First, let me be clear, West Lakeview is not in Lakeview. Just like only part of the South Loop is actually in the Loop. West Lakeview is in North Center.
On Sunday I strolled into an open house at 1936 W. Oakdale. I was impressed. Listed by Jill Halpern from Park Place Real Estate Services, this 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath single family home is priced at $685,000 and is located in a great neighborhood about one block from Hamlin Park.
Standing in front of this house or looking at the front photo below you will underestimate the size of the home. In fact, during my short visit I never did figure out how they got all that space in there. I’m guessing it’s around 2400 – 2500 square feet, although square footage is not listed. About half of the basement is finished and one of the big surprises is that, despite the shape of the roof, the ceilings are not angled upstairs.
On the main level the floor plan is very open, with hardwood floors, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances. It also has a dual zone HVAC system, a 2 car garage, and a deck off the master bedroom. Purchasing the home in July 2008 for $696,000, the current owner apparently did a lot of work on the home in the short time she owned it, though I don’t know the details.
The other thing about this house is that it is impeccably rehabbed and decorated. The house is pristine. It gleams. While some people might recoil in horror at the thought of purple walls I think it works, despite the advice of Sabrina Soto (Get It Sold).
For $685,000 I think this home is a deal. If you’d like to check it out they are having another open house this Sunday from 11 – 1.
Congrats on the new platform here, Gary. And thank you, Chicago Now, for making this happen. I was sorry to see Maureen’s Rent or Buy? blog shut down.
Best of luck.
-Michael
Depending on who you talk to, West Lakeview is in Lake View, not in North Center. Your take reflects the more common current usage, but it’s not the only possible view.
Long-time residents of the area bounded by Belmont, Addison, Racine and Ravenswood – in Lake View – have long referred to their area as West Lakeview. See:
http://www.lakeviewcitizens.org/wln.asp
Too many conflicting definitions out there. That’s why I like to refer to your ultimate neighborhood guide, which I consider a great resource: http://knol.google.com/k/the-ultimate-list-of-chicago-neighborhoods# At least it’s internally consistent and well thought out.
Great retort, Gary.
That is a good resouroce – I spent a lot of time writing it.