By james art Finding an affordable home in Chicago can be difficult. This is true within the city, but also in many of the surrounding suburbs. But let’s look to the past: What was the first real example of low-cost public housing? Historically, Chicago-style bungalows were the definition of affordable housing for tens of thousands of families from the early 1900s until the 1930s, when the city’s population increased. Today, this style of home still provides a great opportunity for modern buyers. Although modest, the bungalows are sturdy and well constructed, with efficient floor plans and detailed craftsmanship. They are also customizable, making them perfect for renovations and additions. I wanted to see what bungalows are currently available in the suburban real estate market with an asking price under $500,000 — here’s what I found.
Oak Park can be pretty expensive, but sometimes you get lucky and come across something like this property: a charming Craftsman bungalow with a historically intact interior that’s on the market for the first time in 22 years. Just look at all those original details like the built-ins. This four bedroom, two bath residence is located in South Oak Park, making it closer to everything Berwyn has to offer (Fitzgerald’s is within walking distance). But let’s not forget the fact that Oak Park property taxes are high: In 2022, this home paid more than $12,000. Unsurprisingly, this nearly 2,000 square foot home is already in foreclosure within a week of being listed.
Speaking of Berwyn, the town is a great alternative to the high housing prices in Oak Park. You can always find affordable homes for sale here, including lots and lots of bungalows. The city’s central historic district has entire blocks of more than 1,000 examples. This almost 1,600 square foot residence, originally built in the 1920s, was updated in 2017. It now features a gourmet kitchen with stylish white cabinets and an island snack bar. It’s also larger with four bedrooms, plus two more downstairs in the fully finished basement, and three full baths – plus two laundry rooms. The renovated property is close to Cermak Road as well as Metra and I-290.
Just a block from the Illinois Prairie Trail in Villa Park is this four bedroom, three bath bungalow. Although a little dated on the inside, the 2,627-square-foot residence looks livable for anyone looking for a starter home. In terms of changes, I like that the staircase is open to the dining room, as well as the enclosed back porch. The property comes with a well finished basement that includes a wet bar and a private guest bedroom. The fenced back yard has a lovely patio and is quite deep providing considerable potential for landscaping and gardening.
Let’s return to Berwyn — whose official motto is “City of Homes” — to take a look at this three-bedroom, two-bath yellow brick bungalow that boasts nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, including a finished basement. The current owners showcase the flexibility of the floor plan, with the front room serving as a music room, while the dining room is a bright and inviting seating area. Like all bungalows, the unfinished attic space is prepared for heating and cooling, so it is ready to be converted into an additional bedroom, office space or family room. The property comes with a new sewer flood control system, LG washer and dryer, stainless steel stove and dishwasher, and 32 custom windows.
Nestled in unassuming Prospect Heights is a sprawling brick bungalow that still retains 14 original stained glass windows with extra-deep sills. The five-bedroom, two-bathroom home has over 2,400 square feet of interior living space. Some updates include a new kitchen with quartz counter tops and updated pantry. It also comes with new copper plumbing, electrical, boiler, water heater and sump pump. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor space with a patio and six-car driveway, all set on a half-acre lot.