Sierra Ridge in neighborhood profile
Nancy Schultz worked in Rockford when she purchased a townhouse in Sierra Ridge in Elgin. "That's the farthest east I wanted to go," said Schultz, one of the community's original owners.
"This is a nice little subdivision. We live on a cul-de-sac, and our corner unit overlooks the wetlands. I love it. It's a lovely, beautifully kept community."
Schultz, who served on the Sierra Ridge homeowner's association board for several years, says the community offers a friendly atmosphere with great people who watch out for each other.
Situated at McLean Boulevard and College Green Drive, Sierra Ridge sits off Randall Road, close to Elgin Community College and the Spartan Meadows Golf Course.
"It's also close to I-90, which is important for people who work east. They can live in Elgin where homes are a little more affordable and then just hop on the expressway and head to work," said Judy Lobianco Nelson, real estate broker with RE/MAX Horizon in Elgin.
Built by Pulte Homes in the late 1990s, Sierra Ridge features 125 homes in five designs ranging from 1,150 to 1,600 square feet. The floor plans have vaulted ceilings, two to three bedrooms, 1½ to 2½ baths and two-car garages with extra visitor parking available. Homes feature patios or balconies, which are great for enjoying the pretty views and entertaining in a nice setting.
The main entrance takes you into the quiet subdivision where some homes overlook open areas and a pond. It's a nice cozy spot with a family atmosphere, and all units are owner occupied, which is nice, Lobianco Nelson said.
"The community is well managed and nicely landscaped and offers great value for the money. To have this kind of square footage and three full bedrooms in this price range is an amazing buy."
The community features a park, playground, bike room and bike and walking trails. Dogs and cats are permitted.
Many residents have kept their homes up with current amenities. Lobianco Nelson is now marketing a home that was a model for the community and is upgraded to the max.
Although residents are near shopping and restaurants along Randall Road, they are also a short drive from Elgin's downtown treasures, including the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Opera and a mecca of theater and arts groups - such as the well-known children's chorus, children's theater groups and its youth orchestra that travels the world.
Elgin is also home to cultural organizations unique to the city, including Ballet Folklorico and the Laotian dance troupe.
With its downtown renaissance, Elgin offers restaurants with cuisines from around the world, unique shops selling everything from used books to antiques and collectibles, and a host of events including outdoor concerts and arts and cultural events.
Festival Park is a beautiful park that's a great place for the community to gather for festivals that celebrate the city's diversity.
Elgin's historic architecture, dedication to the arts, and entertainment venues such as the Grand Victoria Riverboat casino has made the city a focal point for the Fox Valley and neighboring communities.
The city offers three Metra stations for commuters, four major east-west roadways and four major roads going north and south. It also has easy access to the city, O'Hare International Airport, Woodfield Mall and other surrounding suburbs.
Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $130,000 to $170,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 19 years
<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Fox Meadow Elementary, Abbott Middle and Larkin High schools in Elgin U-46
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Elgin Park District