Edgewood enjoys its edge
Built as high-end housing almost 40 years ago, the Edgewood subdivision maintains its reputation as a prestigious Wood Dale neighborhood.
Custom homes, large lots and a wooded setting attract home buyers to Edgewood. The subdivision features a mix of housing styles -- rambling ranches, stately two-stories and Spanish-style homes with two- or three-car garages. Many of the homes have circular drives and beautiful landscaping.
There are no cookie-cutter homes in Edgewood, said Henri Vasquez, real estate agent with Century 21 GMS Realty in Elmhurst.
"They're all custom designs with some very unique homes in there. When we try to do comparables, it's difficult because none of the homes look alike," Vasquez said.
The subdivision features winding streets, small cul-de-sacs and plantings that blend with natural surroundings.
Edgewood sees little turnover. Although some of the older-generation owners are downsizing and moving out, younger families with children are coming in, Vasquez said.
Newer construction to the east of the subdivision keeps prices in Edgewood stable, said Carol Paruch, real estate agent with Baird & Warner in Schaumburg.
"Someone from a smaller bungalow in the city can buy twice the house and land for the same amount of money," Paruch said.
Located off Oak Meadows Drive just west of Route 83 in Wood Dale, the subdivision's location is a big draw.
Edgewood is close to expressways, O'Hare International Airport, shopping, banking and Oakbrook Center.
For recreation, the Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve borders the subdivision on the west.
The Bensenville Park District offers a variety of programs, including family trips, athletics and special events. The Leisure Center includes courts, jogging and walking track, gym, a weight room and nursery.
The park district also operates the 36-hole White Pines Golf Course. The Oak Meadows Golf Club and Maple Meadows Golf Club are nearby.
Wood Dale is 22 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop.
Irving Park Road (Route 19) is a main thoroughfare for east-west traffic, and Route 83 provides north-south access. Metra trains reach the Loop in 32 minutes via express trains and 43 minutes on the locals.
Price range: $300,000 to $800,000
Age of homes: 40 years old and newer
Schools: Johnson Elementary and Black Hawk Middle School in Bensenville Elementary District 2 and Fenton High School in Fenton High School District 100
Parks: Bensenville Park District