Secret is out about Pioneer Terrace
Twelve years ago, Mary and Dick Chase moved to Pioneer Terrace in Wheaton, just a half block from Cosley Zoo, where visitors can get an up-close look at domestic farm animals and native wildlife exhibits.
"We're animal lovers and wanted to live by Cosley Zoo," Mary Chase said. "We can hear the animal noises from our house. We think it's a wonderful place, and we enjoy living close to it."
When Dick Chase retired, the couple downsized to a townhouse in Wheaton Oaks, then decided they wanted a house with a backyard for their dog. Most importantly, they wanted to remain in the same area.
"We found this house, and we love it," Mary said. "It's a small ranch home with a finished basement and huge family room. It was very attractive to us because most of our living could be on one floor. And we wanted to stay right here in this area.
"We love that this is a kid-friendly street with children of all ages. And we have the most wonderful neighbors. I can't say enough about our neighborhood. We think it's wonderful in every way."
Situated north of West Harrison Avenue and west of Main Street, Pioneer Terrace is not only near the Cosley Zoo, but also a block from the Wheaton Sports Center and Northside Park.
Northside Park is a big attraction for people who live in Pioneer Terrace, said Denise Gill, real estate agent with Baird & Warner in Wheaton. "It's beautiful with all the old trees, especially at this time of year," Gill said. "It's fun to see the blue heron and egrets that the pond attracts, and you can walk completely around the park. There are also tennis courts, a playground, picnic area and pool at Northside. But the nicest thing is that it's a beautiful natural park.
"A lot of people don't know about Pioneer Terrace," Gill said. "It's a little tucked away secret."
The small, well-kept subdivision of about 75 homes features a variety of home styles -- ranches, two-stories and split-levels -- with some homes overlooking the park or wetlands. Some homes were built in the 1950s, and others are about 10 years old, Gill said.
The Wheaton Park District operates Cosley Zoo, Northside Park and the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area.
Northside Park is adjacent to the Lincoln Marsh Forest Preserve that features several habitats rich in plant and animal life.
Wheaton offers three golf courses including Arrowhead Golf Club, a 27-hole course set on 221 acres run by the park district.
Wheaton is 23 miles west of Chicago's Loop. The Reagan Tollway and the I-290 Expressway are the main connecting arteries. Commuters can board the Metra at two Wheaton stations for the 45-minute ride downtown.
Price range: $299,000 to $800,000
Age of homes: 10 to 50 years old
Schools: Washington Elementary, Franklin Middle and Wheaton North High schools in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200
Parks: Wheaton Park District