Brentwood neighborhood offers comforts of home
Dimitrios and Irene Apostolopoulos moved from New York to Mount Prospect almost 20 years ago when Demitrios worked in the research and development center at Kraft Foods in Glenview.
“I didn't know much about the area, but Brentwood was one of the subdivisions people in HR recommended,” Dimitrios Apostolopoulos said.
“We're very pleased here. We're sentimentally attached to the neighborhood, and we love Chicago,” he said.
With two small children at the time, it was important for the couple to settle in an area with good schools as they came from a top school district in New York. They also liked having a nice library and park district facilities such as the tennis courts and swimming pool that their kids enjoyed.
For Demitrios, being near the airport was also a big consideration when they moved because he often traveled for business.
The Brentwood subdivision, built by Hoffman Homes, sits north of Kensington Road, south of Euclid Avenue and east of Wolf Road.
The homes in Brentwood are newer homes for Mount Prospect, said Roseann Schumacher, managing broker with Century 21 Langos & Christian.
“They have vaulted ceilings and all the latest amenities that people want,” she said.
The subdivision, with maturing trees and sidewalks, features Colonial-style homes ranging in size from 2,100 to 3,000 square feet and nine different floor plans. Most houses have four bedrooms, 2½ to three baths, basements and a two-car garage. Several cul-de-sacs add interest and curb appeal to the neighborhood.
What does Demitrios like about his home?
“Everything,” he said. “It's a nice house, nice kitchen. It's very functional. In the summertime, we enjoy the backyard, and we have a fantastic view.”
Schumacher is also a resident of Brentwood and has lived in the neighborhood since it was being built. She lived in Mount Prospect at the time and wanted to stay in the community, but desired a larger home and new construction. The pocket of new homes in a well-established area was a good find, she said.
Its great location is a big plus for homeowners, Schumacher said.
“It's very close to the train station at Camp McDonald and Wolf roads, and residents can get to all kinds of shopping and transportation in three minutes,” she said.
People also like being close to Randhurst Village, an open-air shopping center that features national and regional retailers, several restaurants, offices and a state-of-the-art AMC movie theater.
“We're excited about the new (Randhurst) mall; there are so many nice places there, good restaurants, and it offers so many things,” Apostolopoulos said.
“This is a nice friendly area, and people in the neighborhood are wonderful,” Schumacher said. “It's diversified with residents from all over; they go to the Greek school, the Israeli school; everyone gets along, and the children play well together.”
Although Irene and Demitrios are empty nesters now, their children have stayed in the area. Their daughter is a lawyer and their son a CPA. Having nice neighbors and their children living nearby is an incentive for the couple to remain in the neighborhood after they retire.
“We've been very fortunate with such nice neighbors,” Apostolopoulos said. “Everything is nice, and I'm excited to be here.”
Residents have an opportunity to meet their neighbors at various social events organized by the small, self-managed homeowners association, Schumacher said.
“We have an annual party where everyone brings something,” she said, “and we have a huge picnic with games for the kids.”
Listing sheet
<b>Price range:</b> $325,000 to $400,000
<b>Age of homes: </b>20 to 22 years
<b>Schools: </b>Indian Grove Elementary and River Trails Middle schools in River Trails Elementary District 26 and John Hersey High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214
<b>Parks: </b>River Trails Park District