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