The Chicago Office includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following 77 neighborhood areas of coverage:

Albany Park, Archer Heights, Armour Square, Ashburn, Auburn Gresham, Austin, Avalon Park, Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Beverly, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Chatham, Chicago Lawn, Clearing, Douglas, Dunning, East Garfield Park, East Side, Edgewater, Edison Park, Englewood, Forest Glen, Fuller Park, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hegewisch, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Hyde Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Kenwood, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Loop, Lower West Side, McKinley Park, Montclare, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Near North Side, Near South Side, Near West Side, New City, North Center, North Lawndale, North Park, Norwood Park, O’Hare, Oakland, Portage Park, Pullman, Riverdale, Rogers Park, Roseland, South Chicago, South Deering, South Lawndale, South Shore, Uptown, Washington Heights, Washington Park, West Elsdon, West Englewood, West Garfield Park, West Lawn, West Pullman, West Ridge, West Town, Woodlawn

Summary.  With over 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States.  The City of Chicago is divided into 77 generally accepted community areas. However, there are more than 200 neighborhoods inside those community areas. As anyone who lives in the city knows, there is no official list of the city’s neighborhoods or their boundaries. Neighborhood names and identities have evolved over time due to real estate development and changing demographics. Each of these community areas has a vast array of neighborhoods and housing options that reflect every available lifestyle. Whether its high-rise condominiums, 3-flats, urban lofts, estate style homes, or single family bungalows; the City of Chicago and the surrounding areas offer a wide choice of housing alternatives. Each neighborhood has its own historic appeal and charm and distinct marketing aspects.  Schools and neighborhood amenities as well as access to mass transit such as the “L” and CTS Bus lines all play a large part in determining value.  All of these factors contribute to a unique and ever-changing housing market that requires a distinct local perspective.

Education.  School boundaries are often a determining factor when new residents begin their search for a home in the City of Chicago. As such, they can have a direct impact on your valuation. The City of Chicago School District #299 is the fourth largest school district in the U.S. CPS reported overseeing 660 schools, including 484 elementary schools and 176 high schools The district serves over 396,000 students. Students attend a particular school based on their area of residence, except for charter schools and selective enrollment schools. It is important that your appraiser be familiar with the impact that these various school options can have on your home’s value. Proximity to the large Private and Catholic School network in the area can also play a part in valuations.  The University of Chicago, DePaul, and UIC all offer a major college atmosphere within the city and each brings its own appeal to the market.

Culture.  Today the City of Chicago remains one of the most influential and culturally rich areas in the United States. Museums, theatres, sports venues, and architecturally significant buildings are found throughout the city. Each of the 77 community areas possesses their own unique culture and appeal. Some may be defined by unique restaurants and local specialty areas like the Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and Ravenswood. Others by unique ethnic heritage like the Ukrainian Village or Greektown. While some such as the Loop, Wrigleyville, Museum Park, and the Gold Coast are defined by significant attractions.  Wherever your home is located, it is important to understand the effects of local attractions on the overall appeal.

Call us today.  Let us answer your questions and show you how we are changing the way clients view the appraisal process.