Trying To Sell a 4-Bedroom SFH in Wildwood for 2 Years: 6924 N. Tonty
I know many of you are big Wildwood fans.
This 4-bedroom house at 6924 N. Tonty in the Wildwood neighborhood of Forest Glen first came on the market in May 2010.
In those 2 years, it has been reduced $191,900.
The house was built in 1940 and is on an oversized lot of 45×151.
For those of you not familiar with Wildwood, it is in the Northwest corner of the city and has winding streets without curbs. A metra stop is nearby for the commute downtown.
The house has hardwood floors on the main floor along with arched doorways and a woodburning fireplace in the living room.
All four bedrooms are on the second floor.
There is also a lower level recreation room and a main floor family room.
The house has central air and a 1-car garage.
The kitchen has white appliances and what looks like original cabinets.
With homebuyers wanting “new”- what price will it take to finally sell this house?
Kathleen Nettleton at Re/Max 1st has the listing. See the pictures here.
6924 N. Tonty: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2262 square feet, 1 car garage
- Sold before 1986
- Originally listed in May 2010 for $689,900
- Reduced numerous times
- Currently listed at $498,000
- Taxes of $5546
- Central Air
- Bedroom #1: 18×15 (second floor)
- Bedroom #2: 15×15 (second floor)
- Bedroom #3: 13×12 (second floor)
- Bedroom #4: 11×10 (second floor)
- Recreation room: 22×14 (lower level)
We looked at this house about a year ago. Pretty nice, needs updating and it smelled like cigarettes.
Wildwood is bad azzz.
If it needs updating and especially smells like cigarettes it will turn alot of buyers off.
I also don’t like the 1 Car garage
“Wildwood neighborhood of Forest Glen ”
I thought Forest Glen was a sub neighborhood of Jefferson Park?
Forest Glen is a community area, just like Jefferson Park.
How’s the CPS elem?
Very good, it’s Wildwood Elementary.
I like this house a lot. Very pretty, in a nice quiet area. I love how all the houses are unique and if I didn’t need to live so close to downtown, I would love to own a house like this one and I would take this house any day over that ugly North Center house for the same price.
It’s too bad about the cigarette smell. I wonder how much it would cost to fumigate.
Yes. Not move-in ready = big discount needed to sell. The only thing entitled buyers want is “NEW”. Today’s knife-catchers will pay a premium for an updated house with Chinese drywall before buying a deal with an outdated kitchen.
“I would take this house any day over that ugly North Center house for the same price”
I don’t think a single person ever said anything nice about that house on Berenice. If someone offered you either one, for free, with the only condition being that you live in it for 10+ years, and maintain it, I can’t imagine anyone choosing the Berenice house over this one.
Nice place for the money.
I’m surprised the four bedrooms upstairs haven’t attracted someone– rare at this price, and with it being a short walk from school as well, gotta believe this is just one 3-kid family away from a sale.
Kitch and baths surely aren’t helping it either, but would be workable.
I always love the cigarette smell or any “this place smells” objections for a buyer. Usually it’s just a matter of a layer of paint and scrapping carpets, both of which I’d probably do anyplace I bought anyhow. So it’s always seemed to me like free money to buyer, if you hold your nose. . .
Its groove week beyotches!
“Its groove week beyotches!”
Groove, what’s your best ~$400K listing you are willing to share in oriole/norwood/edgebrook/wildwood/etc.? Only real requirement is a good elem and close to move in ready. I understand that there will be no walkability.
This is lovely. What is the commute into the city?
Saw the house a couple times. Four legit bedrooms upstairs. Decent yard. Beautiful neighborhood. Kitchen needs some updating. I’m surprised the price has dropped this much. I lobbied the wife to buy this house but she ‘over ruled’. Wildwood Elementary certainly isn’t bad, but I would probably opt for St. Mary’s across the street. I understand that isn’t for everyone. I think someone will get a very nice house at this price.
“How’s the CPS elem?”
“Very good, it’s Wildwood Elementary.”
my info is a bit dated but here; its a good school and was busing kids in from other low income hoods for either (cant remember clearly) 1. principal cut a deal and the busing was part of it 2. needed to fill seats of funding would get cut.
last i heard it was the low income kids bring down the scores, still on par of the top schools in CPS just at the bottom of the top (supposedly of the low income)
the area feels wilmette’ish and with very gossipy housewives (hot ones at that) but good people all around. streets are very quiet as there is no thru traffic. there is a foot traffic tunnel under the metra tracks so you dont have to walk all the way to devon.
sorry CTG there is also a lack of “Upscale” shopping so guess we should end the convo there.
You can walk to the Edgebrook Metra line, but it’s definitely farther than the requisite 30 feet that many on this site consider acceptable.
“Groove, what’s your best ~$400K listing”
http://www.redfin.com/IL/River-Forest/721-Monroe-Ave-60305/home/13325366
“there is also a lack of “Upscale” shopping ”
Only 4.5 miles to OO and everything you need on a weekly basis within a mile.
“Groove, what’s your best ~$400K listing”
or in the same area
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/6712-N-Dowagiac-Ave-60646/home/13590196
“Groove, what’s your best ~$400K listing”
lastly
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/5919-N-Forest-Glen-Ave-60646/home/13514185
I’m surprised they still do busing. That’s too bad for this school. Did the other kids even have to test in?
“Only 4.5 miles to OO and everything you need on a weekly basis within a mile.”
for CTG thats too far and not upscale enough.
Given i find the montclare’s closeness to Oak Park’s shopping and dining to be a more preferable hood than here but i am biased.
BTW DZ, i think i should become a realtor as i can drop comps in a split second 🙂
I like that Dowagiac house, Groove. Lose a bedroom, but get a much better school. No-brainer if family only has 2 kids.
This place was alright but it needed a lot of work. First off, there is one small, dated bathroom on the 2nd floor. The rooms were a good size. Same with the main floor. The kitchen is rather small. Would require an overhaul and maybe a bump out.
The homes in Wildwood, when priced correctly for what they are, go quickly. It says a lot that it has been on for as long as it has. It will probably sell very quickly if it approaches the $400k level.
Also, the taxes are senior freeze and long time home buyer.
“BTW DZ, i think i should become a realtor as i can drop comps in a split second”
Yeah, especially given none of them are in the stated price range (maybe the RF one, arguably), and one is pending.
wildwood park is nice.
agree with groove, this is north shore in chicago neighborhood. your kids will still get to claim they are tough and streetwise to just about everyone not from chicago
The problem with Wildwood is overcrowding as much of the neighborhood now sends its kids there instead of St. Mary’s. The low income stuff is on the decline.
“Yeah, especially given none of them are in the stated price range (maybe the RF one, arguably), and one is pending.”
Exactly what I was thinking, ha.
“especially given none of them are in the stated price range”
considering you said ~400k on a post were the subject property is 499k i thought i did well but if you want 400k then here
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/6131-N-Moody-Ave-60646/home/13511988
or same area less bedrooms better school
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/6643-N-Hiawatha-Ave-60646/home/13590369
imagine this will sell not too far below ask now at this price. Taxes are actually decent as well.
