A river runs by it

Like the rest of the nation, Cape Girardeau underwent its own Westward Expansion. Cape's founders settled along the banks of the Mississippi. That desire to remain close to the river is being rekindled again, and new homes with a river view are coming with top-dollar pricetags.

There are still affordable homes practically within a stone's throw of the Mighty Mississippi. One of them is 70 Rivercrest, located in Green Acres subdivision off of East Main Street.

One of the charms of this home is its neighborhood. Most of the people have lived here for years. They've not only come to know each other, but to depend on each other. A neighborhood like that has a special glow about it.

This home is a split-level brick and aluminum siding, making it virtually maintenance free. It has a fenced back yard and mature trees to offer comforting shade.

Inside, the entrance foyer floor is a linoleum wood parquet-look. Upstairs is the living room, dining area, kitchen and sitting area, all flowing nicely from one space to another. French doors exit from the sitting area onto a redwood deck. The deck is a pleasant place to enjoy the shady back yard. The entire yard measures about a half an acre.

The living room has a large picture window overlooking the front yard. The walls are all light in color, but vary from cream to a restful sage green near the kitchen.

The kitchen also has the parquet-look floors and a sunflower motif border at the ceiling line. Ranch-style walnut cabinetry gives the kitchen country flair. The home's washer and dryer are located on the upper floor.

Also on the upper level are a bathroom and three bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is currently used as an office, which points to the versatility of this house. Each of the bedrooms has plenty of closet space and windows for natural light. Each has cream berber carpeting.

On the lower level of the house is its two-car garage and a large finished room which is currently used as a large bedroom. The room could easily be used as a downstairs family room, playroom, hobby room, or another office. Also downstairs is a half bath and unfinished storage area.

This home is currently listed at $119,900. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, September 12, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It is available for viewing through Century 21 Ashland Realty, 334-0125.

traddle@semissourian.com