Jackie Ernst
Broker Associate
Jim Sullivan Realty
Stockton

More and more Chicagoans are venturing to Jo Daviess and Carroll counties in northwest Illinois. These two premier counties feature three private lake communities featuring second homes, recreational properties and full-time living. Apple Canyon Lake, Lake Carroll and Galena Territories are must-see lake and golf communities for second-home prospects. Private lakes, challenging golf courses, excellent fishing and boating are just a few of the many amenities.

Kay Garvey
Realtor
Rubloff
SOUTH LOOP

Chicago buyers are looking at Indiana, where they can be close to Lake Michigan, beaches, harbors, golf courses and tennis courts. The proximity gives them the ability to drive out there on a lovely evening and be back at work the next morning. Tryon Farm in LaPorte County, Ind., for example, offers clean contemporary design on an old dairy farm, plus woods, meadows, ponds and an environmental focus. Around the houses are 120 acres of land that is in a conservancy, and will thus remain un-built forever. The solitude of the location, which is close enough to friends when wanted, really appeals to Chicago buyers.

Peter Basile Jr.
Realtor
Chicago Home Estates
Lincoln Park

Michigan (New Buffalo, Grand Beach and South Haven) and Wisconsin (Lake Geneva) seem to be the preferred second-home locations for Chicagoans. These second-home communities offer metropolitan amenities that are attractive to entrepreneurial-minded individuals. For those of us who need to get away, yet still have close proximity to Chicago, these areas seem to be the most popular and practical choice. My family has chosen New Buffalo, Mich. This charming town, located only an hour and 10 minutes away from Chicago, boasts a large boating community marina on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering plenty of beaches, shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Zelimir Stakic
Broker/Owner CIPS
Zel Realty LLC
Skokie

Chicago buyers looking for second homes are finding Mexico’s close proximity and white sandy beaches appealing. The GDP is growing, the peso is strong and the government is stable, which gives investors and second-home buyers very limited risk when buying in a foreign country. For those with a more adventurous side, Vietnam is one the top booming Asian countries right now.