Not my ideal neighborhood as walkability to me is key, but I imagine that someone with a couple kids will snap this up soon.
or even cheaper and walk distance to Smak Tak
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/6065-W-Matson-Ave-60646/home/13512398
Smak Tak is the bomb. Perogies, Hungarian pancakes and enough dill to kill a horse. mmmm.
“considering you said ~400k on a post were the subject property is 499k i thought i did well but if you want 400k then here”
All snarking aside, it was a serious q, and the budget is around $400K. Of the new proposals, which of them have a good school (what’s onahan?) and are actually for sale?
DZ- keep an eye on this one.
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/5910-N-Kolmar-Ave-60646/home/13515082
This is 400k also.
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/5942-N-Kostner-Ave-60646/home/13514368
Onahan is comparable to Wildwood.
This is just too cute, and the neighborhood looks very nice, but I don’t consider it “Chicago”, as far as city limits-even though I know it technically is. And I actually like that it needs a bit of updating because then you can make the kitchen (or whatever else) exactly to your taste. Hence the lower price. I wonder though if sellers rather than repeatedly dropping the price on homes that need a bit of updating, were to offer say a $40K kitchen remodel credit, if that would attract more buyers.
“Phil (May 15, 2012, 1:23 pm)
DZ- keep an eye on this one.”
dang it phil you beat me to the saug entries i want to post. Dang sabrina and multiple link banning.
“All snarking aside, it was a serious q, and the budget is around $400K”
honestly i hate to say it but given who you are and what you like (perceived), at that budget i would look at OP/RF as it would fit you better. Honestly i dont think you would enjoy oriole park (reason i didnt give you a link in that area) even norwood outside the “circle” wouldnt fit you.
unfortunately i would suggest mayfair but yuppies priced out of OIP have kept prices to high there and belding isnt really a great school.
it pains me but seriously look at this in your search;
http://www.redfin.com/IL/River-Forest/613-William-St-60305/home/13324608
its a very nice place great location, you dont get an alley like the houses on the otherside but not many alleys here anyway.
Saw this place a couple of times. Needs a new roof, some water damage visible, the addition isn’t really heated or cooled, there is absolutely no insulation in attic. The carpet is laid directly on the slab in the basement. Just stuff I noticed, not on an inspection.
Other houses in the neighborhood and edgebrook proper are selling quickly. This place is just way overpriced and the owner (not clear if it is an individual) has turned down at least one reasonable offer that I know of.
“honestly i hate to say it but given who you are and what you like (perceived)”
Consider he may be asking “for a friend”.
“Consider he may be asking “for a friend”.”
is asking for you? he is not asking for me! and outside of that i doubt he has any other friends. or even a coworker that would ask him advice
“Consider he may be asking “for a friend”.”
“is asking for you? he is not asking for me! and outside of that i doubt he has any other friends. or even a coworker that would ask him advice”
Yup, where the friend is actually someone not me. Also, consider DZ’s feelings. No friends and wouldn’t fit in in oriole park. Very sad now. (Though tis true not really my friend, much more my wife’s friend.)
The cigarette smell will go away when the smokers move out, and you thoroughly air the place and have it professionally cleaned, then painted.
It doesn’t look like it will be too difficult and expensive to update the kitchen here. The house looks like it’s been extremely well-kept overall.
I’m rather surprised it didn’t sell higher than this. It’s a very nice, roomy family house.
“and outside of that i doubt he has any other friends. or even a coworker that would ask him advice”
Dude, check your prescription, that’s a D not a J.
“I’m rather surprised it didn’t sell higher than this.”
Does seem odd. Has it even been under contract?
“All snarking aside, it was a serious q, and the budget is around $400K. Of the new proposals, which of them have a good school (what’s onahan?) and are actually for sale?”
Groove, make sure you get DZ to sign a contract with you for a finders fee.
“Does seem odd. Has it even been under contract?”
Almost positive it was pending around 530k but it came back on relatively fast. Might of just got pulled off the MLS when/if they changed realtors. There is an addition, not sure if there’s a problem with the house. Maybe nothing. Whoever sent this in might have more insight.
“Groove, make sure you get DZ to sign a contract with you for a finders fee.”
never charge a fee, will except a lunch or sixer in exchange for a friend helping a friend.
“Dude, check your prescription, that’s a D not a J.”
damn it i cant google that and it went over my head.
“Also, consider DZ’s feelings”
you need a hug you pansy? man up and quit whining. i see why now you only have 2.5 internet friends. and only one of them was willing enough to give you an offline throw away email address (please read with sarcasm).
If the school district here is good to OK what is the advantage of buying this home over something in the suburbs? It certainly isn’t due to access to public transit.
OT:
Could this be CLIO?
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/47432812#47432812
its not rosso vik
The house is decent, the neighborhood school is a Magnet (I’m surprised no one mentioned this so far) and the streets remind me of the (Western half ) of the north shore. But alas the city worker in streets and sans bought these homes long ago (this particular one prior to 1986) when the only middle class families willing to stay in the city did so because of residency requirements. THe house needs renovation. Old windows I’m sure, kitchen needs to be gutted, the floors probably need to be redone. what about the plumbing? Galvinized I’m sure, and the plaster probably has 20 layers of paint throughout the years. At this price the buyers will need to be two city workers, both foremen or the like, each making well over the median salary for Chicago. Prices in this neighborhood have been so sticky. Remove the residency requirement, and that’s the only thing keeping prices stable.
“the neighborhood school is a Magnet (I’m surprised no one mentioned this so far)”
KEWL i new there was a reason for busing. given i was way far off on my assumption for it 😉
“the neighborhood school is a Magnet”
What does it mean to be a neighborhood and magnet. Is there still a proximity lottery, for kids close by but outside of the neighborhood boundaries? Is there a sibling lottery? Are a certain number of spots guaranteed to be non-neighborhood? Otherwise, how does it differ much from a regular neighborhood school?
“you need a hug you pansy?”
Who doesn’t? But it didn’t seem to do JZ much good (who is btw the @fo J reference for those with limited understanding ability, or whatev term mm used).
IIRC kids in the attendance area are allowed to attend without testing but students outside the attendance area must test to get in. Unlike other magnet schools, like the disneys, where all students have to test to get in. Wildwood however is no edgebrook school, the back-half of wildwood has smaller homes, much smaller, and far less expensive, like in the $200’s, and those low-income students drag down scores.
Wildwood is a neighborhood school that also accepts students via the CPS magnet school application process when available seats in a given grade are not taken by neighborhood students (enrollment is not guaranteed). There is no entrance exam for the magnet program.
My guess is, it’s very difficult to get in from outside the boundaries.
“IIRC kids in the attendance area are allowed to attend without testing but students outside the attendance area must test to get in”
“Magnets” are pure, non-test-based, lottery; “gifted” and “classical” require a test.
School’s webby agrees: http://www.wildwoodworldmagnet.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=99901&type=d
“There is no entrance exam as participation within the magnet program for Wildwood is determined via a lottery.”
IIRC IIRC IIRC you are the master of acronyms anon(tfo)
I know quite a few people who live in this area. None work for the City.
