Don't know about you, but we've probably spent the equivalent of a full week on the beach thus far. And the busiest beach days are still to come. While the Chicago lakefront is prized for its universal access and contribution to civic life, most folks wouldn't balk at the chance to co-own a sliver of private beach (or other such swimmable lake frontage). There are few occasions to do so, and most of the private swaths are at either end of the city's shoreline. Funny thing is, because the beaches and corresponding units are in working class areas like Rogers Park and South Shore, they're mostly very affordable. Here's a handful of on-the-market condos attached to private beaches:
7321 S South Shore Dr. Unit 9A
The Skinny: This new-to-market 4/3 corner unit belongs to a landmarked South Shore building. On the ninth floor, the spacious condo claims "sweeping views" of the lake and city. The unit is characterized by vintage crown molding, sliding interior doors and hardwood floors. While there's no private outdoor space, a grassy promenade steps down to the building's small beach just a block or so south of the South Shore Golf Course. Asking just $124,900, this is still priced well above the median for South Shore condos. HOA: $976/month.
1205 W Sherwin Ave. #314
The Skinny: Up in Rogers Park, this "very top of line" third-floor 1/1.5 actually has quite the spread: custom pocket doors; a wall of French doors; hardwood floors; a custom kitchen; an office; and, large walk-in closets. The 1,300 square feet results from the combination of two units. Pity none of it is pictured. The 1926 building was once a resort hotel, remnants of which can be found in the enormous veranda, private beach, and boat storage. The asking price is $295K with HOA of $402/month.
1316 W Fargo Ave. #304
The Skinny: This 1,500-square-foot two-bed condo belongs to one of Chicago's ubiquitously tacky 4 + 1 1960s buildings. Its saving grace is that it sprouts lakefront balconies. This third-floor unit has a southern exposure and the balcony doesn't quite overhang the water, but $259K does get you marble floors, and updated kitchen, jacuzzi, pair of parking spaces, and, naturally, a private beach. If you feel like mingling with the masses, the public Fargo Beach is your immediate neighbor. HOA: $320/month.
2772 E 75th St. Unit 2GNW
The Skinny: This South Shore listing doesn't afford us any unit views, but the fundamentals are attractive enough: 2/2 with sunken living room, balcony, laundry room, and a $2K decorating allowance. Hopefully that'll substantially offset the "TLC" needed, but we're not at all convinced. For one, the unit's been on the market for three years. In all that time, the ask has only dipped $8K— to $110,900. As for the beach, well, it's one of the largest on the roster.
7631 N Eastlake Ter. Unit 1C
The Skinny: Another vintage unit, this one's about 20 miles north of the previous listing. The 2/2 duplex is in great shape with large bright rooms, hardwood floors, a sizable kitchen, and a deck. It lacks lake views (or views of any kind, really), but the building enjoys a private lakefront patio for "sunning, swimming, and boating". For a proper beach, you'll have to go public. The ask? $225K with HOA of $440/month.
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