Chicago homes for sale along the CTA Red Line under $400K

Chicago’s Red Line is perhaps the city’s most ubiquitous ‘L’ line. It runs through lakefront neighborhoods on the North Side, hits some major stops downtown, then heads through the South Loop and the rest of the South Side. The Red Line is also the busiest line along the CTA’s extensive rail network, shuttling over a quarter million passengers each day.

If you’re looking to get a place near public transit, you can’t go wrong getting a condo or house near a Red Line station. This is certainly the case for diehard Cubs and White Sox fans as both Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field are both on this same transit line. No matter your budget, there’s going to be something available along the Red Line. From downtown condos, to South Loop lofts, to bungalows near Washington Park, here’s a look at a number of listings all available for $400,000 or less.

↑ 1110 W. Leland Avenue #2B

For this small one-bedroom in Uptown, you have your pick between the Wilson or Lawrence Red Line stops—they’re both equidistant from the building. The $179,900 asking price is also another great example of why Uptown is such an attractive place to buy. With the standard 20% down, the total monthly mortgage including assessments, taxes, and home insurance is just $1,200. Oh, and the back deck area and included parking are other really attractive perks here.

↑ 944 W. Sheridan Road #1B

If you want to live close to Wrigley Field but not too close, getting a place near the Sheridan station is going to be your best bet. And with three bedrooms and three full baths spanning 2,500 square feet, this is a pretty large duplex unit. Finishes are about what you’d expect but the listing indicates that big association expenses like windows, tuckpointing, and decks have all been updated. This one is seeking $409,900 but it’s been on the market for over two months so it’s safe to say that it’s about ready for a price cut or a competitive offer. The assessment adds $318 to the total monthly payment.

↑ 918 W. Fullerton Avenue #1

Located in a lovely old Lincoln Park row home near the Fullerton Red Line station, this two-bedroom unit is not vintage luxury but it’s also not going to cost an arm and a leg. Similar to the last unit, you’re getting your standard builder grade finishes, but some big items have been recently updated. Think things like the HVAC system, hot water heater, and kitchen appliances. This one is seeking $309,000 and the monthly assessment adds $253.

↑ 635 N. Dearborn Street #1106

Perhaps you prefer to live in a downtown high-rise with extra amenities—no worries, you have some options under $400K near the Grand Red Line station. $399,900 gets a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in River North’s Caravel in the heart of the downtown neighborhood. The condo boasts some tall windows offering in heaps of sunlight while the back patio looks over the Chicago River and buildings that line it.

↑ 8 E. Randolph Street #2202

For $359,900, you can find yourself living in the heart of the Loop. If you’re more keen on location and less so on living space, this 925-square-foot one-bedroom near the Lake Red Line station should do the trick. You get your granite countertops and stainless steel appliances while also getting access to a fitness center, dry cleaning, and storage. The $672 monthly assessment is certainly a bit steeper than comparable units in other newer buildings.

↑ 633 S. Plymouth Court #802

This loft space near the Harrison Red Line station has potential to be something really cool. There’s really not much to it, but that’s part of the beauty. It’s almost like a blank canvas ready for your ideas and personal touches. The windows are pretty huge, not only letting in heaps of natural lighting, but offering neat views of the city. The monthly assessment here is $700.

↑ 3255 S Shields Ave S #202

One of the unique things about the Red Line is that it’s the transit line that both White Sox and Cubs fans use to get to their respective ballpark. If you’re a diehard South Sider and Sox fan, here’s a two-bedroom near Guaranteed Rate Field (does anyone actually call it that?) to consider. It’s asking $310,000 and has been on the market for over three months so it’s ready for an offer.

↑ 5608 S. Perry Avenue

You can really stretch your budget in Washington Park by scooping up this single family home near the Garfield Red Line station for $144,900. Built in 2010, this newer construction home boasts three bedroom and three bathrooms over 1,650 square feet. Finishes are very nice for the price and there’s no association fees or assessments to worry about.

↑ 8000 S. Princeton Avenue

Finally, we end at the 79th Street Red Line station where you can find classic Chicago bungalows like this. This one has been thoroughly rehabbed and features all new everything. Even the hardwood polyurethane finish was still drying as the listing photos were taken. Here’s a chance to get what is effectively a brand new home for just $200,000.