Yeah, you’re right VJ, the owner of this property worked for Cook County, not the City….but it’s well known that Wildwood has been a community of residency requirements.
Actually VJ the owner of this property worked for the state police, then the city of chicago police dept., and then after retirement, worked for a few years at the cook county sheriff’s office.
“IIRC IIRC IIRC you are the master of acronyms anon(tfo)”
Ok, so you’d have preferred a simple “HD DNRC”?
“Ok, so you’d have preferred a simple “HD DNRC”?
LOL OK, ur funny 😉
Why is everyone getting wild wood over Wildwood and yet no love for the ‘burbs?
“matthewlesko (May 15, 2012, 4:09 pm)
Why is everyone getting wild wood over Wildwood and yet no love for the ‘burbs?”
I know, that imaginary line between wildwood and niles is like the difference between north and south korea to the posters here.
Or Lincoln Park and ELP
“the difference between north and south korea to the posters here.”
these are not mutually exclusive statements, why are you being defensive?
“I know quite a few people who live in this area. None work for the City.”
“it’s well known that Wildwood has been a community of residency requirements.”
Based on all the talk about CPS and city workers, I gather that Wildwood and Forest Glen are in the city. Is that the case? (Too busy today to click on the listing in order to look at the map.) I think the house looks nice.
homedelete (May 15, 2012, 4:10 pm)
“matthewlesko (May 15, 2012, 4:09 pm)
Why is everyone getting wild wood over Wildwood and yet no love for the ‘burbs?”
I know, that imaginary line between wildwood and niles is like the difference between north and south korea to the posters here.
—-
It is. Niles is a Dump.
matthewlesko (May 15, 2012, 4:09 pm)
Why is everyone getting wild wood over Wildwood and yet no love for the ‘burbs?
I like Close burbs – Wilmette, Kenilworth, Park Ridge, sort of Oak Park,
I don’t like Lake in the Hills, Oswego, Plainfield etc.
” I gather that Wildwood and Forest Glen are in the city. Is that the case?”
No, funnily enough they are subdivisions in Cary.
homedelete (May 15, 2012, 3:14 pm)
The house is decent, the neighborhood school is a Magnet (I’m surprised no one mentioned this so far) and the streets remind me of the (Western half ) of the north shore. But alas the city worker in streets and sans bought these homes long ago (this particular one prior to 1986) when the only middle class families willing to stay in the city did so because of residency requirements. THe house needs renovation. Old windows I’m sure, kitchen needs to be gutted, the floors probably need to be redone. what about the plumbing? Galvinized I’m sure, and the plaster probably has 20 layers of paint throughout the years. At this price the buyers will need to be two city workers, both foremen or the like, each making well over the median salary for Chicago. Prices in this neighborhood have been so sticky. Remove the residency requirement, and that’s the only thing keeping prices stable.
—–
I disagree. Its an Edison Park type neighborhood. Its holding value due to location and the neighborhood feel you get. People grow up here and move back. Its a desirable hood with big lots and a good location to both burbs and DT.
“I don’t like Lake in the Hills, Oswego, Plainfield etc.”
I agree, if you’re going to live in towns like that, you may as well move to suburban Indianapolis. It’s a lot cheaper.
“I agree, if you’re going to live in towns like that, you may as well move to suburban Indianapolis. It’s a lot cheaper.”
And just as shitty.
Missed that part.
Phil & anon, here’s the listing history. It looks like it had one of those Feb contracts we heard so much about.
4/12/2012 Price Change $498,000 Call Broker
3/2/2012 Reactivated $524,900 Call Broker
2/23/2012 Contract $524,900 Call Broker
1/9/2012 Price Change $524,900 Call Broker
10/22/2011 Price Change $528,900 Call Broker
10/5/2011 Listed $548,999 Call Broker
10/5/2011 Cancelled $548,999 Call Broker
9/21/2011 Price Change $548,999 Call Broker
8/8/2011 Price Change $564,999 Call Broker
6/26/2011 Price Change $574,900 Call Broker
6/7/2011 Price Change $579,900 Call Broker
4/14/2011 Listed $589,900 Call Broker
4/19/2011 Cancelled $599,900 Call Broker
3/21/2011 Price Change $599,900 Call Broker
10/27/2010 Price Change $629,999 Call Broker
9/23/2010 Price Change $645,900 Call Broker
8/23/2010 Price Change $664,900 Call Broker
7/18/2010 Price Change $679,900 Call Broker
5/17/2010 Listed $689,900 Call Broker
“this is north shore in chicago” “your kids will still get to claim they are tough and streetwise to just about everyone not from chicago”
Being from Edison Park I think that we played that card pretty well. Thought that I was a tough city kid in my teens. That place is and was a far different reality than most other Chicago hoods.
“I wonder though if sellers rather than repeatedly dropping the price on homes that need a bit of updating, were to offer say a $40K kitchen remodel credit, if that would attract more buyers.”
Great idea but it would never work. The bank who is providing a mortgage for the buyer would not overfund the buyer when they see that they are getting a major pile of cash at the closing table. Especially if it is for cosmetic issues. Perhaps it works for an all cash buyer but in the end that is just really a $40K price drop.
http://cpsoae.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=72702&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=121717&hideMenu=1
There is no test to get in to Disney I or II or any magnet school. I’m kind of surprised HD would post this since he used to live in OIP.
I’ve known a bunch of people who write off CPS or move to the suburbs (supposedly “for the schools”) with fundamental misconceptions about the basics. Don’t get me wrong, Chicago school policies can be complicated, difficult, and unstable. But so are lots of high-stakes things in life (accounting, law, insurance, military strategy). I’ve never seen anyone say, %#$* it, I’m just not gonna bother trying to make any money cuz I can’t keep up with all the convoluted financial and tax decisions.
I guess I shouldn’t complain, cuz that means just a little bit less competition…
“IIRC kids in the attendance area are allowed to attend without testing but students outside the attendance area must test to get in. Unlike other magnet schools, like the disneys, where all students have to test to get in.”
Yeah Wildwood is magnet it’s NOT gifted. Big Difference
Sorry, i was wrong, but then again, living in the soul crushing suburban utopia, i quite frankly don’t care either.
“Based on all the talk about CPS and city workers, I gather that Wildwood and Forest Glen are in the city. Is that the case? (Too busy today to click on the listing in order to look at the map.) I think the house looks nice.’
Yes- it’s in the city.
“Sorry, i was wrong, but then again, living in the soul crushing suburban utopia, i quite frankly don’t care either.”
Wow, given up on life that quickly. The ‘burbs (or perhaps just your particular burb) really work fast.
“The ‘burbs (or perhaps just your particular burb) really work fast.”
life is wearing me down, all I see are toll brother tract homes for miles and miles, no trees – only streets named in their honor after they were cut down; bars are in strip malls, main routes have nothing but subdivisions and big box stores and parking lots. Traffic is everywhere and ever present; congestion is the name of the game. I’ve come to appreciate the finer architectural qualities of vinyl siding and Jeld-Wen windows. Actually, that’s not at all like a suburb I live in. Thank god for that. In fact, there’s only a handful of box stores in the entire town and they’re grocery stores.
