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House Next to Obamas' Chicago Digs Hits Market

Agent calls area 'the world's ultimate gated community'

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 11, 2009 7:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – Got a couple million and think you can pass a Secret Service background check? The house next door to President Obama’s Chicago digs is on sale, the Tribune reports. Round-the-clock protection puts the 17-room brick home in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood in “the world’s ultimate gated community,” says the real-estate agent in charge of the listing, adding that he expects it to go for around $2 million.

“It’s had its ups and downs,” says the current owner, looking for smaller quarters after buying the house for $35,000 in 1973. “Initially, having to go through justifying being on the block is a little awkward. I used to tease these guys it was easier to get into East Berlin. Now when I look at it, it’s the safest block in town, it’s the most prestigious block in town. I say this to myself a couple times a day when I’m going through the barricades.”

5040 S. Greenwood is for sale; the Obamas' home is at top of the frame.
5040 S. Greenwood is for sale; the Obamas' home is at top of the frame.   (Google Maps)
President Obama's Chicago home, at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. You could live next door.
President Obama's Chicago home, at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. You could live next door.   (AP Photo)
The corner lot next to President Obama's Chicago home is on the market.
The corner lot next to President Obama's Chicago home is on the market.   (Google)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
wwwonderer
Sep 14, 2009 7:15 AM CDT
I actually live about 2 miles from there: Washington Park is just west of Hyde Park. It was insane trying to drive around there.
armywife
Sep 12, 2009 10:23 AM CDT
deebles, i dont know if you'll check back to this thread, but if you do, then i just want to say that your post was the best one i've read on newser yet. you offered some much needed perspective - thanks :)
brawne
Sep 12, 2009 7:50 AM CDT
I can't believe I wrote so much shit about a house for sale. Thank God they weren't selling a dog.

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