North Shore Houses On Lake Michigan For Under $1.5 Million

Chicago's North Shore has some of the priciest lakefront real estate anywhere on Lake Michigan. With high-performing schools, low crime rates and high levels of civic engagement, it's no surprise the most "affordable" single-family homes in the affluent communities from Evanston to Lake Bluff tend to be snapped up quickly – if they ever get publicly listed at all.

So before they disappear, we've prepared of rundown of what's available on the market heading into the 2018 holiday season. There is no shortage of estates in the $3 million to $10 million range, but for those who can't afford to pay more than the median income in property taxes every year, here are the most affordable properties by the lake along the North Shore.

The homes don't include private beaches, personal piers or lakefront pools – some are being marketed as teardowns – but each of these houses is located east of Sheridan Road within steps of the lake. There are 10 under $1.5 million and a blufftop bonus house just over. Check out each of the currently listed homes, ordered from lowest listing price to highes, and click on any image for more photos of the property.

$715,000 — 369 N Deere Park Drive Drive East, Highland Park

• Square Feet: 2,411
• Lot: 0.33 acre
• Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
• Built: 1949
• First Listed: $750,000 in July 2018

Features: Build in one of Highland Park's most coveted neighborhoods. This perfectly rectangular, professionally landscaped lot is waiting for your dream home. Lot dimensions are 88x165, lot can accommodate up to 4, 373 sf of new construction or 5, 099 sf if original structure is preserved. This has the frontage you've been looking for and the backyard your friends will envy. Have it all. Location is phenomenal - Walk to Botanic Gardens, downtown Ravinia, Ravinia Festival, School and Train. Neighborhood Beach Rights. Showing appointment required.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$760,000 — 60 Logan Loop, Highland Park

• Square Feet: 3,324
• Lot: 0.34 acre
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
• Built: 1892
• First Listed: $1.09 million in November 2006

Features: Own A Piece of History in Fort Sheridan! Captain's Mansion on the Lake with STUNNING LAKE VIEWS! Completely Renovated in 2008. Absolutely beautiful neighborhood with incredible amenities such as walk to the lake, beach access, nature trails, Metra, Highwood restaurant district. A+ Highland Park School's including Elementary school choice; Wayne Thomas or Oak Terrace (Spanish Immersion) with school bus service. Fully renovated interior + HUGE side yard. Parking available for 3+ cars. Unfinished basement, huge third floor rec room. Solid ALL Brick Home. Active and welcoming community with social events year round + neighborhood playgrounds throughout. It's like living in a park year round.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$770,000 — 714 Sheridan Road, Wilmette

• Square Feet: 2,423
• Lot: 0.16 acre
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
• Built: 1914
• First Listed: $800,000 in September 2018

Features: Magnificent 3bed/2.1bath home steps to Gillson Park and Beach where you can enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan! Sun-filled, open layout with plenty of space. Fireplace with built-in shelving in the family room leads to the slider to the cozy back deck. Immaculate kitchen featuring granite counters, glass tile back splash, and SS appliances. Spacious master suite with slider to the balcony where you can enjoy the fresh outdoor air at your leisure, and a private master bath with another slider to the balcony! Huge 3rd story loft space that can be used to your liking! Clean, unfinished basement with laundry that can be finished out to fit your needs. Deck in back that can be used for outdoor relaxing. This home is just a short walk to the Linden stop on the Purple Line and so much more!

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$775,000 —65 Aspen Lane, Glencoe

• Square Feet: 3,258
• Lot: 0.37 acre
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
• Built: 1962
• First Listed: $1.05 million in September 2018

Features: Bright, sunny and spacious split-level contemporary home on lovely cul-de-sac close to the beach. 16,000 plus square feet lot, beautiful ravine setting, Open floor plan. 3,000 plus square feet flexible living space.great for entertaining. Highlights: L shaped living room/dining room, large kitchen with cathedral ceiling and breakfast bar, family room with stone fireplace, large multipurpose room (could be office, 4th bedroom), 3 large bedrooms include master bedroom with beautiful bathroom, dressing area and walk-in closet. 2.5 bathrooms. Large laundry room on main level with huge storage space. Vaulted ceilings, zoned heating, attached 2.5 car garage. Stone patio. Central air. Skylights. New roof in 2015. Close to Ravinia and the Botanical Gardens. Needs some updates. Sold as is.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$815,000 — 1148 Sheridan Road, Wilmette

• Square Feet: 3,573
• Lot: 0.26 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
• Built: 1970
• First Listed: $925,000 in June 2018

Features: Location, location, location! Beautiful and historic Sheridan Road home. Exclusive location close to the lake, Gilson beach and park, Plaza del Lago, and Baha'i temple. Two-story foyer flanked by formal living and dining rooms. Eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances. Fireside family room with access to patio and private backyard. First floor laundry and powder room. Master suite with private balcony plus three bedrooms up. Lower level rec room and huge storage area. 2-car garage. Central Elementary. The sellers have done the heavy lifting with functional updates like new HVAC units, hot water heater, roof, windows, sliding doors, and marble entry flooring. Bring your eye for design to make this your dream home!

