Royal Oaks in Wood Dale focus of neighborhood profile

Custom homes, large lots and a peaceful, wooded setting attract homebuyers to the Royal Oaks subdivision in Wood Dale.

Built as high-end housing 50 years ago, Royal Oaks was considered an elite subdivision at that time. Although several new residential developments have sprouted up in the vicinity since then, Royal Oaks remains one of the most prestigious areas in Wood Dale.

Royal Oaks features a mix of housing styles - long rambling ranches, stately two-stories, a Spanish hacienda, and even a pagoda home on the lake designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, said Muntie Leschewski, broker and consultant with RE/MAX 1st in Elmhurst.

"A grand entrance sets the tone for the subdivision, which has great curb appeal with custom homes, each well kept with nice landscaping," Leschewski said. "This is a friendly, family-oriented neighborhood with good neighbors.

"Many homes have been updated or renovated, and the homes look very nice. There is a transition with some of the older residents moving out and families with kids coming into the area."

The subdivision offers many desirable features such as a private, partially secluded setting with a private lake, a convenient location and good schools. The subdivision sits just off Route 83 with easy access to expressways and shopping along Lake Street and at nearby Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook.

Twenty years ago when Stella and Craig Weldon wanted a larger home, they moved from Bensenville to Royal Oaks.

"We wanted to stay in the immediate area because we had a business in Bensenville, and this was one of the nice neighborhoods," Stella Weldon said.

"This is Wood Dale, but it's in the Bensenville Park District, which we really like, and Johnson Elementary School is wonderful.

"We liked the spacious rooms in this home and living on a cul-de-sac where we go out in the evening and feel safe walking around. In the summer, we meet with the neighbors all the time.

"We have an annual association meeting where you meet everyone there and an annual picnic, which is a very nice, all-day affair."

With a small park and lake in the subdivision, kids can go fishing in their own backyard.

"My kids loved going fishing in the private lake, which is very nice," Weldon said. "People also have picnics and parties on the lake."

For recreation, the Bensenville Park District offers a variety of activities, including family trips, athletics and special events. Its Leisure Center provides racquetball and wallyball courts, jogging and walking track, and gym and weight room with all the latest equipment.

The park district also operates the White Pines Golf Course where residents can enjoy the sport at reduced rates. White Pines offers a 36-hole course and banquet facilities. The Oak Meadows Golf Club and Maple Meadows Golf Club located in Wood Dale are also nearby.

Wood Dale retains its country-like atmosphere with a mix of open land and development. Several forest preserves border the southern edge of the village.

The community, in the heart of the O'Hare International Airport corridor, is 22 miles northwest of the Loop. Wood Dale's proximity to O'Hare, only 20 minutes away, is a plus for business travelers and people who work at the airport or the many company's that surround it, while drive time to the Loop and Midway Airport is 35 minutes.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $300,000 to $450,00

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 45 to 50 years old

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Johnson Elementary and Blackhawk Middle schools in Bensenville Elementary District 2 and Fenton High School in Fenton High School District 100

<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Bensenville Park District