Property Address: 3911 N Hamilton Avenue, CHICAGO, IL 60618 (MLS # 08846762)
Property Specifics: 4 Bedroom – 4.1 Bath
Additional Information: 3911 N. Hamilton detail Page
Neighborhood: North Center
Property Virtual Tour: 3911 N. Hamilton Virtual Tour
Note: The below entry has been provided by the seller of the property.
We were recently married and looking for a home to begin the next chapter of our journey together. Friends knew friends who were selling a home in the “North Center/St Ben’s” area and I had never heard of that neighborhood. They said, “it’s an amazing school district,” so the next Saturday we made an appointment to go and check it out.
While we didn’t really like that particular house, we both fell in love with the neighborhood. Wide, tree-lined streets, great homes with their own unique styles, lots of young families/single professionals/older families who had built roots – a solid mix of people and an urban appeal. So – we narrowed our search to that area and found our dream home.
There were definitely houses that one of us liked or with certain features that were appealing, but when we walked out of our first showing of 3911 N Hamilton, we knew it was “The ONE.” We felt like the neighbors were wondering why two young people would buy this big, gorgeous home, but it fit right in with the next chapter of our lives.
3911 N Hamilton has been a special house for us. The dining room with French doors was what initially sold me (envision grown-up dinner parties with wine/cocktails and being able to serve delicious meals – on our wedding china – around a round table sharing stories, laughs and conversation).
The “parlor” is a fantastic area to entertain and hear/play music (on the piano or our daughter’s violin), by the fire or watch the kids entertain with a home made play.
Our double staircase (one in front and one in back) is certainly unique and makes for excellent rounds of a “spy game,” but also provides convenience when navigating the house. We truly enjoy the comfortable and spacious bedrooms, the large/entertainment-friendly basement and laundry facilities on two floors.
The lofted area space provides a good opportunity to get some work done while still being included in the activities happening throughout the house.
Fast forward a few years and we had created our own family with plenty of space for togetherness, gatherings and celebrations with extended family and friends. Summer BBQs/Block Party, Halloween tricks and treats, Winter Snowman building/hot cocoa parties are some of the favorites that stand out.
When the kids became school-age, we began to get more entrenched in the Bell School community. We had met some St Ben’s families and attended their Ben Fest and other fundraising events. Nice people who brought positive energy and good vibes to the neighborhood.
BUT, Bell became the core of our world. We already knew Bell was the top school in the area (Top 10 Chicago CPS School), but we were surprised at how phenomenal the community involvement, support and camaraderie were. Walking five blocks to and from school became a really nice way to connect with other school-families, but also friendly neighbors that keep an eye out for one another.
Playing on the playground, riding bikes around the area and going to the Starbuck’s for a coffee or Eggheads Diner, we were always bumping into people we knew or being introduced to new and interesting folks.
Our network grew and we were also visiting Roscoe Village for shopping, yummy restaurants and to play in the great parks. In addition, we enjoy the walk north to Lincoln Square to browse bookstores, eat delicious food (Thai, Sushi, Italian, Mexican), workout at the club and visit the Old Town School of Music.
All three of our kids have played on different sports team at Welles Park and we have attended many outdoor concerts and festivals in the neighborhood (including Mayfest, Ribfest, Northside Summerfest, Shakespeare in the Park, Square Roots Fest, Retro on Roscoe).
McFetridge offers fun/convenient ice skating in the winter and custom swimming pools in the summer months. Bradley Place is close by for baseball, soccer, swimming and gymnastics.
As adults, we’ve always enjoyed dinner at the delicious Sola, live music at Martyr’s and watching games/having a beer at O’Donovan’s and Brownstone. There is plenty to do within walking distance of our home (including a short walk to Wrigley Field for Cubs games), but it’s also an easy drive (or el ride) downtown and conveniently located near the highway.
We have created so many fond memories in this home, neighborhood and community and know that some other lucky party will be able to build their next chapter as well…
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