Cost of commute cuts into affordability

Higher gas prices have upped the cost of commuting by car in the Chicago area, prompting many suburban home buyers to seek transit-friendly housing options such as the three Lennar townhouse communities located near Metra stations.

"Historically, home buyers moved to collar suburbs in search of affordability, but many now find that what they save on housing is negated by a commute," says Leigh Nevers, vice president of marketing for Lennar's Chicago region.

"Luckily, Metra offers convenient and economical public transportation, and several Lennar communities are a quick walk or drive from the train.

Nevers says, Lennar is building commuter-friendly communities throughout Chicago's suburbs, including rapidly developing areas such as southwest-suburban Lemont. There, Singer Landing, a community of 42 townhouses located at Main Street and Talcott Avenue, is within walking distance of the Lemont stop on Metra's Heritage Corridor Line.

"Lemont is becoming a popular choice for young buyers who want to live in a vibrant and active downtown setting," says Nevers. "These same buyers love that Singer Landing puts them in easy reach of Chicago."

In West-suburban Wood Dale, Lennar's Morgan's Gate is also within walking distance of Metra station. The community's 26 maintenance-free townhouses, located near the intersection of Route 83 and Montrose Avenue, are less than one mile from the Wood Dale station.

Farther out along Metra's Milwaukee District West line is West Ridge Village, Lennar's community of 100 maintenance-free townhouses in Elgin. Located at the corner of Route 20 and Nesler Road, the townhouses are a short drive from Elgin's Big Timber Metra stop.

"A pedestrian-friendly lifestyle used to be rare in Chicago's outer suburbs," said Nevers. "But at West Ridge Village, buyers will live in a self-contained community where they can walk to amenities. With Metra nearby, residents can minimize the time they spend in their car."

Nevers noted all three transit-friendly communities offer two of Lennar's most popular townhouse floor plans: the Atwood and Camden. The three-story designs measure 1,721 to 1,766 square feet and have two or three bedrooms and 2� baths. West Ridge Village also offers the Bradford, a raised-ranch design with two bedrooms and 2� baths. Prices start in the low $200,000s.

As part of Lennar's plan to include everything a buyer wants and needs in every home, the townhouses include a selection of premium features. Nevers says inclusions vary depending on the community, but typically include a washer and dryer, appliances and 36-inch maple cabinets with crown molding in the kitchen, ceramic tile floors in select areas, six-panel colonist doors and trim and 9-foot main-level ceilings.

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source: dailyherald.com