5339 South Ellis Avenue, Unit D3Chicago, IL 60615Price: $139,000

This airy top floor co-op has great space and light. The bathroom has just been refreshed with a new vanity. The kitchen has a terrific stainless steel refrigerator, an electric range with overhead exhaust fan/light, a dishwasher and plenty of cabinets and open shelf storage and counter space. It also has two pantry closets. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout the unit. The living room looks out to the avenue with an open vista to the elementary school a block to the west. The sunny, south facing dining room looks out to the private courtyard shared by all 33 units in the building. Two good size bedrooms. The master bedroom walk-in closet is customized with Elfa shelving. The porches have all been rebuilt, and this unit has a south end corner porch. The building has a distinctive history of never having had a special assessment, yet it is carefully maintained and improved. Even improvements inside the units (including replacement appliances) can be handled by the HOA. It's an easy walk or roll to the University of Chicago and its hospitals. The commercial corridor of 53rd St., with its myriad of foodie restaurants and shops, starts at the end of the block. The lakefront in all its glory is just blocks away. The Museum of Science and Industry and the recently opened Obama Center are close by. It's easy to get to the Loop, and the 172 bus stops at the corner whisks you to the campus and the lakefront. The Walk Score says it is very walkable, with good transit and an amazing 94 biker's paradise score. There is a secure bike room in the basement as well as the coin laundry. It's a pet friendly building, so bring them with you. Parking is right out back at a mere $35/month. The current owner has a spot, but if you don't need one, you don't have to pay for one. The WIFI is included in the assessments as are the taxes of $996.51 and the co-op's mortgage on the building of $802.69; both of which are tax deductible. This is an extraordinarily inexpensive opportunity to own a comfortable residence in the fabled Hyde Park neighborhood with access to everything that makes it a great place to call home.