The whitewashed brick looks great. There was one post once, where a knowledgeable person spoke against it. Anyone else have any input on whitewashing? Tks.
“life is wearing me down, all I see are toll brother tract homes for miles and miles, no trees – only streets named in their honor after they were cut down; bars are in strip malls, main routes have nothing but subdivisions and big box stores and parking lots. Traffic is everywhere and ever present; congestion is the name of the game. I’ve come to appreciate the finer architectural qualities of vinyl siding and Jeld-Wen windows. Actually, that’s not at all like a suburb I live in. Thank god for that. In fact, there’s only a handful of box stores in the entire town and they’re grocery stores.”
Reminds me of this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja3Die31ihk
“Based on all the talk about CPS and city workers, I gather that Wildwood and Forest Glen are in the city. Is that the case? (Too busy today to click on the listing in order to look at the map.)”
again how are you qualified to make unbiased comments on CC?
“Based on all the talk about CPS and city workers, I gather that Wildwood and Forest Glen are in the city. Is that the case? (Too busy today to click on the listing in order to look at the map.)”
“again how are you qualified to make unbiased comments on CC?”
How is it easier to comment on CC than the click on the map and look?
Groove and Icarus, perhaps I’m losing my touch. I used to be able to subtly imply that a particular community out yonder is effectively not in the city, as it doesn’t feel or look like the city and doesn’t offer quick access to the best things about the city, while retaining most of the challenges of the city, including those related to education, and should thus be forgone in favor of an actual inner burb.
“as it doesn’t feel or look like the city and doesn’t offer quick access to the best things about the city”
that is personal perception doode.
what does “the city” look like to you?
what do you consider the best things about “the city”?
what to you consider quick access?
p.s. these are all set up questions. now to stretch my fingers for the upcoming typing
“what does “the city” look like to you?”
At least a few mid-rises in the immediate hood, as well as 100+ year-old SFHs; 3 flats and courtyard buildings, and either from one’s home or within a couple of blocks, major high-rises within view (e.g., Hancock, Willis, Trump, etc.); within a couple of blocks of home, a coffee shop, bar, at least a couple of decent places to eat, cleaners, convenience/liquor store, and a small/mid-size food store; and the ability to hail a cab by walking no more than a couple of blocks, preferably one block.
“what do you consider the best things about ‘the city’?”
The lakefront; Lincoln Park (from Foster Beach to North Ave); the attractions within Lincoln Park such as the north pond, nature museum, lily pond, conservatory, zoo and south pond/conservation area; Millennium Park; the Art Institute; the Shedd, Field, Adler and Museum of Sci & Indus; Navy Pier (mainly for the Children’s Museum, but also for lake and river access); architectural river boat tours; Mag Mile; various neighborhood-specific restaurants; etc. I guess I’d include sports venues as well, but those are on specific dates; in that case, I’d add other things that occur only on specific dates, such as the Printer’s Row Lit Fest, various art and neighborhood fairs/festivals, Grant Park Music, the Symphony and various other music venues, plays, the marathon, etc.
“what do you consider quick access?”
Ideally, a very short walk; next would be a 15-20 minute bus or train ride or 5-10 minute drive or cab ride.
“what does “the city” look like to you?”
He’s one who considers NYC to only consist of Manhattan below 96th, yet (not anonny personally, perhaps, but the ilk) likes to brag about how NYC is the biggest city in America, which only happens when you include the other half of manhattan (population-wise) and at least one of the other “non-city” boroughs (exc. Richmond). The Manhattan that “counts” has a smaller population than Columbus, OH, and makes up a smaller portion of NYC’s total population than the 5 “qualifying” community areas in Chicago (LV, LP, NNS, Loop, NSS) do.
At least a few mid-rises in the immediate hood, as well as 100+ year-old SFHs; 3 flats and courtyard buildings, and either from one’s home or within a couple of blocks, major high-rises within view (e.g., Hancock, Willis, Trump, etc.); within a couple of blocks of home, a coffee shop, bar, at least a couple of decent places to eat, cleaners, convenience/liquor store, and a small/mid-size food store; and the ability to hail a cab by walking no more than a couple of blocks, preferably one block.
“what do you consider the best things about ‘the city’?”
The lakefront; Lincoln Park (from Foster Beach to North Ave); the attractions within Lincoln Park such as the north pond, nature museum, lily pond, conservatory, zoo and south pond/conservation area; Millennium Park; the Art Institute; the Shedd, Field, Adler and Museum of Sci & Indus; Navy Pier (mainly for the Children’s Museum, but also for lake and river access); architectural river boat tours; Mag Mile; various neighborhood-specific restaurants; etc. I guess I’d include sports venues as well, but those are on specific dates; in that case, I’d add other things that occur only on specific dates, such as the Printer’s Row Lit Fest, various art and neighborhood fairs/festivals, Grant Park Music, the Symphony and various other music venues, plays, the marathon, etc.
“what do you consider quick access?”
Ideally, a very short walk; next would be a 15-20 minute bus or train ride or 5-10 minute drive or cab ride.
——
Wildwood is NOT for you then Pal. I recommend Lincoln Park for you.
“I used to be able to subtly imply that a particular community out yonder is effectively not in the city, as it doesn’t feel or look like the city and doesn’t offer quick access to the best things about the city, while retaining most of the challenges of the city, including those related to education, and should thus be forgone in favor of an actual inner burb.”
I hate to be close to anonny’s view in this, as I don’t subscribe to his view of what constitutes the city, but I do agree that if you are going to be out yonder, as they say, and if a public attendance area high school option is important to you, you should very seriously consider nearby suburbs that may offer that. Not saying the burbs should nec win out, but they’ve got to be given a v close look.
“if you are going to be out yonder, as they say, and if a public attendance area high school option is important to you, you should very seriously consider nearby suburbs that may offer that”
Big, bold, 2.
“At least a few mid-rises in the immediate hood, as well as 100+ year-old SFHs; 3 flats and courtyard buildings, and either from one’s home or within a couple of blocks”
wildwood has a few midrises (def of high questionable), i would think 100 year old home is somewhere there too, three flat yes (off lehigh and touhy), court yard ummm there is an apartment complex with a parking courtyard
“major high-rises within view (e.g., Hancock, Willis, Trump, etc.);”
i can see those from mt prospect, and in LP you need a roof top or standing at the lake to see those
“within a couple of blocks of home, a coffee shop, bar, at least a couple of decent places to eat, cleaners, convenience/liquor store, and a small/mid-size food store”
wildwood has all that and more
“and the ability to hail a cab by walking no more than a couple of blocks”
niles is the home of the people who drive the cabs so i assume it will be easy to catch one. the walmart has 100 in the parking lot and many hang out by the edgebrook stop
“The lakefront; …………., Grant Park Music, the Symphony and various other music venues, plays, the marathon, etc.”
doode do all cities have a lake front? thought so and the rest of that paragraph please explain to me how if you live in wildwood yo are not allowed to attend any of those things?
