Best Old House Neighborhoods 2011

Berwyn, Illinois

The Houses
Brick bungalows and English Tudors with high-pitched roofs along with wood-sided Queen Annes are the primary home styles here. Thanks to a long history of single-family ownership, most houses retain their original layouts, many with oak millwork, subway-tiled kitchens, and stained-glass windows. The average bungalow price is around $225,000. Anyone interested in learning more should consider attending the city's annual Bungalow Tour, which takes place in September. (Find out more at berwynbungalow.org.)

Why Buy Here?
The Berwyn-to-downtown commute is 15 minutes by car, though Chicago's closest elevated- train stop is a bus ride away. The tony Oak Park suburb is nearby, helping to keep housing values stable.

Shown: Brick bungalows prevail in Berwyn—a fact that's celebrated each year during the city's Bungalow Tour.

Among the best for: The Midwest, Cottages & Bungalows, Singles, Easy Commute, Victorians