Neighborhood profile: Tunbridge in Algonquin
Attractive custom homes, good schools and an ideal location bordering the Randall Road corridor draw buyers to the Tunbridge subdivision in Algonquin.
Tunbridge is one of several subdivisions built in the late 1980s and '90s in the area west of Hanson, south of Algonquin and east of Randall roads.
The neighborhood features two-story custom homes constructed by five different builders with brick fronts and well-tended lawns. Typically, the homes feature four bedrooms, 2½ baths and 2- or 3-car garages, said Cindi Cook, broker with Prudential Starck Realtors.
“People like that they get a lot of house for the money. They can get a custom home for a good price and for less than it would cost them to build a new home,” she said.
The beauty of the subdivision, with its nice-looking homes and huge trees, attracted Lisa and Miguel Cabrales to the subdivision a year and a half ago.
“I love our house; it's the house we always wanted. And we have a beautiful yard with mature trees,” Lisa Cabrales said. “The kitchen is a favorite room because it's a gathering place, and we look out at the pool and hot tub. We have a big deck, which is a great place for entertaining.
“The area has a country feel, yet we're close to everything — schools, shopping. And although Randall Road is in our backyard, we don't hear any traffic noise,” Cabrales said.
Although she has not lived in the neighborhood long, Cabrales immediately felt at home in the neighborhood.
“There are a lot of people with dogs here, and when I'm out walking our dog I see a lot of neighbors out on the walking trail. Everyone is friendly. I'm out on the trail all the time either running or walking the dog.
“Also, the area has a nice community feel,” Cabrales said. “The neighbors are great, and everyone is helpful. If people are sick, neighbors will snowblow their driveway. It's that kind of community.”
The Golf Course of Illinois is a big attraction for buyers, and several homes back up to the manicured greens, Cook said.
“The schools are good, and Jacobs is the high school everyone wants.”
Other area amenities include Algonquin Commons, an upscale shopping area, and Lifetime Fitness is a huge health club open around the clock with indoor and outdoor pools, Cook said.
The village, which oversees parks and recreation, offers all kinds of programs and special events, family trips, athletic programs and Red Cross swimming lessons for people of all ages.
Within walking distance for residents, Tunbridge Park is a one-acre neighborhood park with a playground, pavilion and picnic shelter, walking paths and a seating area.
The nearby High Hill Park is a large park with two entrances. The one off Kirkland Drive features a soccer field and basketball court with a nice biking and walking trail that wraps around the park. The park gets its name from the entrance off Harnish Drive where a playground, sandbox and gazebo sit atop a hill with a beautiful view of Algonquin.
Besides neighborhood amenities, many people enjoy Algonquin's downtown. People like to walk along the Fox River, sit on park benches, watch boaters and fishermen and bike through town. The popular Port Edward Restaurant offers a river view, nautical ambience and museum with artifacts and collectibles.
Boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants bring people to the quaint downtown area. Towne Park hosts several community events including Founders' Day, a popular summer festival, public art displays and summer concerts.
Tunbridge residents have easy access to I-90, which is five minutes away.
Listing sheet
<b>Price: </b>$275,000 to $375,000
<b>Age of homes: </b>11-17 years old
<b>Schools: </b>Neubert Elementary, Westfield Community and HD Jacobs High School in Community Unit District 300
<b>Parks: </b>Village of Algonquin Events and Recreation Department