Music teacher orchestrates hometown move to The Ponds

Twenty-five-year-old Melissa Tomei is Naperville born and bred. The West suburb is the only place she has ever called home.

She attended Naperville elementary, middle and high schools and even studied music education at Naperville's North Central College.

Even after graduating from college, she stayed put. Tomei now works as a music teacher at Naperville's Maplebrook Elementary School.

So it isn't surprising that when Tomei decided it was time to stop paying rent and buy her own home, there was no better place to start her search than in her hometown.

And after an exhaustive search of all Naperville had to offer in her price range, this past spring Tomei purchased a one-bedroom condominium at The Ponds of Naperville, a new condominium conversion community by Marquette Cos.

"I drove by and saw the community, and I immediately knew I had to look into it," Tomei said.

"I have two cats, and The Ponds was actually the only condominium community I looked at that allowed pets," she explained.

"During and after college I lived in an apartment downtown for five years," Tomei said. "And I got tired of spending money on rent, so here I am.

"The Ponds' location really sold me, because it's still close enough to downtown Naperville. It's also 1 miles from the school where I work, so I can walk on nice days, and I'm close to my family, too," she added.

Located at 1333 Modaff Road, just south of 75th Street, The Ponds of Naperville is a new condominium conversion community marketed by Ryan Hill Realty. Homes come with one to two bedrooms, one to two baths, balconies or patios and extra storage space. Base prices range from the $130,000s to the $180,000s.

Tomei purchased the Naper floor plan, an 800-square-foot home with one bedroom, one bath, separate living and dining rooms and a balcony.

"I'm really happy with my new condo," Tomei said. "It's not like an apartment where you can't change anything. I started painting before I even moved in because I had all of my decorating and colors figured out. I was also excited about being able to make upgrades that I really couldn't have done in an apartment."

Tomei chose The Ponds' "silver" upgrade package for her condo, which included new carpet, new countertops, a new tile backsplash, resurfaced shower, tile bathtub and new hardware on doors and cabinets.

"I also selected an in-unit washer and dryer, which is great because it doesn't take up too much space," Tomei said.

Tomei said she loves The Ponds' many on-site amenities, including the central courtyard, state-of-the-art fitness center, sand volleyball court and outdoor pool.

"I put wicker patio furniture on my porch so I can enjoy the nice grassy view I have of the volleyball court and the pool," she said. "Also, having an on-site fitness center is convenient, and it's something I definitely plan on working into my routine."

Each home at The Ponds also comes with a parking space, which Tomei considers a great benefit and there are generally extra spaces readily available for visitors.

To reach The Ponds of Naperville and its three decorated models, take I-355 south to the exit at 75th Street. Head west on 75th Street toward Naperville, and turn left on Modaff Road. The sales center is located on the right. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (630) 848-0488 or visit www.PondsOfNaperville.com.