Baseball season is in full swing and as families take to the highways for summer road trips, ERA Real Estate has mapped out the perfect East-to-West route for baseball fans in search of a potential new home base. There’s no need to plan ahead – just bring an iPad and use the ERA Real Estate HD App for iPad to locate local ERA companies along the way. Check out why these baseball markets are home runs for homebuyers and baseball fans alike.
East Coast
Begin your journey in Richmond, Va., home of the minor league Richmond Flying Squirrels. Locals are nuts about the team, which is affiliated with the San Francisco Giants and relocated to Virginia’s capital city in 2009 after Richmond endured a year without baseball. Now, however, the city enjoys a great family tradition and plans to build a new stadium to add even more appeal to this enjoyable and affordable market.
“Richmond is a great place to live and work,” says broker Jim Napier of Napier Realtors ERA. “Conveniently located two hours from our Nation’s capital, the beach and the mountains, Richmond’s housing market has stabilized and is showing signs of improvement. The average sale price of a home increased nearly four percent this year to $206,522, indicating rising home values.”
Cobblestone streets, impressive architecture and world-class museums hold more than 400 years of American history in Richmond.
Not a bleacher creature? Brave the James River Class IV rapids or the thrilling roller coasters at nearby Kings Dominion amusement park.
Midwest
After Richmond, drive to Chicago and create your own triple header by taking in the games of the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers, which are located just 83 miles away from Wrigley Field in neighboring Wisconsin. Make it a grand slam with a quick drive to Peoria, Ill. to root for the minor league Peoria Chiefs, affiliates of the Cubs.
“If you love team rivalry, this market is a home run,” says broker Joe Castillo of ERA Mi Casa. “Locals like to watch the “South Siders” (Sox) and the “North Siders” (Cubs) battle it out in the Crosstown Classic, and fans often travel to Miller Park in Wisconsin to see the Cubs take on another rival team – the Brewers. Chicago is an exciting place to live and it’s affordable as well. In fact, homes are currently selling at an average sale price of $228,258.”
Chicago offers a multitude of dining, shopping and sightseeing options. Eat Chicago deep dish pizza or a Chicago style hot dog; shop the Magnificent Mile; then check out the famed Skydeck Chicago, the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building and the Navy Pier, the Midwest’s top tourist attraction.
Mountain Region
Next stop is Colorado, which offers both minor and major league options. Cheer for the major league Colorado Rockies in Denver or the team’s minor league affiliate – the Colorado Springs Sky Sox – in Colorado Springs.
“Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers spectacular views, mild weather and endless activities,” says Senior Vice President Angie Parker of ERA Herman Group Real Estate. “Home pricing is reasonable too, with homes selling at an average price of $290,368.”
From the mile high city, travel just 71 miles south to Colorado Springs, where you will find the Sky Sox at Security Service Field, the highest professional ballpark in the United States at 6,531 feet above sea level. And don’t miss the opportunity to see North America’s most visited mountain – Pike’s Peak.
“Colorado Springs offers a wide array of attractions, outdoor activities and thriving local businesses,” says broker Bill Hurt of ERA Shields Real Estate. “With low median home prices – the current average sale price is $208,481 – and high education scores, it’s a great place to retire or raise a family.”
For more information, visit www.ERA.com.