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$887,000 — 144 Whitebridge Lane, Winnetka

• Square Feet: 3,800
• Lot: 0.45 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
• Built: 1969
• First Listed: $1.3 million in February 2015

Features: Location location!! East of Sheridan road. Great opportunity to build your dream home or rehab the current home. This house has a great floor plan with large living room and separate dining room. The kitchen and breakfeast area offers a great opportunity to create your dream kitchen. Currently connected to a family room with wood burning fireplace. The upstairs is carpeted but has hardwood floors throughout. Large master bedroom and 3 additional bedrooms with -jack and jill bathroom. Partially finished bsmnt & lrg gallery-style foyer w/center stairs ascending to 4 corner brs. Dual-zoned hvac, underground sprinkler sys & newer mansard roof. Well-maintained, but in need of updates or new build. Also available as land. Estate sale sold 'as is'

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$999,000 — 211 Pine Point Drive, Highland Park

• Square Feet: 6,182
• Lot: 1.14 acre
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 4 full, 3 half
• Built: 1938
• First Listed: $1.2 million in January 2018

Features: Spectacular updated Tudor on desirable tree lined street in East HP is situated on over an acre of property with gorgeous ravine views. This fabulous 6000 sq ft home offers multiple living spaces & is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen with high-end SS appliances, custom cabinetry & island is adjacent to Breakfast Room with magnificent views. Gorgeous Family Room has custom bar area & stone fireplace surround. Private Office with fireplace & built-ins. Separate Formal Dining Room & Living Room. Attached 2+ car garage opens to a convenient 1st floor Laundry & Mudroom. 2nd Floor has 5 Bedrooms, including one perfect for an in-law suite, and 4 Baths. Luxurious master suite oasis has master bath with body jet shower, soaking tub, sauna, double vanity & 2 enormous walk-in closets. Finished Basement with Rec Room & Wine Cellar. Beautifully landscaped yard has a bluestone patio to enjoy the outdoors & incredible ravine views!

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.]

$1.05 Million — 825 Roslyn Terrace, Evanston

• Square Feet: 4,190
• Lot: 0.24 acre
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 4 full, 1 half
• Built: 1937
• First Listed: $1.2 million in April 2018

Features: This beautiful and gracious 3 story English Tudor landmark home located on a coveted street is full of vintage charm and character. It was built by [Benjamin] Marshall, the architect who designed the Drake Hotel. You'll enter the grand foyer and step down to the stunning hallway w/ its soaring ceilings and pretty natural woodwork. There is a library & half bath off the foyer. Follow the hall to the magnificent sun-filled living room, which features rope molding, a majestic gas fireplace and built-in bookcases. French doors lead to an office w/slate flooring. Large formal dining room. Plus, a bright, sunny family room overlooks the professionally landscaped yard and garden. Updated kitchen has a butler's pantry, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances, granite counters and Morris tile backsplash. Upstairs is a master bedroom with full bath. 3 addit. large bedrooms. 3rd floor has sauna, bedroom, full bath. Storage galore. Partially fin. bsmt. has rec. rm., wine cellar

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$1.15 Million — 101 N. Mayflower Road, Lake Forest

• Square Feet: 5,528
• Lot: 1.04 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
• Built: 1967
• First Listed: $1.875 million in 2011

Features: An amazing opportunity to restore the functional floor plan of an East Lake Forest estate. This elevated property is located on a one acre lot, boasting picturesque views of winding ravine. Oversized windows create abundant sunlight throughout the home, which features hardwood flooring, 12 foot ceilings and two courtyards. A dramatic grand foyer and spiral staircase takes you to four large bedrooms on the second level, a spacious third level with a recreation room and additional storage space. Hardwood under carpet! This home is a renovator's dream project.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$1.375 Million — 1640 Sylvester Place, Highland Park

• Square Feet: 5,310
• Lot: 0.4 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4 full, 1 half
• Built: 1998
• First Listed: $1.575 million in May 2018

Features: Immaculately maintained custom 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath East Highland Park home located on a private street across from the lake. Home is flooded with natural light and has stunning ravine views. Luxury finishes include crown moldings, tray ceilings & gorgeous alcoves. First floor features spacious rooms including living room/game room with a custom wet bar, dining room & family room with gas fireplace. Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large island and eat-in area. Master suite with sitting room, 2 huge walk-in closets and private balcony overlooking ravine. Luxurious limestone bath with Jacuzzi tub, shower & custom double vanities. Three additional bedrooms, one with en-suite bath & the other two share a jack & jill bath. Second floor laundry. Finished lower level has recreation room, office, 5th bedroom/exercise room and full bath. Mudroom located off 2 & 1/2 car garage. Walk to lake, restaurants, shops and train.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

$1.525 Million — 665 Maple Ave, Lake Bluff, Illinois

• Square Feet: 3,000
• Lot: 1.68 acre
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
• Built: 1964
• First Listed: $1.9 million in January 2017

Features: Unbelievable opportunity to own 1.7 acres overlooking Lake Michigan with a dramatic bluff which has steps down to lake frontage. This property will take your breath away, all while being blocks to downtown Lake Buff. Exceptional table land, ravines, and views. This home has undergone a significant renovation by James LaDuke Assoc., yet there is still opportunity to build or add on using your own plans or the master plan from the current owners. The home has a flexible floorplan which offers lake views from nearly every room. Whether you prefer stargazing on the bluff by the fire pit, or daydreaming on one of the outdoor decks listening to the rolling waves, this is truly a special property.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.