Neighborhood profile: Haverford Place

Haverford Place presents a great option for active adults with its maintenance-free, single-family ranch homes and clubhouse activities on the west side of Hoffman Estates near the Northwest Tollway.

The intimate community of 184 homes is not as large and sprawling as other adult places, so it's more manageable and easier to get to know your neighbors, said Nancy Eisele, real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Schaumburg.

"One of the owners told me she has never had more friends in her life," she said.

In this age-restricted neighborhood, at least one resident must be at least 55 years old.

Homes are newer construction with all the current amenities and feature 10 ranch-style floor plans with 1,878 to 2,202 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, two baths, basement and two-car garage. The full basement with high ceiling is a big deal for buyers, Eisele said.

"Downsizers still have stuff and need storage. Many people have finished their basements with a rec room, bedroom and bath and still have a ton of storage space."

Built by Ryland Homes, the community features a small clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and walking path that winds through a small preserved forest area. An assortment of organized social clubs and activities include Haverford Singers, monthly movie nights, game nights, a Bible club, football viewings, Halloween and Christmas parties, grandchildren activities, pool volleyball and aerobics classes.

Located on Beverly and Shoe Factory roads west of Route 59, Haverford Place was the perfect fit for Susan and David Hattas, who purchased a home there nine years ago.

"Our kids were grown, and we were tired of cutting the grass and shoveling snow," David Hattas said. "The homes here are maintenance-free and it's one-level living, which we like."

Having a finished basement with a bedroom and bath for guests was really nice because the couple has 16 grandkids.

"The neighborhood is very friendly toward grandkids," Susan Hattas said. "They're welcome in the pool, and we don't have to worry about whether they're making too much noise.

"We also like that it's convenient to where our children live in Arlington Heights, Wheaton and Naperville. It's a pretty neighborhood and well designed. We have a large family room, so we can seat everyone for the holidays."

The couple is delighted with the community's swimming pool and all the activities.

"I used to play tennis, but now I've been playing pickleball, which uses a smaller court, paddle and Wiffle(like) ball," Dave Hattas said. "It's good exercise."

"With a smaller community, we have a real good sense of community, and our neighbors are the nicest people you could find anywhere," Susan Hattas said.

For shopping, restaurants and entertainment, residents can head out to The Arboretum of South Barrington at Route 59 and Higgins Road, or they can travel farther east to Woodfield Mall. Both places will offer special events for the upcoming holiday season.

Buyers seeking the open space of the far West suburbs need go only as far as Hoffman Estates. More than a third of the village is dedicated to forest preserves, including two major preserves with biking and walking trails, and there's an abundance of open space with lots of recreation.

Once known as a bedroom community, Hoffman Estates has become a major corporate center with a thriving shopping and entertainment district.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $300,000 to $400,000

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 6 to 11 years

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