Location a boost for Westfield

Originally attracted to Westfield because it was an older part of town with tree-lined streets and a variety of homes, Joyce and Bob Goerne have lived in the Des Plaines subdivision for 28 years.

"We thought the area had a nice neighborhood feel with a little tradition to it," Bob Goerne said. "We found a two-story home at a reasonable price. It's a very livable, comfortable home with three bedrooms, a large family room, dining room and big kitchen. And we have a concealed patio where we can have private dinners."

Joyce especially enjoys living near the center of the community where she can walk to the bank, library or downtown to get coffee and go to the bakery. She also likes to go bike riding through the neighborhood and at Prairie Lakes Park.

Situated south of Dempster/Thacker, north of Algonquin and west of Lee Street, the neighborhood's location was ideal for Bob who formerly taught at Maine West High School.

Residents of Westfield like the quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets as well as being close to Chicago, said Mary Childers, real estate broker with Baird & Warner in Mount Prospect.

"People of all ages live in the neighborhood -- city people, retired, people from all walks of life. It's a wonderful microcosm of the world," Childers said.

Houses include colonials, Cape Cods, split-levels and ranches with a one- or two-car garage. "There are some nice, reasonably priced homes for first-time buyers as well as more expensive newer houses because some people with huge lots sold off their parcels. Lots are deep, and there are few fences, so you have a feeling of openness where people can connect with each other," Childers said.

For recreation, the park district maintains two golf courses, a driving range, a water park and a full schedule of programs and activities. Residents come out in full force to Taste of Des Plaines, an annual event featuring local restaurants and entertainment.

Des Plaines is about 17 miles from downtown Chicago. Residents are close to O'Hare International Airport, a Metra train station, the CTA's el line and interstates 90, 94 and 294.

The Westfield community in Des Plaines includes a mixture of homes such as colonials, Cape Cods, split-levels and ranches.

Price range: $300,000 to $650,000

Age of homes: 60 years old and newer

Schools: Central Elementary and Algonquin Middle schools in Des Plaines Elementary District 62 and Maine West High School in Maine Township High School District 207

Parks: Des Plaines Park District