in 2 baths, you’ll see it not close to 2,300 square feet.
I just added up the 3bds, the 11×11 den, the kitchen and LR. The total equals 1158 sq. ft.
We’d then have to add the 7×7 foyer, and 2.5 bathrooms, and some staircase cutouts?
I believe the sq ft calc includes the: “Garage: 3+ Car”
The street parking in this neighborhood is so easy b/c the complex provides extra spots and since there are alot of single family homes.
I’ll take dealing with the extra block or two walk to the el from this location over having myself, friends and family, and other visitors circling the block for 45 minutes+ in the winter looking for an open parking space. I guess different people value different things.
Dan… That last paragraph made no sense. I reread it three times.
Westloopelo… If I had to choose any cab-driver b.o. to get stuck in my threads, it would be a Rastaman. Plus I like a nice slow ride, instead of a traffic freakout.
I’ve taken transit all of my adult life. I’m very intolerant of stink, and will not hesitate to switch cars, or get off all together, if there’s a funk. I’ve found that less than 5% of my rides are unpleasant — either from nasty passengers or defective equipment.
One thing about public transit that’s important to consider… Even if YOU don’t regularly use public transit, to the extent you have a nanny, cleaning help, etc it’s often helpful for them to have easy CTA access to your home.
“Have you looked at the price of copper lately? I’ve heard of people stashing bars, expecting it to reach $6 a pound in the next few years.”
Anon(tfo): “Apparently not too lately, but it’s still not where it was in Aug-08. And the inventory is still high enough that its a spec market price rather than a current demand price.”
Copper inventories are at their lowest since last November and are set to fall about 20% this year- the first drop in copper inventories since 2004. World consumption is still outstripping supply. This is not a speculator play.
“Copper inventories are at their lowest since last November and are set to fall about 20% this year- the first drop in copper inventories since 2004. World consumption is still outstripping supply. This is not a speculator play.”
And still about 2x the level pre-Lehman. And only counting the LME warehoused metal, which is about 2.5% of worldwide annual production. It’s also 5x the supply in fall-05, when the price was less than half what it is now.
None of that proves anything w/r/t to ongoing speculation in copper.
“westloopelo,
if you are so rich, why don’t you have a personal driver? it can’t cost more than 40k/year – a drop in the bucket for you (actually, its not that bad an idea)”
clio,
Because I am not a self important, obnoxious douche bag!
I would never even consider paying someone $40k to drive me around a city whose EVERY area is conveniently served by public transit 24/7/365 and is also served by more than 16,000 ‘legal’ yellow cabs…plus an estimated 5,000 not-so-reputable illegal gypsy cabbies.
Having a professional full time driver obtained from a reputable company would currently run between $50-80,000+ per year, plus bonuses.
My grands had one for over 10 years, a perk paid for by his company, and this was their going rate in the 90’s. I am sure the price, like everything else here, has nearly doubled the 20 year period since.
Definately an unneeded luxury which I would never even consider having regardless of how much money I have! LOL…Every time I see a person exiting or entering a chauffered car I mentally roll my eyes and shake my head.
I also hold the same attitude towards all other types of domestic help said douche bags employ…housekeeper, gardner, nanny, PA, maid, butler, etc. I am more than capable of doing my own chores and I just don’t see the need for such an expense.
To be honest though, I do however have a full time, live in property manager (jack of all trades) at my place in Miami. This man has been employed by various members of my family over the years…basically all of his life…and we regard him a part of our extended family. Sort of like having your favorite ‘uncle’ living with you and not like having hired help. He makes sure my home is properly maintained besides doing any other chores that need to be done and is a great source of company and conversation while I am there.
Under contract. This is going to be a big blow to the ego’s of the remaining people in this complex trying to sell for significantly more.
Looks like this one is under contract at the moment. This is absolutely a deal at $400k. This is the lowest priced Wellington Park townhome I have seen in quite awhile. The Metra noise is minimal and doesn’t run as often as the EL. For the amount of space, parking & privacy you can’t beat this deal.
Sold for 397k.
Thanks for the update Bob. Was this really a “deal”? Hmmm…I’m seeing some very interesting townhouse prices right now all over Lakeview and LP that are not right next to the El or the Metra.
What was it someone said not too long ago? That we shouldn’t expect townhouses with 2 bathrooms to be selling for $350k in the greenzone?
We shall see… We’re not too far from it right now.
“Thanks for the update Bob. Was this really a “deal”?”
From looking at past Redfin sales for this development this appears to be slightly under 2001 pricing.
I’m not seeing any Lakeview townhomes with 3br/2.5ba with 2 parking spots listed for around this pricepoint so I consider this to be a deal.
I would have said the same thing, Bob, except I’m seeing much better “deals” than this one out there- not near the El or the Metra (as I said.)
But for this development- it seems to be an intriguing price.
2928 N Wood St unit D just listed as a pre-foreclosure with an ask of 390k. MLS# 07742852. Its not an end unit like unit H but its a 3/2.5 with 4 parking spots and not right on the Metra tracks.
2922 N Paulina is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath with 2,450 listed square feet came on the market on 10/07/2011 with an ask price of 489k.
Given it has a bedroom less than this listing I am curious why it has 150 more square feet. Perhaps some rounding up?
It is funny considering what is actually moving in this development (400k properties).