Buying a Chicago House
Even with its multitude of condos, lofts, apartments and attached properties, Chicago has a huge inventory of detached houses. In some neighborhoods the streets are dominated by single-family homes, while other areas have only a few abodes tucked between the multi-unit buildings.
Chicago houses vary as much in design, size and price as anything you'd find in suburban towns. From century-old farm houses to mid-century raised ranches to new construction custom homes, the city is a wealth of single-family dwellings.
With such a wide range of architectural styles, Chicago attracts a very diverse group of detached home buyers. Chicago house shoppers looking for ample living space and green yards can get what they want, just as those seeking an urban house on a packed city block have tons of options to choose from.
Bungalows were a popular housing style that boomed in the early 1900s and are still a major part of residential Chicago real estate in many of the outlying neighborhoods. You'll see four-story walk-ups closer into the city center, however, don't expect to find your ideal Chicago house in downtown. The Loop is still reserved for high-rise living and even the communities just outside the central business district have very limited detached properties for sale.
Some Chicago houses that were originally occupied by single families have been divided into multiple flats that are sold or rented as separate units. This is common throughout the city and many Chicago houses that look like single-family residences are actually multi-unit dwellings.
Chicago house listings are simple to find using an online home search. Your real estate agent can set you up with a search account that you can use from your own computer. There are options to screen out attached properties, so the only listings you'll see are for detached single-family residences. Narrow your search parameters by being as specific as possible. For example, if you want a new construction 2,000-square-foot Chicago house with a fireplace, garage and basement – you can find it by selecting the appropriate fields. Get detailed and let the search engine do the work for you. With your input it will locate the perfect Chicago house for you and your family.