Chicago is full of exciting entertainment and activity – especially in the summer – but sometimes a night on the town can break the bank. Here are some great FREE opportunities that are sure to please everyone!

1. Chicago Summer-Dance

This wildly popular annual dance festival is celebrating its 13th year in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park. You and your beau can pop in for a free 10 hour dance lesson from professional instructors and then show of your skills while enjoying 2 hours of live music on a 4,6000square-foot dance floor. Excellent bands play everything from salsa to reggae to swing. Head over to Grant Park every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 6 to 9:30pm, or Sunday from 4 to 7 pm to join the fun!

2. Grant Park Music Festival

Chicago is the last city in America that presents a totally free, open-air, professional series of orchestral concerts every summer! The amazing Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the perfect place to listen to the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus display their music talent. Lawn and general seating is free, but be sure to get to this popular event early to get a prime spot. Concerts take place most Wednesday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer, but check the website for the complete schedule.

3. Graceland Cemetery

A cemetery may seem like a strange destination for fun, but Graceland Cemetery in Chicago is a beautiful place to take in some of the historic side of Chicago. This victorian-era cemetery stretches along Clark Street in the Andersonville, and was the precursor to other great municipal parks like Lincoln Park. In fact, much of Lincoln Park started ofd as a cemetery back in the day! Chicago notables like Marshall Field, George Pullman, and Cyrus McCormick have graves in this sprawling green space. For those of you who enjoy a good scare, stop by this historic hotspot to watch the sun set over the edge of beautiful ponds and lush greenery.

4. Lincoln Park Zoo

This Chicago staple is sure to please the whole family. Open 365 days a year, these animal wonderland is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. The Kovler Lion House is a boasts beautiful architecture and exotic animals that are sure to excite adults and children alike! Head to the zoo’s website for information on special events coming up this summer!

5. Garden Walks – Sheffield and Dearborn Editions

The Sheffield Garden Walk takes place in mid-July and is one of the largest and best organized of its kind in the city. You can tour backyard gardens while munching on delicious food or sampling refreshing drinks. If you don’t necessarily love gardening, don’t fear! These walks also offer live music, children’s activities, and more. The Dearborn Garden Walk is also in mid-July and offers a glimpse into the backyards of Gold Coast luxury. Many of these yards are designed by world-famous architects and designers, but if you don’t care for plant-life feel free to check out the live music, marketplace, of some architectural tours! If you are interested in taking a seld-guided, free tour of the gardens just pick up a map and check out how Chicago maintains its beautiful green spaces!

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Chicago

If NBA superstar LeBron James signs with the Chicago Bulls when NBA free agency begins, he’s going to need a place to live, at least during the season. Here’s our top five choices for the King, should he sign here.

1. River North

This part of town is a top destination for the young and the rich. It offers more nightlife than the nearby Gold Coast, and it’s proximity to downtown is appealing. So, too, is its accessibility to the Kennedy Expressway, a necessity for athletes who need to get to the airport.

2. Gold Coast

If LeBron wants a quieter existence without straying too far from the night clubs, then the Gold Coast should fit the bill nicely. There’s plenty of high-end property here, and LeBron might appreciate an old-school mansion.

3. Lincoln Park

LeBron is only in his mid-20’s, which puts him the perfect age range for the neighborhood and its collection of college and sports bars. There is plenty of pricey real estate here, as well. The only problem? The area isn’t far from the United Center, but it’s not close to it either.

4. West Loop

If LeBron wants to be near the place he’ll call his office 41 nights a year, than the rapidly growing West Loop is perfect for him. He’ll find plenty of great condos here, and he’ll be close to the court.

5. North Shore

The Bull’s practice facility is in Deerfield, so Mr. James might just want to plunk down his money on a place on the North Shore, perhaps in Deerfield itself or nearby Highland Park. This might be the most logical choice, although the appeal of the city may lure James to buy in one of the four previously listed areas.

Don’t forget to check out are homepage for the latest condo listings in Chicago!

SoNo Lincoln Park Chicago

The southern part of Lincoln Park has been growing rapidly of late, and SoNo Lincoln Park Chicago is looking to capitalize on this trend.

That shouldn’t be a problem for a 28-story building that offers one, two, and three bedroom units in a price range from $250K to $1 million. Situated near where Lincoln Park meets Old Town, and just southeast of the Clybourn Corridor–and all of its associated retail–this Smithfield Properties building offers skyline and lake views, maple hardwood floors, and kitchens that have a European design.

