Neighborhhod profile: Wicklow Estates

Built on land that was once a nursery, Wicklow Estates is a small neighborhood of 56 homes favored by residents for its large family homes, excellent school district and convenient location.

Situated west of Midlothian Road and south of Old McHenry Road in Lake Zurich, Wicklow Estates offers a close-knit neighborhood, walking trail to the neighborhood playground, park and ponds. Children and adults enjoy fishing in the ponds, and in the wintertime, skating and hockey are popular pastimes, said Cyndy Hass, Wicklow Estates resident and Realtor with RE/MAX Suburban.

Hass and her family moved to the subdivision 14 years ago because it was near everything, including schools and shopping, but set off a main road. She also liked the neighborhood amenities and that children could ride their bikes on the sidewalks.

A family-oriented neighborhood with a lot of young children, parents watch out for each other’s kids when they’re out playing at the park or riding bikes around the neighborhood, she said.

The homes are ideal for growing families. “The floor plans are absolutely family friendly with large kitchens open to family rooms and full basements. Homes are on a minimum of one-third acre with many homes having views of the ponds or woods,” Hass said.

“A lot of us who bought our homes about 14 years ago could have sold and moved on, but most people decided to customize and update their kitchens and baths or finish the basements. They’re quite beautiful.”

Hass has two homes for sale in the subdivision now, although homes generally don’t remain on the market long, she said.

“It’s a great place for buyers looking for a nice home with a family-friendly floor plan and an updated interior.”

Bill and Cindy Benson have lived in Lake Zurich since 1989. When their son was born, they moved to a larger house in Wicklow Estates. “We liked the schools, neighborhood parks and good city services, so it was our desire to stay in Lake Zurich,” Bill Benson said.

“We’re very pleased with the neighborhood. We not only have good neighbors, but also fun neighbors, good people. We’re very happy here.”

Benson agrees with Hass that parents keep a watchful eye on the kids.

“This is a close-knit neighborhood and it was great fun watching the children grow up. A lot of kids are now in high school and college,” he said.

For shopping, Deer Park is nearby, and Lake Zurich offers a number of opportunities from mom and pop stores to large national chains.

“Lake Zurich has come a long way since we moved here with movies, restaurants and shopping. We pretty much have everything right here in Lake Zurich,” Benson said.

For a night out, what could be better than dinner and a good movie? Lake Zurich offers several ethnic restaurants, bistros and casual dining spots. And the Regal Cinema features 12 movie theaters where people are sure to find a film that suits their taste.

For recreation, we have the YMCA and pool, and the parks department is fabulous, Hass said. The department offers recreation, leisure programs and special events for all interests and ages. All the youth sports are popular, and even 5- and 6-year-old kids can sign up for Little Sluggers to learn baseball basics.

The village has made many park improvements and added facilities including horseshoe pits, a bocce ball court, sprayground, gazebo and expanded parking areas.

The Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich offers traditional services along with some uncommon ones not usually found at a library. Do you know you can apply for a passport, register to vote and receive notary public services there? These are a few examples of how the library continues to upgrade its offerings for patrons.

You can see why Wicklow Estates is a prime spot for families to settle and raise their children. “Families I represented that bought here have unanimously said that this was the best choice they could have made,” Hass said. “And those who moved felt a great sense of community in the neighborhood and were disappointed to leave.”

Listing sheet

Price range: $500,000s to $700,000s

Age of homes: 14 years old

Schools: Loomis Elementary, Lake Zurich Middle North Campus and Lake Zurich High schools in Lake Zurich Unit District 95

Parks: Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation Department