| If you're shopping for a new home and have | | | | Kohler fixtures, ceramic tile shower surround, 6 |
| about $350,000 in your budget, you might want | | | | foot Seville soaking tub and Wellborn Forest |
| to consider that your dollar amount will sometimes | | | | vanity and cabinets. |
| buy a little more condo in the suburbs than it will | | | | Main Street Station is another development in |
| in downtown Chicago. Of course you have to | | | | Evanston where you can stretch your money a |
| weigh the pros and cons of suburban living as | | | | little further. The nine story low-rise building |
| opposed to in town, and that always varies | | | | contains 71 condos that have from one to two |
| depending on lifestyle, work and personal | | | | bedrooms plus option den and 950 to 1,600 |
| preferences. | | | | square feet. Pricing ranges from $299,900 to |
| Some people thrive on the energy and rush of | | | | $540,900. Delivery is expected late in 2008 for |
| living in the heart of Chicago. There is close | | | | these units and again, all the standard luxury |
| proximity to everything; transportation, often | | | | perks apply. Hardwood flooring, granite counter |
| your job, world class entertainment, shopping and | | | | tops in the kitchens and top of the line energy |
| dining options. Others prefer a slower pace, a little | | | | efficient appliances are included in the deal. The |
| less rushed. Many of the suburbs also have | | | | building also has a fully equipped fitness center and |
| excellent entertainment and dining options as well | | | | gathering room. Buyers will also get one parking |
| as access to quick and easy public transportation. | | | | space with their condo and any additional spaces |
| The smaller communities on the North Shore | | | | can be purchased for about $25,000. |
| have a lot to offer, including some of the best | | | | Another Evanston development that is hot on the |
| schools and environments in which to raise a | | | | market are the Winthrop Club Condos on 1567 |
| family. They also are fantastic places to settle | | | | Maple. At 15 stories and 110 units, this tower is |
| once you are retired. | | | | set to deliver in mid to late 2008 and is a LEED |
| So before you limit your search to condos or | | | | certified green building. Parking is included in the |
| town homes on Michigan Avenue, why not take a | | | | price of a condo here, which starts at $329,000. |
| look at a few of the developments profiled in this | | | | Nine foot ceilings, eco-friendly materials like |
| article. Just remember that while the prices and | | | | bamboo flooring and doors, energy efficient |
| specifics listed are current at the time of this | | | | heating, cooling, and GE appliances all add to the |
| writing, the developer always reserves the right | | | | green theme. Wall to wall carpeting is installed in |
| to modify them at any time. | | | | the bedrooms, marble counter tops, porcelain tile |
| Grand Bend at Green Bay in Evanston has a lot | | | | in the baths and Italian cabinets give the condos a |
| to offer potential buyers. The one to three | | | | European flair. The building also sports a 24 hour |
| bedroom condos range in price from about | | | | doorman and is close to both the CTA and Metra |
| $300,000 up to $700,000 with from 915 to 2,055 | | | | stations for quick transportation options. |
| square feet. The six story building has 49 condos | | | | Skokie is home to Optima at Old Orchard Woods. |
| and indoor heating parking with guest parking also | | | | This large development is actually three |
| available. The building has two high speed | | | | connected towers, Maple, Oak and Elm, and is the |
| elevators, state of the art security systems and | | | | tallest structure in town currently. Each of the |
| a furnished lobby. | | | | three buildings has its own two story lobby and |
| The individual condos come with some great | | | | fitness center for residents to enjoy. A bridge-like |
| finishes. Most come with a private balcony or | | | | structure connects each of the towers and also |
| terrace, fireplace, 9 foot ceilings, hardwood | | | | houses condos. The units come with one to four |
| flooring and a choice of Berber or plush carpeting. | | | | bedrooms and have from 700 to 3,100 square |
| The kitchens are equipped with GE stainless steel | | | | feet. Prices start at $280,000 and move up from |
| appliances and handsome Wellborn Forest cabinets | | | | there. |
| with a choice of 6 different stain finishes. Granite | | | | High-end kitchen appliances, plush carpeting and |
| counter tops and hardwood floors complete the | | | | hardwood flooring, floor to ceiling windows and |
| look. | | | | heated indoor parking come with each unit. The |
| The bedrooms have ample closet space with | | | | development showcases a sky garden on the |
| Vinyl Clad shelving and are pre-wired for cable | | | | roof, reflecting pool with a fountain, party room |
| television. The baths are fitted with Moen and | | | | and even a tennis court. |