Neighborhood profile: Northgate in Arlington Heights

Thirty years ago, Robert and Judith Kellen had outgrown their small house in central Arlington Heights and needed a larger home to accommodate their growing family.

They found a spacious home in the Northgate subdivision along with everything else they wanted — good schools, convenient location and the opportunity to remain in Arlington Heights.

“We chose the largest of the five models, which suited us just fine,” Judith Kellen said. “At that time the houses were newer — 12 or 15 years old — and there were a lot of young families with small children here, which we liked.

“We have a large corner lot with a south exposure, so the kitchen and family room are nice and bright, and it's warm in the winter. Also, my husband likes to garden, and we have a nice view of the backyard gardens.”

Northgate is an established neighborhood that features ranches, split-levels and Colonials, traditional styles reflective of the late 1960s and early '70s. The newer section east of Windsor Road is comprised mostly of Colonials with some split-levels, said Susan Duchek, broker-owner of Picket Fence Realty in Arlington Heights.

“These are solid, well-built homes that appeal to move-up buyers who are getting ready to raise a family,” Duchek said. “Good bedroom sizes and lots of storage make them very functional family homes. And many homeowners have updated their kitchens and baths for a fresh spin on the more traditional housing styles.”

Robert Kellen agrees that residents take an active interest in the appearance of the neighborhood.

“The homes and yards are kept up very nicely,” he said. “It seems that when you own a home, you're always updating; it just comes with homeownership.”

Although some original owners are downsizing to condos, many longtime residents remain in the subdivision. “The neighborhood rejuvenates itself,” Robert Kellen said. “When people sell their homes, young families move in. We've always had a lot of children in the neighborhood.”

Northgate offers a nice neighborhood setting dotted with small pocket parks, Duchek said. “It's a great family area where residents focus on the schools and park district activities. And it's large enough where kids have friends in the neighborhood and don't need to leave the area for play dates. There's a real sense of community there.”

The Kellens did their homework regarding area schools, which was a major factor for the couple. Riley Elementary sits down the street from where they live with an adjacent park, and they said the junior high and District 214 high schools are very good.

The location has been convenient for the Kellens to commute to work, and they have easy access to Route 53 from which they can head in any direction.

Arlington Heights offers a thriving community with many events and activities for the whole family. Its renovated downtown presents an eclectic mix of restaurants, many with outdoor seating; movies, live theater performances and summertime outdoor concerts.

Area shopping includes strip malls, downtown boutiques, specialty shops and galleries, and Randhurst Village in neighboring Mount Prospect. There are several upscale grocery stores in Arlington Heights and the surrounding towns.

Popular area attractions include the world-renowned Arlington Park, a beautiful horse-racing facility that provides fun for everyone, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, which has one of the largest collections in the state.

Price range: $285,000 to $460,000

Age of homes: 25 to 43 years old

Schools: Riley Elementary and London Middle schools in Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 and Buffalo Grove High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214; or Eisenhower Elementary and MacArthur Middle schools in Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 and Wheeling High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214

Parks: Arlington Heights Park District