“Ideally, a very short walk; next would be a 15-20 minute bus or train ride or 5-10 minute drive or cab ride.”
again you have taken the train 5 times, please stop quoting that.
also wildwood is actually more time conductive to all the things you listed only diff is you need a car.
so again explain to me again how you thing wildwood is NOT “the city” when its actually more city than the 5 block radius you never leave?
“but I do agree that if you are going to be out yonder, as they say, and if a public attendance area high school option is important to you, you should very seriously consider nearby suburbs that may offer that. Not saying the burbs should nec win out, but they’ve got to be given a v close look”
but why pay twice the taxes, for the only other amenity of a “better HS” (btw taft is not that bad, nor is von stueben)
and cant see living in niles as an option (the part the feeds to maine south), or in lincolnwood where the houses are more and taxes. and find me a better school HS combo in skokie than wildwood.
again just saying as groove is not against the burbs.
“again just saying as groove is not against the burbs”
But, as DZ sez, *must* consider the burbs. Totally ok to rule it out for reasons you note, but if you’re looking in Woldwood, and don’t *have* to be in the city, you also consider Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, don’t you?
“i can see those from mt prospect, and in LP you need a roof top or standing at the lake to see those”
I can see the Hancock and Willis (and my home) from my bus stop.
“niles is the home of the people who drive the cabs so i assume it will be easy to catch one. the walmart has 100 in the parking lot and many hang out by the edgebrook stop”
Brokers should include that blurb in their listings, as should the local chambers of commerce. Buyers and tourists will be falling all over themselves for the opportunity to spend any portion of this brief life in such a splendid sounding place.
“doode do all cities have a lake front?”
No, but we’re talking about this city. If you’d like to throw out some other places in this country, we can discuss the best things about those cities or towns.
“again you have taken the train 5 times, please stop quoting that”
I include the train (i) because much of the city is served by it and (ii) to be inclusive/generous. I still don’t want to live so far west that the el would be my best public transportation option, but I nonetheless appriciate its convenience to/from certain places.
“also wildwood is actually more time conductive to all the things you listed only diff is you need a car.”
Not sure that it’s is a quicker drive to any of the attractions I listed that are near the lakefront (compared to, for instance, living east of Clark between, say, Hawthorne and, say, Burton, and accessing LSD via the Belmont, Fullerton or North Ave entrances).
Oh dear. Had some time on my hands this moring, and squandered it without bothering to click on the subject property’s link. Now I’m busy again, and *still* don’t know where Wild Wood is located!
“the only other amenity of a “better HS” (btw taft is not that bad, nor is von stueben)”
I’m tempted to let my only two friends sort it out and tell me what to think (also, still trying to identify my half friend). Nevertheless,…
What are the non-financial upsides of this place relative to a close in burb place? Agree you have to consider costs and taxes and tuition*kids, etc. and see where that sorts out. But other than meeting city residency, what is the non-financial upside?
I dunno the park ridge etc. much at all. I do know that you could get something pretty comparable (perhaps better) at this price range in e.g. la grange. Higher taxes yes (not 2X higher), but v good/acceptable elem/mid/high schools.
Also, relevant question re taft/vsteuben is whether they are good enough as attendance schools for the likely occupant of this house, and I think no.
“relevant question re taft/vsteuben is whether they are good enough as attendance schools for the likely occupant of this house”
1. Taft would presumably have to be IB, which is a non-prohibitive admission standard.
2. Steuben is simlarly a selective enrollment school, with non-prohibitive standards. Likely the “scholars” program would be ok for likely occupant.
3. If the kid test below stanine 5, and is not an iep kid (which I would suggest would likely have driven one out of CPS much earlier), then, yeah, tough choices.
“Park Ridge, don’t you?”
park ridge yes the other two NOOOO
“1. Taft would presumably have to be IB, which is a non-prohibitive admission standard.
2. Steuben is simlarly a selective enrollment school, with non-prohibitive standards. Likely the “scholars” program would be ok for likely occupant.”
Is local residence part of requirement?
“Is local residence part of requirement?”
Nope. But … relative commute is a factor.
“I can see the Hancock and Willis (and my home) from my bus stop”
I can see the sears tower from my closest bus stop too. that a nice thing about very tall buildings
“spend any portion of this brief life in such a splendid sounding place. ”
hey its your fricken criteria buddy. is it sarcasm if your full circling it to yourself?
“No, but we’re talking about this city. If you’d like to throw out some other places in this country, we can discuss the best things about those cities or towns.”
you said “the city” if your are saying “chicago” as a city then yes wildwood is part of it. but you have some random falsehood of what a “city” is and are really outing yourself on that
“I still don’t want to live so far west that the el would be my best public transportation option”
that personal preference but your “preference” does not a city make
“Not sure that it’s is a quicker drive to any of the attractions I listed that are near the lakefront”
attractions, yes you are correct the “attractions” you listed will take longer to get to, but the day to day things are actually faster and less congested than your perception of “the city”. but when you listed ‘attractions” it wasnt under a time criteria it was a criteria of having it available. so again wildwood is available to use them and the day to day meat stuff needed its quicker to do than ELP
“Now I’m busy again, and *still* don’t know where Wild Wood is located!”
correct living in a bubble is great aint it, but going through live in your five mile radius makes you void of diversity (think beyond race HH/dan). When you try to fly your “i am city” flag you never really experienced the city you live in or the even the city you perceive.
not saying anything i say is correct, but i do know your view is crazy off whack.
funny how someone can travel the world and yet has no clue about where they live
“what is the non-financial upside?”
mental health and type of neighbors.
face it if you have kids you will have to interact with the the people there. and just from this thread you can get a glimpse of how people in the burbs think and act to ELP’ers think and act, and NWsider’s think and act. (for the south side just read the crime section of the paper)
but again to me it all boils down to, find the best place you can closest to where you work. to some that balance will have you commuting from plainfield for others may choose avondale some choose LP.
commuting is wasted time and stress in so many ways, people are seeing it now. (only way i can explain West Town)
cut your commute down as far as possible and you will live a better life.
edgebrookgirl “Other houses in the neighborhood and edgebrook proper are selling quickly.”
You must be mistaken, no one wants to live in these outer areas of Chicago.
“but again to me it all boils down to, find the best place you can closest to where you work”
OK, so one works at Shure. The commute is a no-brainer.
Why, non-financially, here instead of Niles/Morton Grove/Park Ridge? Are the neighbors in Niles/MG (yeahyeah, PRer’s are diff) *really* that much different than Wildwood?
“Anyone else have any input on whitewashing?”
Ah, the irony Dan.
non-financial reasons for those house over the suburbs? first of all, it’s much closer to the metra than other suburbs. NOt that this house is walkable but there are plenty of walkable homes. Secondly, the neighborhood is more established – it has a strong irish catholic roots with some protestants here and there – not much diversity in that respect. third, the architecture of the neighborhood is spendid. A nice mix of 1960’s ranches, with pre-war colonials, tudors and other various styles. They’re small, on compact lots and it has density. The neighborhood is also very insular. despite being part of chicago and surronded by the soup that helmethoofer calls niles, you would never know this little area is part of chicago yet almost the suburbs. It’s like the neighborhood was built in the middle of a forest – because it pretty much is. Sure if I wanted to live in teh forest I’d move to riverwoods but for those of us who don’t want to live in lake county, this is a reasonable alternative for a very leafy, very picturesque, almost like a little piece of the north shore in chicago. Yes the homes are smaller and the lots are smaller, but it has that typical north shore character – very clean, very fine architecture, very leafy, somewhat wealthier (due to generous pensions and overtime rules of course) but still, it’s a gorgeous place to live.
