Swingin’

The door is always open at 17580 Marx St., a two-story brick house near McNichols and I-75. For the family-minded, the large lot offers a tempting play area for children with more than 15 worn-out tires (they make excellent swings) and several child-sized patio chairs left behind by a previous occupant. But this house, located within shouting distance of a school (Are you paying attention, Mr. Mayor?), is more than a place where kids can gather. A couple would find this the perfect romantic setting; broken windows allow the springtime breeze to seep through as you work together cleaning up the bottles, cigarette butts and strange liquids located inside. Then, you can dangle your feet off the side of a crumbling wooden deck while watching paper bags swirl over the tall grass.

Built in 1926, the house has been empty for more than six years but will immediately feel like home — especially if you are currently living at the county dump. And forget about going clothes shopping — plenty of perfectly torn flannels, jeans and sweatshirts await you behind the house. Leave them outside and they’ll wash themselves.