Lake Claire Estates has room to spread out
Nine years ago, Dick and Donna Hultberg moved from Glenview to a larger home in Lake Claire Estates in Prospect Heights.
They liked the larger lots, the space between each house, and the nice neighborhood, Dick Hultberg said.
"Our house is 3,500 square feet with a three-car garage, and we had room to put in a wine cellar. We have flowers in our yard and a lawn service to take care of our property. We like the area very much.
"Our children were grown when we moved in, but there are a lot of children here, and it's fun to sit out and watch them play.
Although the subdivision is known as Lake Claire Estates, there are three streets -- Galway, Newcastle and Waterford -- that are actually The Shires, and they are about five years newer than the other homes. For all practical purposes, it's one community, though, said Ron Covelli, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Arlington Heights.
The subdivision features all custom homes with open floor plans, traditional and contemporary homes, two-story Georgians and big ranches. The two-story homes have about 3,000 to 3,500 square feet with four or more bedrooms while ranches are a little smaller, and homes have two- or three-car garages.
"It's one of the unique areas of Prospect Heights with large wooded lots, quiet streets and professional landscaping," Covelli said. "There's a sameness about it. Homes are all about the same age; there are no newer homes next to very old homes. It's very well maintained. It's really a pristine community.
"Generally homes are competitively priced and represent terrific value for the money. It's a very desirable neighborhood in Prospect Heights."
The subdivision is a great place to raise children, offering big yards where children can run and play. Within the subdivision, a neighborhood park includes a gazebo, tennis courts, playground, picnic tables and lots of wide open space for football or soccer games.
The Prospect Heights location is convenient to area amenities -- the aquatic center, library, expressways, train station, shopping centers, Harper College's northwest center, National Louis University in Wheeling and several renowned restaurants.
Residents of Lake Claire Estates also have access to the county forest preserve and nature trail located in an unincorporated area between Glenview and Mount Prospect.
The Prospect Heights Park District serves residents of Lake Claire Estates with a variety of activities and facilities, including the Lions Park pool and the Gary Morava Recreation Center.
Prospect Heights is home to the Chicago Executive Airport, the third largest airport in Chicago area and one of the busiest small airports in the country.
Prospect Heights is 26 miles northwest of the Loop. Drive time to the Loop is an hour. O'Hare Airport is a 20-minute drive while Midway is 45 minutes away. Commuters can board the train at the Prospect Heights station.
Price range: $600,000s to $800,000s
Age of homes: 20 to 25 years old
Schools: Robert Frost Elementary and Holmes Middle schools in Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 and Wheeling High Schools in Northwest Suburban High School District 214
Parks: Prospect Heights Park District