Mix of styles in Wood Dale's Whispering Oaks
One of the most attractive subdivisions in Wood Dale is Whispering Oaks, which features custom homes, large lots and a peaceful, wooded setting.
Located off Oak Meadows Drive west of Route 83, the neighborhood offers a mix of housing styles — long rambling ranches, stately two-stories and Spanish-style homes with either a two- or three-car garage, some circular drives and beautiful landscaping.
The subdivision, often referred to as Edgewood after the name of a main street through the area, has a rustic ambience with mature trees, winding streets, no sidewalks, small cul-de-sacs and yards that blend with its natural surroundings.
People who buy a home in Whispering Oaks tend to stay there, said Vickie Soupos, broker with RE/MAX Destiny. “And they stay for a reason. It's a nice neighborhood with nice neighbors, convenient to schools, shopping and golf courses.
“This isn't a cookie-cutter area; homes are different custom designs with some very unique homes,” Soupos said. “It's a very pretty neighborhood with winding streets, and the houses are not too close together.”
When seeking a larger family house, Toula and Dennis Zakon purchased a new home in Whispering Oaks 36 years ago, moving from a smaller home in Addison.
“We liked the house and the way the neighborhood looked,” Dennis Zakon said. “We have a pretty home and nice landscaping in the front and back, and all the neighbors keep their homes and yards looking nice.”
Zakon's favorite room in their house is the family room, “because we spend most of our time there,” he said.
“The women stay in the kitchen; they cook, you know,” he jokes. “And my wife is a beautiful Greek lady who cooks wonderful Greek food. When the neighbors notice the aroma, they say ‘Send some over.' ”
The Zakons enjoy the diversity of the neighborhood and sharing ethnic foods, especially on holidays. “We have Polish and Hungarian people here, Italians across the street, Germans next door. And one of our neighbors is a policeman, so everything is under control.
“We love it here. It's a nice quiet neighborhood, and we have pleasant neighbors all the way around.”
The subdivision's ideal location is also a big draw.
“It's just a few minutes from O'Hare Airport, and that's a big deal,” Soupos said. “It's 1½ miles from Metra, near (Interstates) 290, 294 and (Route) 53, and close to grocery stores, Target, CVS, Walgreens, everything. It's a very convenient location.”
Wood Dale offers many amenities. Residents can enjoy good eating without leaving town as the city offers several excellent restaurants with enough variety to please any palate. And for major shopping, it's a quick drive to Oakbrook Center.
For recreation, the Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve borders the subdivision on the west while several preserves sit south of the city. The Bensenville Park District offers a variety of programs for people of all ages, including family trips, athletics and special events.
The park district also operates the White Pines Golf Course where residents can enjoy the sport at reduced rates. The course offers a 36-hole golf course and banquet facilities.
The Oak Meadows Golf Club and Maple Meadows Golf Club located in Wood Dale are also nearby.
Wood Dale sits 22 miles northwest of the Loop. Metra trains reach the Loop in 32 minutes via express trains and 43 minutes on the locals, while drive time is 35 minutes. In Wood Dale, Irving Park Road (Route 19) is a main thoroughfare for east-west traffic and Route 83 provides north-south access.
Listing sheet
<b>Price:</b> $250,000 to $350,000
<b>Age of homes:</b> Most built around 1970
<b>Schools:</b> Johnson Elementary and Black Hawk Middle schools in Bensenville Elementary District 2 and Fenton High School in Fenton High School District 100
<b>Parks:</b> Bensenville Park District