“*really* that much different than Wildwood?”
*really*, its subjective but bieng a people person that i am i randomly talk (for too long sometimes) to strangers everywhere. you do that enough you catch the small vibes of the person and the area you are in.
To some they may not notice, actually probably don’t care, but even in areas that one would think are the same for example Winnetka and Glencoe there is a different energy between the residents. I for one couldnt deal with the winnetka residence on a daily basis so would not choose to live there but totally get the glenco residents and would live there is commute to work was applicable.
“OK, so one works at Shure”
darn good company to work for. which makes it hard to come by openings
anon (tfo) (May 16, 2012, 12:20 pm)
“again just saying as groove is not against the burbs”
But, as DZ sez, *must* consider the burbs. Totally ok to rule it out for reasons you note, but if you’re looking in Woldwood, and don’t *have* to be in the city, you also consider Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, don’t you?
Lincolnwood and Niles Suck. Park Ridge is pretty sweet.
“Lincolnwood and Niles Suck.”
And why does Wildwood NOT suck? It’s pretty much between the two.
Groove77 (May 16, 2012, 1:12 pm)
“what is the non-financial upside?”
mental health and type of neighbors.
face it if you have kids you will have to interact with the the people there. and just from this thread you can get a glimpse of how people in the burbs think and act to ELP’ers think and act, and NWsider’s think and act. (for the south side just read the crime section of the paper)
but again to me it all boils down to, find the best place you can closest to where you work. to some that balance will have you commuting from plainfield for others may choose avondale some choose LP.
commuting is wasted time and stress in so many ways, people are seeing it now. (only way i can explain West Town)
cut your commute down as far as possible and you will live a better life.
———————
+1000
Plus drive around Wildwood, Edgebrook, Edison Park – people are out and about riding bikes, chatting with neighbors, hanging at the Parks. They are true communities
A guy at work who lives in Huntley on 1.5 acres doesn’t get the idea I’d want my kids to actually socialize with other kids. His idea is to let his 3 kids play by themselves in the back yard in some Menards Swing Set. Boring !!
“A guy at work who lives in Huntley on 1.5 acres doesn’t get the idea I’d want my kids to actually socialize with other kids. His idea is to let his 3 kids play by themselves in the back yard in some Menards Swing Set. Boring !!”
Actually that guy knows he made a massive mistake, he just can’t admit it.
“And why does Wildwood NOT suck? It’s pretty much between the two.”
the people who live there. and the housing stock is prettier and streets are more mature with mature greenery.
and lincolnwood is the king of mcmansion’s (name probably spawned from there) and the type of people that would purposely build the tacky things you see there are not people you would like to interact with on a daily basis.
“His idea is to let his 3 kids play by themselves in the back yard in some Menards Swing Set. Boring !”
go to anon’s hood and they dont believe in back yards (some built into them then gator deck it) they frickin live on the front lawns. a Saturday morning walk is dodging 3-5 year olds on tricycles walking over girls with sidewalk chalk and them damn yuppies and there oversized dogs leashed to a 95 lb hottie wife.
“Actually that guy knows he made a massive mistake, he just can’t *sell* it. (it meaning home)”
i edited that for you
anon (tfo) (May 16, 2012, 3:00 pm)
“Lincolnwood and Niles Suck.”
And why does Wildwood NOT suck? It’s pretty much between the two.
——–
They just suck. Drive around them and you’ll get it.
“Lincolnwood and Niles Suck.”
Lincolnwood sucks, Niles has some HILARIOUS older strip malls with bizarre tenants and immigrant businesses, crazy restaurants, etc.. Milkster needs to road trip along the Milwaukee Ave. corridor up that way (basically Touhy to Golf Rd.). Visit Golf Mill in December shopping season, and the people/young adult watching is unreal.
“lincolnwood is the king of mcmansion’s (name probably spawned from there) and the type of people that would purposely build the tacky things you see there are not people you would like to interact with on a daily basis.”
Lincolnwood is for second-rate versions of Tony Rezko, and old-fart Jackie Mason fans who own mail order businesses, etc..
“a Saturday morning walk is dodging 3-5 year olds on tricycles walking over girls with sidewalk chalk and them damn yuppies and there oversized dogs leashed to a 95 lb hottie wife.”
This is like every day that it’s nice in the summer on my block. Although 95 lbs is way too light for me to consider a hottie.
“Visit Golf Mill in December shopping season, and the people/young adult watching is unreal.”
You remembered I love people-watching, street life and street-style!
I don’t know where this is, but I will look it up.
I was exploring around the Southside recently and made a trek to Ford City Mall, but was very disappointed. It was deserted and style-challenged on a Thursday night.
Dan –
Any food recommendations in that area?
Thanks!
Who’s Dan? I can tell you that as a big fan of Nepalese food, I often visit the Himalayan Restaurant in Niles with my librarian girlfriend and her two teenage adoptees. We have so much fun and it’s so interesting!
“Visit Golf Mill in December shopping season”
…
“I don’t know where this is, but I will look it up”
In the style of the time, it’s named after it’s location: Golf and Mil(l)waukee.
My favorite shopping center name is ‘Dunhurst’ after Dundee and Elmhurst Roads. that was a dumpy shopping center.
Anybody remember Randhurst Mall? (rand and elmhurst?)
http://www.deadmalls.com/malls/randhurst_mall.html
“In the style of the time, it’s named after it’s location: Golf and Mil(l)waukee.”
Didn’t know that. thanks.
So then Old Orchard is….
It’s been mostly rebuilt as a lifestyle center in recent years, now known as Randhurst Village.
http://g.co/maps/vy9jn
Dunhurst Plaza, far NW suburban Cook County…
Old Orchard, Oak Brook and River Oaks were Phil Klutznick’s open air shopping center developments in the 50’s-60’s. Randhurst was the first enclosed mall in Chicagoland.
“Didn’t know that. thanks.”
Burwood Tap. Elmont Liquors. Glenbard. Glenbrook. Chicago’s lousy with the portmanteau variations.
“Burwood Tap. Elmont Liquors. Glenbard. Glenbrook. Chicago’s lousy with the portmanteau variations”
its the chicago way, who cares what you name it as long as you get tax dollars from it and your union brother in-law built it is all that matters
and really who would want to live on a street named Tonty?
it sounds like a odd sex position/move
or the are between my junk and the exit circle
or a foot fungus
The mall mentions were interesting. Thanks for those. Are there any good malls left though? I’m kind of disappointed. I thought Chicago would have more of a mall/youth culture but it seems to have died out in the 80s. I also checked out Harlem-Irving Plaza which was just meh. The fancy mall in Oak Brook was too expensive with an older crowd and no food. I like Cermak Plaza in Berwyn because the Burlington Coat Factory is huge and not picked over like the one in Manhattan and because it has an OG, but other than that it has check-cashing and empty storefronts. Depressing. Honestly malls in Queens are way busier with better merchandise than the Chicago malls even though malls are conceptually antithetical to everyone’s idea of NYC.
