While most neighborhoods around the Chicago suburbs face declining demand for single-family homes, Kenilworth saw a significant jump in sales during 2007.

According to data from the Chicago Association of Realtors, a total of 44 single-family homes were sold in the neighborhood during the year, up from 25 units sold during 2006. This is the highest total sales seen in the neighborhood since 2003, welcome news for home owners and developers in the area.

The Kenilworth market continued to be one of the most exclusive on the North Shore. The average sales price in the area rose by an astonishing 34 percent, and now stands at nearly $2 million, the highest it has ever been in the neighborhood.

While sales picked up in the neighborhood, homeowners had to be prepared for a long wait during the year. The average turnover time for units sold during the year skyrocketed to 241 days, the longest average turnover time seen in more than 16 years in Kenilworth. It took just 78 days to find a buyer in 2006.

The strength of the market in Kenilworth during 2007 showed that buyers on the market for luxury North Shore Chicago Real Estate are still buying, despite a downturn in the market in other price ranges.

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I was just reading the morning Trib when I noticed an article about Centre East in Skokie, housed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts complex on the corner of Waukegan and Golf Rds. in Skokie. Apparently, it’s in need of a second cash infusion from local government to make payments and stay afloat.

Stay afloat? People! Are you not taking advantage of such a convenient entertainment option?

OK, OK - so I haven’t either – but I have an excuse – I can’t find a sitter. What’s yours? Centre East offers such a diverse lineup, from ballet, to musicals, to comedy. There are family options, date night fare, and such. Coming up, we’ve got the Joffrey Ballet, Thodos Dance Chicago, and the Tommey Dorsey Orchestra. Think about it - no hassle parking, no I-94 traffic, lots and lots of great dining choices, and you can get a few errands done as well - Old Orchard is right across the street! Check them out at www.centreeast.org and keep this gem of a theatre around!

Technorati Tags: Skokie entertainment, North Shore Chicago entertainment, Centre East, North Shore Chicago theater

Residential Homes of America has brought yet another luxury condominium development to Chicago’s North Shore. Amberley Woods offers a total of 90 condominiums in Lake Forest.

Buyers can choose from several floor plans at Amberley Woods. Two-bedroom units range from 1,741 square feet to over 2,100 square feet. Prices for these units start in the low $500s. Three-bedroom units offer floor plans with as much as 2,648 square feet of total living space. These units are priced up to more than $1 million.

Residents will love the many amenities offered with each unit at Amberley Woods. Kitchens come with granite countertops and an appliance package. The luxurious master bath includes a separate soaking tub and shower.

Each unit also features oversized windows that let in plenty of natural light and private balconies where residents enjoy the incredible views of the nearby forest. Plenty of parking is available in the indoor parking garage.

The development is surrounded by several highly regarded schools. Everett School and Lake Forest Academy have both received high marks from parents and students. There are also several malls, restaurants, parks, and country clubs within a short drive of home.

Amberley Woods is one of many new luxury condominium developments currently available on the real estate market in the area. Browse through the best North Shore Chicago Condos today.

Technorati Tags: Lake Forest Condos, North Shore Chicago Condos For Sale, Amberley Woods