Streamwood, once known as Hoosier Grove, continues to grow
Streamwood's convenient location, affordable housing and family-friendly environment make it a desirable place for homebuyers to settle and raise their families.
In recent years, there's even been some new construction to build excitement within the well-established community.
"There's a lot going on in Streamwood," Realtor Dave Bulava said. "They're building up the whole area on (Route) 59 and Irving Park Road with lots of restaurants and shopping."
Many people like Streamwood because it's less expensive than Bartlett or Schaumburg, yet you can get a good-sized house with all the amenities in a nice neighborhood, Bulava said.
"I think there's a lot of pride in homeownership, and most people take good care of their homes. A lot of long-term residents who have raised their families in Streamwood tend to stay there. They'll put on additions rather than move. It's a good spot for the money."
Older homes built about 40 years ago were mostly ranches, while newer homes built within the last 25 years feature split-level and Colonial styles. Typical subdivisions feature homes with four bedrooms, basements and some with a three-car garage. Many nice subdivisions sit west of Route 59 while estate homes reside farther west including some unincorporated areas.
"Streamwood has lots of different shopping centers, so no matter where you live you're convenient to stores and shopping," said Broker-Associate Susan Camiliere. "There are restaurants up and down Route 59 and up and down Barrington Road. The new shopping center there (Sutton Park Shopping Center) is so convenient you can just pop in. It's right around the corner."
The village offers many special events and programs that help bring the community together, Bulava said. "There always seems to be a lot of community-type things going on."
Residents gather at the 20-acre Hoosier Grove Park for many community festivities such as Summer Celebration and Pumpkinfest. The park houses Hoosier Grove Museum, the former one-room schoolhouse that shows what life was like when the area was a farming community.
Members of the Streamwood Historical Society serve as volunteer docents and guides for the museum. And to increase interest in local history, they also host programs and events for the public. Before it became Streamwood, the area was known as Hoosier Grove because German-American farmers who settled there were from Indiana.
Another local attraction is the Veterans Memorial, Camiliere said. "It's really very nice." Honoring all who have served their country, the memorial includes a historical walk and black granite markers of each conflict starting with the Revolutionary War.
Bordering Streamwood on the north, Poplar Creek Forest Preserve contributes to the community's beauty and natural atmosphere. It also offers recreation galore including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking and fishing in its streams and lakes.
Other recreation includes park district facilities such as the Community Center and Park Place Family Recreation Center, a state-of-the-art fitness center with indoor basketball courts, indoor aquatic center, aerobics studio and indoor elevated track.
A golfer's delight is the nine-hole Streamwood Oaks Golf Course owned by the village and open to the public. The clubhouse features tall glass windows on three sides, fireplace and patio, and it can be rented to private groups during the off season.
The Streamwood Roller Rink off Bartlett Road in the older section of town is a popular spot for roller skating, roller hockey games and dodgeball tournaments.
Although mostly a residential community, Streamwood does have a thriving business community with more than 600 businesses. Available land at competitive prices continues to attract new businesses to the area.
The community's location near transportation is a big draw for residents and businesses alike. Route 59 runs north-south to the Northwest Tollway (I-90), while Route 20 and Schaumburg Road are east-west streets. Streamwood is also near O'Hare International Airport and the Hanover Park and Bartlett train stations.