Just as nice second time around
Debra Berg enjoyed living in Winston Park so much that she moved there a second time and has lived in the subdivision a total of 22 years.
"My first experience was great," Berg said. "It was a good, affordable area for me."
Berg left the area for three years. Then, when she was working in graphic arts at a real estate company, one of the owners had a house for sale in Winston Park. Berg was thrilled to find a nice ranch home and return to the neighborhood, where she lives with her husband and daughter.
"I still think it's a great area," Berg said. "I like the community feel. And it's close to everything -- parks, schools."
Real estate agent Louise Fleming says the subdivision's affordable homes and convenient location are a big draw for families. "The nice thing is people can be in a nice, friendly neighborhood for a reasonable price," said Fleming, real estate agent with Century 21 Advisors Inc. in Arlington Heights. "Also, the location is very good with easy access to Route 53, the Arlington Park train station and downtown Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights."
The subdivision features raised ranches, split-levels and some ranches with three and four bedrooms, and many people have expanded or improved their homes.
A lot of original owners still live in Winston Park, said Terry Leighty, real estate agent with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest in Palatine. "Some have been there more than 30 years and raised their families there. The subdivision has a nice family atmosphere, and people tend to stay there for years and years."
Winston Park is north of Palatine Road between Rohlwing Road and Route 53, but not including Lake Louise, and north to Cooper. The subdivision is also south of Palatine Road entering on Winston Drive and extends south to Twin Lakes.
The section south of Palatine Road is close to Twin Lakes, Fleming said. "It's a very popular recreation area with lots of activities -- walking trails, golf course, fishing and boating. And they have an indoor concession stand."
The subdivision was already established when along came Twin Lakes, Leighty said. "It became a nice addition to Winston Park because residents have their own access and can walk their kids there off Kenilworth Drive. Some can walk out their door and go over and walk along the paths, and it's almost in their backyard."
For recreation, the Palatine Park District maintains the 18-hole championship Palatine Hills Golf Course with pro shop, clubhouse and driving range. Residents can enjoy the family Aquatic Center with two 180-foot slides, two tot water slides, sand play area, six-lane lap pool and a large lawn area. And the 15-mile Palatine Trail winds through neighborhood parks, the Palatine Hills Golf Course, Deer Grove Forest Preserve and Harper College.
The Salt Creek Park District serves residents in the south section of Winston Park and maintains the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. It offers a variety of programs, including summer camps, preschool programs and adult getaways.
Palatine hosts an annual Street Fest, an urban block party with a hometown feel, with activities for all ages, food and main stage entertainment.
Palatine is about 28 miles northwest of the Loop. Route 53 borders Palatine on the east, connecting with I-90 and I-355. The Loop is an hour drive, while O'Hare International Airport is 20 minutes away. Commuters can board a train in Arlington Park or Palatine for the approximately 40-minute trip to the Loop, an hour on the locals.
Price range: $300,000 to $400,000
Age of homes: 40 to 50 years old
Schools: Jane Addams Elementary, Lake Louise Elementary, Winston Campus Elementary or Virginia Lake Elementary and Winston Campus Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Palatine High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211
Parks: Palatine Park District and Salt Creek Park District