Lake Arlington profiled in neighborhood spotlight
Fourteen years ago, Luis and Nikky Cifuentes downsized from a large home in Deerfield to a ranch home in Lake Arlington neighborhood to be near their two daughters and closer to their business in Schaumburg.
“We like the architecture of the subdivision, and it's very well kept,” Luis Cifuentes said. “We're very pleased to be here.
“We visited the library and hospital because we wanted to be in an area that not only looks good, but that provides us with the resources we sometimes use. We believe Arlington Heights is a very good community and has a lot to offer.
“We have met some very good people that have become good friends. That makes it feel like home.”
Situated north of Palatine Road and west of Schoenbeck Road, Lake Arlington's main attraction is the lake and 2.4-mile walking path used year round, said Steve Cohen, real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
The lake is popular with residents who can access it from the neighborhood and also rent sailboats, paddle boats and kayaks. People from all over come to enjoy the recreation area, and some say it has the feel of a private lake in Wisconsin.
Other lake amenities include a picnic area, playground, concessions, catch-and-release fishing, and various lessons and camps for youngsters.
The ground removed to make Lake Arlington became the hill where Walter Payton trained for his 13 hall of fame seasons with the Chicago Bears. Payton's Hill is now part of Nickol Knoll golf club, which was dedicated in 2000 by the Arlington Heights Park District to honor Payton and his accomplishments.
“Lake Arlington offers mostly two-story homes along with some ranch designs. It's a well-maintained established neighborhood, convenient to Palatine express, Route 53 and I-294,” Cohen said.
The Cifuenteses were happy to find a ranch house with everything on one floor. Homes don't often come on the market here, and when they do, they sell quickly.
“We have a nice yard with no fences, which gives us a nice open feeling. Neighbors show respect by not going in other people's yards, and even people with dogs allocate them to stay in their own yards,” Cifuentes said.
The neighborhood features townhouses and single-family homes with a range of prices. “Buyers can start out in a townhouse and move up to a single-family home,” Cohen said. “When they want to downsize, they can move back to a townhouse without leaving the neighborhood.”
The subdivision also offers a clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pool and fitness center. It's a great place for people who are active, Cohen said.
The village's thriving downtown features an eclectic mix of restaurants and pubs, live theater performances, outdoor concerts and shopping at boutiques, specialty shops and galleries.
“We eat out quite often, and many times we go to local restaurants close to where we live. After we eat, if we're tired and want to go to bed, we're close to home,” Cifuentes said.
Other attractions in the village include Arlington International Racecourse, a beautiful horse-racing facility that offers fun for the whole family; a strong park district that is a vital part of the community with facilities and activities for all ages, historical museum and an active senior center. The Arlington Heights Memorial Library has one of the largest collections in the state.
Listing sheet
<b>Price range:</b> Single-family homes, $300,000 to $500,000; townhouses, $150,000 to $300,000.
<b>Age of homes: </b>24 to 27 years
<b>Schools: </b>Betsy Ross Elementary and MacArthur Middle schools in Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 and Wheeling High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214
<b>Parks: </b>Arlington Heights Park District