River West Condos
River West is a pocket in Chicago that not a lot of people pay too much attention to. Reason being is that it is a relatively new Chicago Neighborhood. It seems to be the perfect spot for residents looking for a little more peace and quiet without moving too far from downtown. It is located on the west bank of the Chicago River’s South Branch. It is part of the West Loop Community as it is bordered by Division, Grand, and the Kennedy Expressway. It also rubs elbow with Wicker Park and River North.
River West is known for its charming traditional family-owned restaurants, bakeries and flower and produce stands. River West also boasts the United Center stadium as well. The area is becoming very popular as it is being rediscovered by a new generation of city dwellers.
River West has become increasingly residential although warehouses still stand in much of River West, and there is still plenty of truck traffic shipping goods in and out along Halsted Street and Grand Avenue. The recent influx of wealthy residents came on the coattails of two major developments in River West: the backdrop of a burgeoning arts scene and an increasingly popular setting for nightlife and restaurants. Artists first moved in to capitalize on cheap rents, which started the gradual transformation from a meatpacking and manufacturing district to one that attracts flocks of art enthusiasts on the weekends.
The price of housing is not too expensive especially compared to River North. A one-two bedroom condo/loft starts in the mid $100,000s, whereas a three bedroom could cost anywhere between upper $200,000s to upper two million dollars. The average sale for a three bedroom townhouse is $423,000. River West offers dozens of new office and residential loft conversions as well as many renovated two and three flats, newly constructed townhomes an brand new loft communities rising from old warehouses and factories. Reminiscent of its industry days is definitely part of the concrete and steel jungle of city living, but the contemporary designs of the freshly rehabbed buildings provide an innovative environment that is appealing to Chicagoans of all types of people. Trendy designs and upgraded amenities have become the norm in this new aged community in the heart of the near north side.
There are many things to do and see in River West. River West residents enjoy unparalleled access to some of the most exciting districts and neighborhoods in Chicago. The city has many finer restaurants and cafes that are all along Randolph Street. Also, River west dining and nightlife is so spectacular that it is know to attract Chicagoans from outside the neighborhood.
Loft Style living in Chicago
Loft style living seems to be the new trend in certain parts of Chicago. Because they are so new, many people have different opinions as to whether or not loft style living would suitable for their lifestyle. There are many pros and cons to loft style living and although many people enjoy lofts, many people do not appreciate them at all. Loft style condos tend to have a lot of open space, high ceilings and cement and brick interiors. They are typically found in older parts of town that were most likely ignored. Therefore, the neighborhoods often are not that desirable, however; are in close proximity to the city.
Loft style living is known to boast open space. Some people enjoy the large open space. Young single that work at home often enjoy having a large open space to live in. You can work in one part of the house and not feel cut off from any of the other areas. Open space lofts can be great for many other reasons as well. The open space in lofts is great for anything from making a mini art studio to a dance floor for parties. You can see and enjoy all of your guests and the music can reach any corner of the room. Roommates and families tend to stay away from loft style condos for these exact reasons and many others. A large open space in not well suited for sharing. There is not much privacy in lofts and sound seems to travel a lot throughout the loft. The lack of walls and separate spaces can be a challenge for those who would like to do their own thing and not be disturbed.
The Environment is very unique in loft style living as well. The buildings tend to be a younger crown and have a large percentage of rentals. The condos most likely were bought when a person was young and then as they grew older, they rented it out. Also, the interior tends to be a colder environment. Many young singles think it’s cool and interestingly enough much of the older generation feels the opposite. In colder climates the open space of the Chicago condo lofts can be hard to keep warm and heated. The ceilings are very high; therefore the heating bills can prove quite expensive.
Because loft style living seems to appeal to a very specific crowd, Chicago Lofts may not be the best choice for an investment. The market demographic is financially the weakest. Not only that, but there are a small percentage of high end buyers that would gravitate towards lofts. For those of you who are looking to purchase a new condo in Chicago, just do some research and see if Loft style Living is for you.
