Your Next Move Could Be in One of These Four Markets
As fall begins, a home search can bring everyday priorities into focus. Buyers may be comparing space, commuting options, parks, nearby businesses, and the full monthly cost of ownership, not just a property’s asking price.
This month, we’re exploring Elmhurst, Park Ridge, the Loop, and the Near North Side. Each offers a different mix of housing and amenities, and each is part of the Alex Stoykov Group’s listing or sales history.
Market figures and listing information are current as of September 2026 and may change.
Elmhurst
Elmhurst combines a downtown shopping and dining district with parks, commuter rail, and a wide range of housing styles. Buyers can find condominiums and townhomes alongside bungalows, ranches, traditional two-story houses, and custom homes.
Parks & Recreation
Wilder Park
Elmhurst Art Museum
Illinois Prairie Path
Downtown Elmhurst restaurants and shops
Schools
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 serves much of Elmhurst.
School assignments and enrollment policies should be confirmed with the district for each property address.
Transit
Metra
Elmhurst Station
Union Pacific West Line
The median sale price across all home types was approximately $697,000 during the three months ending August 2026. Individual condominium, townhome, and detached-home prices vary widely by size, condition, lot, and location.
Market figures are snapshots, not estimates for individual properties.
Buyers comparing detached homes should account for property taxes, maintenance, and potential improvements. Distance from downtown or the Metra station may also affect how similarly sized homes are priced.
What stands out
- Variety of attached and detached homes ⊕ Downtown dining and shopping ⊕ Parks and trail access ⊕ Metra service ⊝ Ownership costs vary considerably by property ⊝ Custom homes occupy a different price range from the area’s median
Recent Elmhurst Listings & Sales from the Alex Stoykov Group
Park Ridge
Park Ridge offers established residential streets, Uptown businesses, parks, and commuter rail access. Its housing includes condominiums, brick ranches, Cape Cods, Tudors, Colonials, and newer construction.
Parks & Recreation
Centennial Park
Park Ridge Park District facilities
Uptown restaurants and shops
Pickwick Theatre
Schools
Park Ridge-Niles School District 64
Maine Township High School District 207
Applicable districts and school assignments vary by address. Confirm them directly with the districts.
Transit
Metra
Park Ridge Station
Union Pacific Northwest Line
The median sale price across all home types was approximately $665,000 during the three months ending August 2026. Condominium and detached-home pricing differs substantially, as do prices for homes with different renovation needs.
Market figures are snapshots, not estimates for individual properties.
Buyers should compare taxes, maintenance, and likely renovation costs alongside the mortgage payment. A visit at different times of day can also help them evaluate the commute, traffic, and any airport noise at a specific property.
What stands out
- Mix of condominium and detached-home options ⊕ Uptown shopping and dining ⊕ Parks and recreation facilities ⊕ Metra access ⊝ Renovation needs vary among older homes ⊝ Commute times and airport noise depend on the address
Recent Park Ridge Listings & Sales from the Alex Stoykov Group
The Loop
The Loop places residents near cultural institutions, employment centers, restaurants, parks, and major transit connections. Its residential inventory consists primarily of condominiums in high-rises and converted historic buildings.
Parks & Recreation
Millennium Park
Nearby Grant Park
Chicago Riverwalk
Museums and theaters
Nearby lakefront access
Schools
Chicago Public Schools assignments depend on the property address and program.
Use the CPS School Locator and confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment requirements directly with CPS.
Transit
CTA
Multiple rail lines and bus routes serve the Loop.
Metra & Regional Rail
Several downtown stations provide commuter and regional connections.
The median sale price across all home types was approximately $430,000 during the three months ending August 2026. Condo prices vary from smaller units to multimillion-dollar residences, depending on the building, floor plan, views, and amenities.
Market figures are snapshots, not estimates for individual properties.
Buyers should review monthly assessments, association reserves, special assessments, included utilities, parking costs, and building rules. Two units with similar asking prices can have very different monthly ownership costs.
What stands out
- Extensive transit connections ⊕ Access to cultural attractions and parks ⊕ Range of condominium buildings ⊕ Central location ⊝ Parking costs vary by building ⊝ Limited detached-home inventory
Recent Chicago Loop Listings & Sales from the Alex Stoykov Group
Near North Side
Near North Side encompasses several distinct pockets of Chicago, with housing that ranges from vintage walk-ups and townhomes to boutique condominiums and full-amenity towers. Building type and exact location can make a substantial difference in both lifestyle and ownership costs.
Parks & Recreation
Washington Square Park
Newberry Library
Chicago Avenue and Wells Street dining and shopping
Access to the Chicago Riverwalk and lakefront
Schools
Chicago Public Schools assignments vary by property address.
Use the CPS School Locator and confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment requirements directly with CPS.
Transit
CTA
Rail stations and bus routes vary by location within the community area.
The median sale price across all home types was approximately $460,000 during the three months ending August 2026. Prices vary significantly among studios, larger condominiums, townhomes, and luxury residences.
Market figures are snapshots, not estimates for individual properties.
Condominium buyers should compare assessments, reserves, parking, and building services. Townhome buyers should also clarify which maintenance responsibilities belong to the owner and which, if any, are covered by an association.
What stands out
- Wide variety of housing styles ⊕ Dining, shopping, and cultural destinations ⊕ Access to central Chicago ⊕ Multiple transit options across the area ⊝ Street activity varies by block ⊝ Assessments and parking arrangements vary by building
Recent Near North Side Listings & Sales from the Alex Stoykov Group
Neighborhood Comparison by Home Search Priorities
These comparisons are general starting points. Pricing, availability, ownership costs, and property features vary by address.
Comparing Detached Homes
Elmhurst & Park Ridge
Both offer a range of detached-home styles. Compare taxes, renovation needs, lot size, and the commute from each property.
Prioritizing Downtown Transit
The Loop & Near North Side
Both offer access to central Chicago, but the nearest train, bus route, or commuter station depends on the address.
Looking for a Local Shopping District
Elmhurst & Park Ridge
Both have established downtown or Uptown business districts alongside residential housing options.
Comparing Condominium Ownership
The Loop & Near North Side
Compare assessments, reserves, parking, amenities, and building rules, not just the asking price.
Seeking More Housing Variety
Elmhurst & Near North Side
Both offer several property types, although the mix differs considerably between a suburb and a central Chicago community area.
What would a home like this cost per month?
Drag the sliders to sketch a monthly payment for a Chicago home. Estimates only, not a lending quote.
Estimated monthly payment
$3,812
- Principal & interest$2,781
- Property taxes (est.)$871
- Insurance (est.)$160
Loan amount $440,000 · Taxes and insurance are rough Cook County planning figures.
Chicago real estate, decoded.
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Brokerage disclosure and market disclaimer
All data and market insights referenced herein are derived from third-party sources and public reports believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Market data is time-bound and methodology-dependent and may vary by property type, price tier, neighborhood boundaries, and sample size. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Forecasts, projections, and forward-looking statements are estimates based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All real estate brokerage services are provided by Compass, Inc., a licensed real estate broker. The Alex Stoykov Group is a team of real estate licensees sponsored by Compass, Inc. All advertising is conducted under the direct supervision of the sponsoring broker. For any property listings owned solely by a licensee, advertisements will state "broker owned" or "agent owned" as required by applicable Illinois law.