Tall Oaks high on residents' lists
Towering oak trees, scenic ponds and winding roads give Tall Oaks Estates a country ambience that attracts residents to the upscale Carol Stream subdivision.
Among the first residents to have a home built in the subdivision, Sue and John Halford loved the oak trees and beautiful setting.
"There are lots of oak trees that have been here for hundreds of years," Sue Halford said. "When we were looking for lots, there was nothing in DuPage County that matched up to this with the combination of mature trees and updated homes."
"Tall Oaks has a lot of prestige, and it's definitely a very desirable subdivision," said Robin Hodges, real estate agent with Baird & Warner. "It has a unique to feel to it, and it's unusual to have sidewalks in a setting like this."
Homes in Tall Oaks come in a variety of styles, from two-story colonials to rambling ranches. Many have amenities such as two-story foyers, cathedral and vaulted ceilings, skylights, gourmet kitchens with island and breakfast bar, large formal dining rooms, first-floor offices, master suites with sitting room, finished lower levels and 2½- or three-car garage.
Tall Oaks Estates was the first subdivision with homes a little closer together that went into an area with larger lots and homes farther apart, said Judy Joss, real estate agent with RE/MAX Professionals East.
"Most of the people moved in about the same time, and they became a tightknit little community. It's a real neighborhood where people are out walking their dogs and walking with strollers. It's very quaint and secluded back there, and the trees give privacy to the smaller lots."
Many residents are original owners with a mix of people of all ages.
The neighborhood has a variety of social events including block parties and bunko.
Shopping and services are just minutes away. From Stratford Square in Bloomingdale to Wheaton Town Square to surrounding downtowns and local convenience malls, residents have lots of choices.
Tall Oaks Estates has a convenient location with a bike path on Fair Oaks that takes riders to the nearby Prairie Path.
The West Branch Forest Preserve borders Carol Stream on the west along with the Old Wayne Golf Course.
The village has a large, active park district with state-of-the-art facilities including a water park, mini-golf course and skate park.
Simkus Recreation Center offers a fitness center, dance studio, gym and basketball court and on-site child-care center. Year-round swimming is available at the Collins Indoor Aquatic Center.
Carol Stream is 27 miles west of the Loop with easy access to the Tri-State Tollway, the Reagan Tollway and the I-290 extension.
Price range: $550,000 to $600,000s
Age of homes: 15 years old
Schools: Evergreen Elementary and Benjamin Middle schools in Benjamin Elementary District 25 and Community High School in Community High School District 94
Parks: Carol Stream Park District