Home Economics
The Chicago Sun-Times ranked Flossmoor as one of the top eight “future hot spots” for homebuyers, and it’s no wonder why. Residents of Flossmoor take advantage of some of the finest housing options in all of the Chicagoland area. Friendly neighborhoods boast the best in quality housing, ranging from spacious rentals to luxurious homes nestled along tree-lined streets. Vintage Georgians and Tudors, stately Colonials, contemporary ranches and modern townhomes dot Flossmoor’s residential landscape, evidence of its long tradition of home building excellence. Mature maples and ashes, many planted by the original railroad developers, dominate the older neighborhoods; newer subdivisions are well-landscaped to ensure that Flossmoor stays green and shaded. Heavy traffic is diverted away from the Village since most residential streets are winding; early Village planners designated a limited number of through streets in order to maintain peaceful, safe residential neighborhoods.
Most of the older three and four bedroom homes, built between 1920 and 1950, are found near Flossmoor’s downtown and METRA train station. Apartments and condos are available in the downtown area, while newer four bedroom, two and-one-half bathroom homes, mostly two stories and ranches, are found in nearby neighborhoods.
Ballantrae of Flossmoor, the Village’s newest residential subdivision, consists of custom designed homes in the mid six-figure price range. In older neighborhoods, smaller houses are being replaced because people love Flossmoor’s neighborhoods, but want the amenities of a modern home. In addition, people born and raised in Flossmoor who moved away after college are returning in droves to raise their own families here.
In 2000, the median home value was $216,200: current home prices range from less than $100,000 to more than $2 million. The diversity of housing options means you don’t have to move out to move up! Considering the high quality of homes in Flossmoor and the escalating prices in the western and northern Chicago suburbs, Flossmoor is a real bargain. The excellence of Flossmoor’s neighborhoods is augmented by the fact that property values and appreciation show a steady increase year after year, and Flossmoor has one of the lowest crime rates in the Chicago area.
Chicago magazine rated the Village of Flossmoor in the top six communities with an average house sales price of $300,000 in its October 2005 edition, showing a 6% increase since 2004. Ratings were based on 20 different variables in categories such as housing, health and safety, transportation, leisure and schools.
To ensure that Flossmoor’s streets remain shaded and picturesque, even in the new developments, the Village of Flossmoor has established a share-the-cost tree planting program. In 1991, the value of the Village’s publicly-owned trees was nearly $10 million; as the result of Flossmoor’s tree program, the estimated value of the public trees in early 2003 was $19.5 million.
For senior residents who like the idea of community living without sacrificing their independence, the Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Flossmoor provides a caring atmosphere that encourages independence, preserves dignity and protects the privacy of its residents. The Sunrise operating philosophy is to provide care and services to seniors in a home-like, residential environment. Sunrise also offers extensive services and amenities, including scheduled transportation for activities and outings; social, educational, recreational, religious and cultural programs; concierge service; wraparound porches and terraces; and a private dining room for family and guests.
