WHY WEST TOWN IS THE HOT NEW REAL ESTATE HUB

Homes are diverse, reasonably priced and anything but average in this Chicago enclave — which is why they’re going fast

With demand high and supply low, it ’s no secret that Chicago homes are selling fast. But new research from @properties, covering 20 city neighborhoods for the year-long period ending July 31, shows that the average townhome or condo goes under contract in 107 days, down from the 162 days it took during the same period last year. But things are moving even faster in West Town, where the average market time is just 76 days, making this neighborhood the hottest seller in the city.

Why West Town? “It’s been a sleeper area for a long time, but it has the kind of housing people really want — either restored vintage buildings, hybrids converted into homes or new construction with super-modern features,” says Coldwell Banker broker Nicholas

Apostal. And it also boasts a slew of amenities that make urban living worthwhile. “Its main thoroughfares are exploding with restaurants and entertainment and it ’s geographically desirable. It’s easy to get everywhere from here by car or public transit,” says @properties broker Rusty Schluchter. Both realtors note that you get much more space for the price than in neighbors River North, West Loop and Wicker Park.

The properties below prove their points, though we can’t guarantee they’ll last long. “The listings I’ve had [in West Town] rarely last two days on the market,” says Prudential Rubloff broker Morgan Sage.

<< The Hybrid: A 1998 conversion turned this 1888 Baptist church at 1658 W. Superior into divine condos with high ceilings and large, airy rooms. Unit five is a 1,790-square-foot, two-bed two-bath for $390,000 with a spacious balcony, huge rooms and a...

The Restored: This loft-like, 2,400-square-foot, twobath condo at 673 N. Milwaukee, unit one, going for $520,000, is the second story above an art gallery in a fully renovated 1880s building. It features luxury appliances, fabulous old plank floors, a...

The New: When this three-bed, 2.5-bath, 2,500-square-foot penthouse duplex at 1550 W. Pearson, with 1,000 square feet of outdoor space spread over two decks, was built in 2007, it sold for $699,000. Now it’s up for $665,500. Other assets include a...