Dan, can I hitch a ride wichu to Golf Road? I don’t have a car yet and I still only have my learner’s permit so I have to be supervised 🙂
“I thought Chicago would have more of a mall/youth culture”
That previous mall generation has contracepted and aborted and homo-ized itself into non-reproduction, so today the mall kids are instead replaced by immigrants, which the “bleh” you see at HIP and Golf Mill, etc. These mall rats are of course style-challenged, and also obese and impecunious. You might have to watch Fast Times or Valley Girl to see a glimpse of the extinct culture.
HD – I remember Randhurst well. I can recall the smell of the candy/popcorn counter in Weiboldt’s and the huge floor tiles with the alternating colors, as well as a lot of other stores that were there in the 70s.
Milkster – Chicago proper never really had a mall culture. It’s all out in the suburbs and came about as a result of suburban sprawl. You want to go out to Schaumburg and check out Woodfield. Largest mall in the country when it was built in ’71. The rest are flung around the suburbs like Yorktown, Hawthorne and others I’m sure I’m forgetting.
“Burwood Tap. Elmont Liquors. Glenbard. Glenbrook. Chicago’s lousy with the portmanteau variations”
Beachwood Inn in Wicker Park.
Palwaukee Airport
“Who’s Dan?”
Not this again Dan.
“When you try to fly your “i am city” flag you never really experienced the city you live in or the even the city you perceive.”
Groove, this is so true. I was one of these people until I started CribChatter. It has opened my eyes to how vast the city is and the differences among the various neighborhoods.
There is SO much more to Chicago than just Lincoln Park. So much more. That’s why I appreciate all of you who take the time to really explore everything about this place (including Milkster and others- who fill us in on their adventures in neighborhoods outside of the GZ.)
Anyone see the movie “Hunger Games”? It’s like the selfish “capitol crowd” in the movie is analogous to the GZ hoods: Gold Coast/Highland Park-ish types, boystown/merchandise mart millieu, includes the self-absorbed candid candice crowd, etc. They are generally preoccupied with gaudy fashion and furniture, flashy parties and mass entertainment, while completely unconcerned with and insensitive to any poverty and desperation that prevails elsewhere outside their confines.
Then you have all these non-GZ districts. Like, District 12 is the NW Side. Logan Sq. is District 10. The Southside is District 9 (or whatever). Little Village is another district the elite look-down upon. Etc. Etc.
“That’s why I appreciate all of you who take the time to really explore everything about this place (including Milkster and others- who fill us in on their adventures in neighborhoods outside of the GZ.)”
I’m always unsure what camping supplies to take with on my excursions outside the GZ. One time I left my solar still at home and was suffering from dehydration. And then you have to make sure you satellite phone is fully charged, etc.
Good one helmethofer. I’ve always kinda thought of Sabrina as Effie Trinket.
Lawrel Liquors and Tap in Mayfair.
Groove is the designated goodwill ambassador from District 12, who helps keep peace, optimism up, and revolt down. Miumiu has just about gained acceptance into the odd-contorted-face Capitol, candid candice scene. Bob is like a messianic alpha from a numbered District that gives mankind hope of an overthrow and return to normalcy. Milkster floats around the various Districts trying to find happiness in the poverty and is unconcerned about the capitol. Nate Berkus is the Stanley Tucci guy.
“Then you have all these non-GZ districts. Like, District 12 is the NW Side. Logan Sq. is District 10. The Southside is District 9 (or whatever). Little Village is another district the elite look-down upon. Etc. Etc.”
Dan, just curious. Do you like these neighborhoods?
You possess this dichotomous mix of scorn and fascination and I find it interesting.
I like it that you also like to explore around the city.
Obviously I don’t agree with everything you say, but I see where you are coming from in some respects because it makes me angry too when people don’t respect their neighbors, litter and destroy property.
You mentioned Little Village.
I like Pilsen and Little Village.
18th Street and Cermak Road are colorful and full of retail.
As far as buying property goes I think Pilsen has become too expensive, at least for my budget.
I looked at a couple of houses further west along the Pink Line by Douglas Park but passed on them.
I really can’t tell which way that area is going to go.
The first thing I saw when I got off the L at California was a dead and flattened rat.
I like the el proximity and old pretty brick housing stock, but a lot of it was falling into decrepitude and there was so much trash everywhere it was unbelievable.
One of the homes I looked at had about 25 of those black rat trap boxes arranged around it.
Such a shame.
It’s not an area where I would want to live now and I’m reluctant to take a chance on it for the future.
Apologies for going off topic on Wildwood.
milky,
“I also checked out Harlem-Irving Plaza”
took a turn in 2001 has been shyte since
“The fancy mall in Oak Brook”
Its not fun there its the Clio types with thier 20 year old gold diggers. wife goes there lots but in the day during the week its tolerable.
“Cermak Plaza in Berwyn”
that and riverside mall is a bit lack of selection
“Golf mill”
if it wanst the only Jc penny in the area and sears close it would have closed long ago
now the groove love him the northbrook court, but not for reasons you would like. its always empty during holiday season its a dream to shop in. now woodfield even during a regular weekend would cause the most normal person to beg for anxiety pills.
Personally we gave up on mall shopping and big box store shopping, it lost its it factor. especially its teen and tween culture, you know the hanging out and wearing the new fashions before they even become popular/trendy.
some malls (harlem irving plaza) just turned into teen thug hook up places. and there is nothing fashionable about a 3x too big white t-shirt with a bedazzled straight brim hat.
“Groove, this is so true. I was one of these people until I started CribChatter. It has opened my eyes to how vast the city is and the differences among the various neighborhoods.”
many many transplants fall into this thought. I share the milkster curiousity, even when i travel on business i alway book a hotel in the heart of the town/city and walk around to see things. I try to take bus or train from the airport. and will skip a business dinner and grab a cab and have him take me somewhere away from the commercial potbelly/starbucks areas. I like to get the vibe of the real people and the real areas.
now i am not as venturous as milky, i dont think i would walk or go as far out as she does (time constraints) but i do my best to enjoy the real parts of every town or city.
“Nate Berkus is the Stanley Tucci guy”
now that was funny LOL the movie and book sucked azz, but i think Tucci should get an award for that character!
you know what so did dragon tattoo, even the swedish subtilte version sucked and the book was way to slow to start i gave up on it. Wifey says it got better but i could force myself anymore.
“Groove, this is so true. I was one of these people until I started CribChatter. It has opened my eyes to how vast the city is and the differences among the various neighborhoods.”
despite HD’s belief that I am from Iowa, I grew up in Humboldt Park, which last time I checked was in the city (pending verification on Annony-Mapquest). If I had a dollar for every time a co-worker transplant from Michigan, Wisconsin or India referred to the city as “downtown” I’d be able to buy any property I wanted.
BTW: Along the lines of our Hunger Games mime, I picture HD as Haymitch Abernathy.