Other features? Granite counter tops, a 24-hour doorman, and stainless steel appliances. Units also feature marble baths with Grohe faucets, and there is a workout facility in the building.

For commuters who work downtown, the location will allow easy access to Loop offices. Lincoln Park’s famous nightlife and high-end shopping and dining is just minutes away.

Lincoln Park remains one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods. But the area south of North Avenue has until now been kind of quiet. Well, that’s no longer the case, and this is an area that’s going to grow fast. Buyers who don’t look at SoNo Lincoln Park Chicago may well regret it.

Take a look today!

Fullerton Lofts

Lincoln Park is crowded near the lake, so those who want to live in this North Side neighborhood but want a little more breathing room might be best served by taking a look at the Fullerton Lofts.

Located just south of the bustling Clybourn Corridor–which is filled with plenty of high-end retail shops–and at the western end of the popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, this building has 39 units among five floors. Floor plans vary, from one-bedroom units to penthouse suites. Each unit has its own private balcony.

Prices run from $200K to $550K, and amenities include hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, spa baths, stainless steel appliances, and a kitchen island. There’s also a fitness center, a sundeck, and indoor heated parking. Parking is included in the purchase price.

Not only are the Fullerton Lofts located near top retail and restaurants, but the expressway and Metra stations are nearby, making commutes to downtown or the suburbs easy. Nearby Ashland Avenue provides easy access to Wicker Park/Bucktown or Lakeview.

Location may be a strength of the Fullerton Lofts, but the amenities and affordability will make the building even more appealing.

Take a tour today!

2401 N. Janssen

Many folks forget that Lincoln Park isn’t bordered on the west by Clark St.–or even Sheffield Ave. In fact, the neighborhood extends west for quite some distance, and those who are looking for a quiet place that is still close to the action might consider 2401 N. Janssen St.

This 24-unit, four-story building is located right where Janssen St. intersects with busy Fullerton Ave., making it a prime spot for those who are on the go. It’s close to DePaul University, Clark St. shops, Lincoln Ave. bars and restaurants, and the Fullerton CTA station.

Amenities included three-bedroom, two-bathroom units, 30-ft. wide corner units, heated tandem parking, an elevator, a common roof deck, cherry kitchen cabinets, mahogany floors, marble in the master bathrooms, and perhaps most importantly, 42-inch plasma TVs. Prices range from about $350,000 to about $700,000.

If you’ve been looking for a place that’s off the beaten path, but still within seeing distance of said path, 2401 N. Janssen may be for you. The western have of Lincoln Park is quieter and more residential than the eastern path, which means this building might be inviting for young families or young professionals. It’s proximity to DePaul ensures that there will always be a youthful, eclectic flavor to the area.

If you’re tired of cramp quarters near the lake, and you want to spread your wings without leaving Lincoln Park behind, this could be the building for you.

Take a tour here!

Chicago Skyline

A story in today’s Chicago Tribune highlights a condo building that will be changing from a prestigious Lake Shore Dr. address to a slightly-less-prestigious Oak St. address. Reason for the change are unclear, but it’s got residents upset, even if it may not mean much for re-sale values.

So the question is, how much does the cachet of an address mean to you? Does Lake Shore Dr. sound better than a neighboring side street? Does Oak Street mean more than Michigan Avenue? How about State Street?

For that matter, how much does the ZIP code or city name mean to you? We’re not talking about what those factors mean for property values–those are measurable factors. What we’re referring to is the emotional cachet. Does living in 60614 mean more to you, personally, than 60613 or 60657? If all other factors are roughly equal, will you forsake a perfectly good condo because it’s in the wrong ZIP code or in Evanston instead of across the street in Chicago?

Or do property value, purchase price, school system, and other concerns matter more than what address your friends will be addressing their holiday cards to?

Feel free to weigh in with your comments.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

North Side

When condo shopping, especially on the North Side, there are plenty of options. There are lofts, walk-ups (both new construction and rehabs) and lakefront high-rises. What’s best for you?

If you are looking for space, particularly if you want high ceilings, lofts may be good for you. And there are parts of Lincoln Park and Lakeview that used to house factories which have now been converted into condos. But if you’re shopping on the North or Northwest Sides, you’re mostly likely going to be looking at walk-ups or high-rise buildings.

