Neighborhood profile: Copeland Manor, Libertyville

How often do you find a subdivision with a neighborhood elementary school at its center and a neighborhood park with pool and golf course at its edge?

Copeland Manor in Libertyville offers that and more, which makes it a sought after subdivision, especially for families with children, said Liz Anderson, Realtor with Century 21 Kreuser & Seiler.

People like the award-winning schools, and many kids live close enough to walk or ride their bikes to the neighborhood’s elementary school, she said. Nearby Riverside Park features an outdoor pool, sports fields, bike path and a 9-hole, 3-par golf course with leagues and tournaments.

“Many people want to move to Libertyville because of the schools, and with Copeland Manor’s affordable homes, buyers can get into a nice family area with well-tended homes and yards, mature trees and sidewalks,” Anderson said.

The neighborhood features two-story, split-level and a few ranch homes, typically with three to four bedrooms, 2½ baths and two-car garages. Many residents have updated their homes or are in the process of making improvements, she said.

Timing was everything for Debbie Quinn and her husband, Matt Kaplan, who purchased a home in the subdivision in 1985.

“It was the right house in the right location with good schools and parks,” said Quinn, who enjoys walking her Portuguese water dog Bento. “The schools were a top priority, and we liked the mature trees, the layout of the house and the nice yard for our kids.

“The neighbors have been great, and we have some social events — block parties and progressive dinners open to the whole neighborhood,” Quinn said. “This is really a good family area and a great place to raise kids. We have a real sense of community here, and I would highly recommend this subdivision.”

Those seeking even more recreation will enjoy the Libertyville Sports Complex, which offers many youth athletic programs, adult leagues and contains eight basketball/volleyball courts, two full-size indoor soccer fields and a 28-foot climbing mountain.

Forest preserves abound in the area. East of the subdivision, the Old School Forest Preserve offers miles of trails, great bass fishing and secluded picnic spots. It attracts bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The sled hill is one of the most popular features of the preserve and can be seen from I-94. Also, several preserves sit south of the village.

People in Copeland Manor also like the ideal location near the quaint downtown area with historic buildings, antique stores, gift shops and boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops that invite you to linger a while, Anderson said.

In the summer, lunch and dinner in the park are popular events when local restaurants set up shop around the downtown square. Concerts and other events throughout the year also draw people to the downtown area.

Libertyville’s historical gems include the Ansel B. Cook Victorian Home museum in the heart of town and the Adler Cultural Center featuring art and music classes, concerts, art exhibitions and special events.

Also, the subdivision sits less than 10 miles from area destinations such as Six Flags Great America, Ravinia and the Chicago Botanic Garden. The community boasts easy access to Edens Expressway.