“i alway book a hotel in the heart of the town/city and walk around to see things”
You mean something like GC/MM/ELP?
Icarus, I konw you’re from Humboldt Park, Iowa.
“You mean something like GC/MM/ELP?”
LOL
“If I had a dollar for every time a co-worker transplant from Michigan, Wisconsin or India referred to the city as “downtown” I’d be able to buy any property I wanted.”
And if you had another dollar for every co-worker/friend/acquaintence who grew up in Palatine or Buffalo Grove or LaGrange who tells those transplants that they grew up “in” Chicago, you could buy every penthouse in town.
Then there is the opposite issue of people who never, ever come into the city thinking that *everywhere* in the city is walking distance to the loop, overcrowded, rife with drug gang violence and twice as expensive as London and/or hearing you say you live with your family in Chicago asking “where” and expecting to hear Naperville or Northbrook or something.
Groove77 (May 17, 2012, 8:58 am)
milky,
“I also checked out Harlem-Irving Plaza”
took a turn in 2001 has been shyte since
“The fancy mall in Oak Brook”
Its not fun there its the Clio types with thier 20 year old gold diggers. wife goes there lots but in the day during the week its tolerable.
“Cermak Plaza in Berwyn”
that and riverside mall is a bit lack of selection
“Golf mill”
if it wanst the only Jc penny in the area and sears close it would have closed long ago
now the groove love him the northbrook court, but not for reasons you would like. its always empty during holiday season its a dream to shop in. now woodfield even during a regular weekend would cause the most normal person to beg for anxiety pills.
Personally we gave up on mall shopping and big box store shopping, it lost its it factor. especially its teen and tween culture, you know the hanging out and wearing the new fashions before they even become popular/trendy.
some malls (harlem irving plaza) just turned into teen thug hook up places. and there is nothing fashionable about a 3x too big white t-shirt with a bedazzled straight brim hat.
————————-
Im a big fan of Northbrook Court. I bring the kids up there for the Treehouse. I’ll grab a Starbucks and relax watching all the Hot Moms. I can also kill about an hour of fun with my son in the lego store letting him play without having to actually buy anything.
Golf Mill – GHETTO. Not a fan of that place one bit from the Seagulls in the parking lot to the gross food court.
By the way, what ever happened to Clio. He would be all over this mall discussion.
“Then there is the opposite issue of people who never, ever come into the city thinking that *everywhere* in the city is walking distance to the loop, overcrowded, rife with drug gang violence and twice as expensive as London and/or hearing you say you live with your family in Chicago asking “where” and expecting to hear Naperville or Northbrook or something.”
I love those people, the jaw drop and double ask makes me laugh. Only poor blacks live in the City….
Vlajos (May 17, 2012, 10:01 am)
“Then there is the opposite issue of people who never, ever come into the city thinking that *everywhere* in the city is walking distance to the loop, overcrowded, rife with drug gang violence and twice as expensive as London and/or hearing you say you live with your family in Chicago asking “where” and expecting to hear Naperville or Northbrook or something.”
I love those people, the jaw drop and double ask makes me laugh. Only poor blacks live in the City….
—————————
Ha! that is my redneck co-worker who lives in Huntley. He doesn’t get it when I tell him the traffic on the NW Side is easier than Lake In the Hills. He’s very content having his 3 kids play in the back yard of his 1.5 acre lot by themselves while his stay at home Mom throws out the paper plates from the $35 they just spent on Pizza because she was on Facebook all day and didn’t have time to cook.
“Im a big fan of Northbrook Court. I bring the kids up there for the Treehouse.”
“in the lego store letting him play without having to actually buy anything”
explain to me how you do it? tree house between land of nod and lego (i miss galt toys) there is no way i dont leave with out some kind of toy. and he know remembers the new toy store upstairs with the galt style thomas train table set up.
Groove77 (May 17, 2012, 11:00 am)
“Im a big fan of Northbrook Court. I bring the kids up there for the Treehouse.”
“in the lego store letting him play without having to actually buy anything”
explain to me how you do it? tree house between land of nod and lego (i miss galt toys) there is no way i dont leave with out some kind of toy. and he know remembers the new toy store upstairs with the galt style thomas train table set up.
I guess it depends on age 🙂 They have computers and stuff and a bunch of random lego pcs and when he asks if he can have something I just say ask Santa.
“He doesn’t get it when I tell him the traffic on the NW Side is easier than Lake In the Hills.”
Not including the expressways (I think the Junction gets over 300,000 cars per day), I’d love to know exactly what surface road/intersection in Chicagoland has the highest traffic count, maybe Golf Road in Schaumburg? I know the various counties all produce traffic count maps, and retail developers and brokers use them, maybe one of them could tell us?
“I like Pilsen and Little Village”
If you go walking around LV, bring a Kershaw with you in case you have to remove a pit bull from your arm or leg.
“what surface road/intersection in Chicagoland has the highest traffic count”
Not a full answer, but a start:
http://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/mapviewer.aspx?mt=aadt
“he asks if he can have something I just say ask Santa”
yeah until he grasped the santa concept that didnt work, it has helped now but i am hoping by age 7 my pocket books will grow and not shrink
There is a Senior Freeze, and Long Time HomeOwner exemption on this house. The taxes will be closer to $10k+ for 2200+ sq ft.
Dahlia (May 17, 2012, 6:33 pm)
There is a Senior Freeze, and Long Time HomeOwner exemption on this house. The taxes will be closer to $10k+ for 2200+ sq ft.
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
It’s NOT Lincoln Park
I say no more than $8 with proper appeals
Its now under contract… I hope the current Buyers know the sellers did a “Do It Yourself” job this past March and removed Asbestos from the attic with a broom, garbage bag and shop vac!
Buyers should ask the sellers why a contract in Feb fell through, and they will tell you asbestos in the attic. Then they should ask if its still in the attic and Sellers will say “nope”. Then ask if it was professionally abated and for a receipt, and then listen to the silence…
“Dahlia (June 13, 2012, 2:08 pm) ”
let me guess you were the contract in february?
“I say no more than $8 with proper appeals”
Everybody told me my taxes could be reduced too, until I looked at the comparables in my area and there was no way my market value was going to drop by a 1/3rd compared to the market value of every single house with my sq footage in a 1 mile radius in my township. No F’in way, I didn’t even bother appealing.
Dahlia, how do you know that exactly? I would think even the cheapest homeowner would still pay a professional to remove Asbestos.
“I hope the current Buyers know the sellers did a “Do It Yourself” job this past March and removed Asbestos from the attic with a broom, garbage bag and shop vac!”
“Dahlia (June 13, 2012, 2:08 pm)
Its now under contract… I hope the current Buyers know the sellers did a “Do It Yourself” job this past March and removed Asbestos from the attic with a broom, garbage bag and shop vac!
Buyers should ask the sellers why a contract in Feb fell through, and they will tell you asbestos in the attic. Then they should ask if its still in the attic and Sellers will say “nope”. Then ask if it was professionally abated and for a receipt, and then listen to the silence…”
As long as they used a Dyson or HEPA filtered vaccuum i suppose it’s OK for the buyer but I wouldn’t want to look at the lungs of the sellers…