This author recently went through the same search, before settling on a high-rise unit. As might be expected, the two types of condos are quite different, and you’ll have to find what works best for you. In my case, a need for parking for my car led me to look at high-rises, since most have garages. There are walk-up units with off-street parking, as well, but the numbers are lower.

High-rise buyers will find themselves paying more for assessments, since most high-rise buildings have maintenance staffs and doormen whose salaries need to be paid somehow. Walk-up units can be appealing due to the lower assessments, but during my search, I noticed that the average price of a unit in a walk-up or low-rise multi-unit dwelling seemed to be a bit higher than that of comparable high-rise units.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the community make-up of the building itself. In a walk-up, you’ll have only a few neighbors. On the one hand, the small amount of people could give you a sense of  community, on the other, it makes it hard to escape your neighbors should there be a beef. Living in a high-rise is like living in a mini-city, there are plenty of people to meet, and its easier to retreat should you not see eye-to-eye with a neighbor. Also, many high-rise buildings offer perks like a gym, pool, party room, or marketplace.

During my search, I looked at both types of buildings. In the end, I picked a high-rise because of the view, the available parking, and the lower purchase price. But my experience, like every other buyers’, is unique. You’ll need to take some time to go over your own needs and wants, and then make the call.

Valentine’s Day is swiftly approaching and I know there are some of you out there who haven’t made plans yet, but there’s no need to panic! Whether you’re looking to find a nice deal or splurge on your sweetheart, one of these dining options is sure to please.

Ecclectic Experience

Carnivale is a lively restaurant in the Warehouse District that features cuisine from Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Colombia. This exciting environment boasts a jewel-colored skylight, seven-foot high light fixtures, and a second story wine wall. Specials like fried oysters and prime rib for two augment the regular menu for Valentine’s Day. On Sunday, a stilt-walker will hand out complimentary flowers and Los Guitarristas will set the mood with wonderful live music.

Delicious Cuisine

Some say that Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and they certainly have excellent food. You can sample delicious French dishes without leacing River North, though, at Brasserie Jo. This acclaimed restaurant is one of my personal favorites, and features a beautiful dining room and attentive staff. Their Valentine’s Day menu is a four course dinner that includes foie gra and oxtail terrine, winter greens sals, Atlantic salmon, and almond chocolate cake for only $49!

Relaxing Rendevous

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to go somewhere super fancy for dinner, DMK Burger Bar is the place for you. This upscale burger joint caters to the kid in all of us. Their Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu features deviled eggs, lobster “love” soup, your choice of burger, truffle fries, and Three Floyds Gumballhead drafts. For dessert, you and your beau can get cozy over a shared strawberry milkshake and two cupcakes. This classic date spot is in bustling Lakeview, which is only minutes from beautiful homes, easy transportation, and endless entertainment.

Early Bird

Salute in River North offers a three-course dinner with optional wine pairings ($20 extra) that is only $40 if you dine beweetn 4 and 6 p.m. This wine bar and Italian restaurant exudes romanic Victorian-era charm that is sure to please. Intimate seating, Italian charm, and an impressive wine list are all staples of this River North restaurant. Salute is located in the heart of the River North community, which boasts great eating, shopping, and entertainment.

Extravagant Dining

L2o is an elegant, haute-cuisine restaurant in Lincoln Park. This Valentine’s Day you can break the bank by taking your honey to a 10-course luxury dinner for $245, with wine for an additional $110. For those looking to spend a bit less, there is a 12-course dinner menu available for $165 (wine pairings $90 extra). Celebrated chef Laurent Gras, who earned fame in France and top restaurants in America provides guests with a unique and extravagant dining opportunity only minutes from their homes in popular Lincoln Park.

 If you like the sound of these restaurants, you’ll LOVE the homes in River North, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview. Take a look, and discover how you can save money with CondoDomain.com.

Is the Chicago real estate market getting better?

Now that a month and a half of 2010 is in the books, is the market getting better? According to CNNMoney.com, the home price forecast in Chicago is down 2.7 percent. That number looks bad, but it’s an improvement over what we saw in 2008 and 2009. The good news is that prices are expected to hit bottom in the second quarter of this year, which means a rebound could be happening right as the summer sales season begins.

What this means for buyers is that now is the time to go shopping, before the market begins to recover and the prices begin to climb. While there is no guarantee that the market will recover, and it’s unlikely to return to 2007 levels, the market will get better, and perhaps sooner that we think.

if you’re buying, look now. If you’re selling, take heart–you may be able to get more than you bargained for.