Ridge Park touted as 'hidden gem'

Fourteen years ago when Lynne Gillis looked at a little two-story Cape Cod in Arlington Heights' Ridge Park neighborhood, its charm captured her heart.

"When I saw the arched doorways and built-ins, it was just cute enough that I couldn't stop thinking about it," Gillis said. "I brought a friend to see it and made an offer the next day. I never wanted to live in a 10,000-square-foot house, and I wanted a place that had more charm than a cracker box, cookie-cutter home. I grew up in Palatine, and I've always liked this area."

Many of the homes in Ridge Park were built for returning GIs after World War II, said Cathy Harding, broker-owner of Forse Real Estate in Arlington Heights. There's a variety of home styles, including Georgians, Cape Cods, ranches and split-levels, along with some teardowns in the neighborhood. A lot of rehabs and additions have gone on in the last 10 years, too, Harding said.

Gillis has made several improvements to her house, which was built in 1946. She remodeled the kitchen and both bathrooms, painted, put in new carpeting, siding, windows, a heating system and landscaping.

"I've had great fun fixing it up," Gillis said. "I have a perennial garden in the back, and I do a lot of gardening and yardwork. I love to work outside and to hang out on the deck.

"This is also a nice area for walking. I have three dogs -- two golden retrievers and a border collie -- so I'm out walking them a lot. It's nice being close to the Lutheran Home because we do volunteer work (pet therapy) there with the dogs."

Ridge Park has a neighborhood feel with a mix of original owners, singles and families, Harding said.

"Because the area is more affordable, there are a lot of stay-at-home moms who live there; they have that option. It's also a good place for young couples with one car when one of them commutes downtown because many of the homes are within walking distance of the Arlington Park train station. Ridge Park is a hidden gem because a lot of people don't think about this area," Harding said.

Located north of Northwest Highway, south of Oakton Street and west of Ridge Avenue, the neighborhood is close to the shopping and amenities in downtown Arlington Heights with quick access on Northwest Highway to Route 53. Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg also is nearby.

For recreation, Arlington Heights has an extensive park district. Residents are near the district's Olympic Indoor Swim Center, which has a family activity pool, lap pool and diver well, and Olympic Skate Park, just north of the center.

The park district also oversees a racquet ball and fitness club, tennis club, golf club, walking/bike path and dozens of athletic fields. Hundreds of programs are available to residents.

Commuters can reach the I-290 extension or the Jane Addams Tollway via Route 53. There are two Metra stops in Arlington Heights with a trip to the Loop 35 minutes via express trains and 45 minutes on the locals. Bus service also is available.

Price range: $235,000 to $800,000s

Age of homes: 60 years old and newer

Schools: Patton Elementary and Thomas Middle school in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 and Hersey High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214

Parks: Arlington Heights Park District