By Chris Naatz Thriving neighborhoods typically pump life into a city. New construction further fuels the vibrancy of a community by adding residents, increasing the tax base and stimulating the local economy by providing customers for local businesses and

South Loop Astoria Tower offers one- to two-bedroom units with one or two bathrooms. Floor plans vary throughout each level of this 30-floor high-rise. The building has an Art Deco influence, featuring concrete and glass fixtures. Each condominium has

Scottsdale, Arizona Optima Camelview Village — a mixed-use condominium comprised of 11 terraced, bridge-linked buildings — offers panoramic views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains from many of its 700 units. The building is designed to blend an urban setting

Lake Delton, Wisconsin The waterfront Log Gables Condos are located in the heart of Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The four-unit complex in the Wisconsin Dells area features log sided, townhouse-style condos. Embellished with a log and stone exterior construction, these

Sales have begun at 3308 South Lowe Ave., where developer Bozena (Bo) Boguslawski has converted a four-unit apartment building into three condominiums. The 1,300-square-foot garden level apartment is priced at $289,000, and includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The

Albany Park Located in the heart of Albany Park, the newly rehabbed two-bedroom, two-bathroom units of Lawrence Spaulding Lofts combine vintage features with modern amenities. While the residences feature old world craftsmanship, such as red oak hardwood flooring throughout

The XXI (21 Kristin), a 12-story, 357-unit high rise in Schaumburg, has undergone a$5 million renovation and now offers luxury condominiums starting in the low $100,000s. Improvements include fully remodeled lobby with Wi-Fi access, swimming pool, sport court, 24-hour

HUNTLEY Ryland Homes at Talamore is a resort-style community offering a variety of entertainment options. The 8,000-square-foot clubhouse has a meeting room with kitchenette, a great room with beamed ceilings, a fireplace and a flat screen TV. Adjacent to

While some aspects of the real estate market may be more difficult, lower home prices represent a golden opportunity for agents and consumers willing to venture into the market. However, the challenge still remains as to how to convince

LINCOLN SQUARE The Courts at Lincoln Square are comprised of 49 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. 

This new construction boutique building features an elevator, as well as two-bedroom, two-bathroom designs and three-bedroom penthouse plans.

LIBERTYVILLE The Enclave at the Reserve at the Merit Club, which contains 17 homes, is part of a gated community comprised of 102 semi-custom homes and 26 one-acre custom homes. The homes in The Enclave offer anywhere from 1,800

BUFFALO GROVE Situated minutes away from downtown Buffalo Grove at the corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway sits the Villas at Hidden Lake, presented by Icon Development. This wooded, lakefront property features 11 premier homesites on a

BURR RIDGE Villa Taj, located on a 4.5-acre private lot, consists of more than 45,000 square feet of living and entertaining areas, including 30,240 square feet of interior space. 

On the main floor there is a formal living room,

RAVENSWOOD MANOR Located in historic Ravenswood Manor, 2924 W. Wilson Ave. is a new deconstructed home that combines green technology with luxury finishes. This six-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bathroom, 4,800-square-foot home is certified as both a Chicago Green Home and an Energry

The Villas at Fox Run, Plainfield’s ranch villa community, is located minutes from shopping, dining, entertainment and the expressways. 

This community features 92 ranch-style homes amid tree-lined streets and landscaped common areas. The maintenance-free living allows residents to avoid

AT A GLANCE
 Located in East Tenneseee a little over an hour away from Knoxville and two hours from Nashville, Spring City allows for vacation living a stone’s throw away from two major Tennessee cities. The Tennessee Valley Theatre,