Neighborhoods offer different slices of life

Today, as builders cater to people with diverse desires, homebuyers have more lifestyle options than ever before.

A young professional couple often wants to live in a luxury condo in a thriving downtown area in the suburbs. A family with growing children may want to live in a clubhouse community with a swimming pool and on-site elementary school. Seniors who like to socialize and enjoy a variety of activities might buy a house in an active-adult community.

Builders respond to the needs of these buyers with communities geared to a specific way of life. Here are some area lifestyle communities that may pique your interest.

Agrihood community

Serosun Farms in Hampshire features the agrihood concept, a popular lifestyle where builders introduce community agriculture into new home developments.

Centered around a 160-acre working farm, Serosun Farms is a progressive rural oasis where residents enjoy hundreds of acres of open space with restored prairie and woodlands.

“We're seeing this as a new trend in housing in urban, suburban and rural areas,” said John DeWald, president of John DeWald & Associates, developer of the community. “It's an important trend where people want to connect with the land and food. Food is starting to come into people's lives as an important cultural element and a piece of their lifestyle.”

This lifestyle appeals to many types of people — professionals who don't have the time or money to run a farm, people who grew up on a farm and want to return to that environment, and people who want a second home as a country getaway or for retirement. “I think it's great that the agrihood draws a diverse group of people, and that makes these neighborhoods even better,” DeWald said.

“This is a great opportunity for families to live on a farm and for children to grow up experiencing farm life.”

Serosun Farms offers residences from smaller cottages to large country estates that sit in clusters on 114, one-acre homesites. Community amenities include a world-class equestrian center, a community center with swimming pool and fitness center; jogging, hiking and biking trails; tennis and basketball courts, a stocked fishing pond, a bar and grill and meeting event facilities.

Resort community

Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort offers a 32-acre marina surrounded by pocket neighborhoods of waterfront custom homes, condominiums, cottages, townhouses, coach homes, lofts and the perfect little house.

“People love Ottawa because of its small town charm and simpler way of life,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for the resort community. “The community sits in a unique location in Starved Rock country and targets a specific lifestyle.

“We're seeing that many retirees aren't buying a home in Florida or Arizona because their kids and grandkids live in the suburbs, and they want to stay close to them. We offer a nice alternative with a Midwest home base.”

Retirees can still go to family functions, leave for a couple weeks or travel for a short time during the winter. Some permanent residents will retire in a few years, and they have already settled into their retirement/vacation home in the community.

West suburban residents with a second home at Heritage Harbor like being within 90 minutes of Chicago. They don't have to drive far to enjoy their vacation home and they can also experience activities in the city.

More farm-to-table restaurants are moving into the area such as the Red Dog Grill, where you can dine overlooking the beautiful marina of Heritage Harbor. And Tangled Roots Brewing Company offers a fun craft beer experience in downtown Ottawa with a farm-to-table menu supporting local farmers and communities, Barry said.

“We're about building a better human being. Residents breathe better air, spend more time outside and experience our local and organic foods,” she said.

Manufactured homes community

Four Seasons-Dream Homes offers affordable retirement living in manufactured homes that are energy efficient and feature all the latest design trends.

“Living here enhances one's retirement lifestyle because residents have more funds for fun,” said Carma Yoder, owner of the community with her husband Amos.

Located in Belvidere, the community features quality-built, manufactured homes that have three bedrooms, two or three baths and a 2½-car garage. Kitchens are equipped with all appliances, an island, cabinetry, walk-in pantry and pullout shelves.

The living room features a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and bay window. The luxury master suites have a walk-in closet, double vanity, double walk-in shower with seats and a whirlpool bath.

Four Seasons is friendly and supportive and reminiscent of years gone by, Yoder said. It's easy to make new friends with the many free social events throughout the year such as holiday dinners, country & western night, and a night around the pool area.

Amenities include a pool complex, picnic and green areas. A clinic, dentist, Walgreens and two grocery stores are within walking distance, which is important for residents, especially in the winter.

“What sets us apart from other retirement communities is that the community is beautiful with a boulevard entrance with a lot of spring flowers and nicely landscaped grounds,” Yoder said. “Homes are high quality and affordable, which retirees are looking for because they will have more money to enjoy their retirement. Many have a second home or RV in a warm climate or travel during the year.”

No-maintenance, ranch community

Springfield Place in Bloomingdale by LTT Enterprises Inc. is designed for the empty-nester who wants to downsize, but does not want to downgrade.

Typically, the community's clientele come from a large, two-story home and are looking for a luxury single-family home without the upkeep nor the closeness of townhouse living, said Terry Buno, president of the company.

“We offer a single-family option with no responsibility for lawn maintenance and snow removal,” Buno said. “So it's the best of both worlds.”

It's a perfect situation because buyers coming out of their dream home aren't settling for small rooms and lower end finishes, and they can keep their furniture and treasured items.

Home interiors are open floor plans with 10-foot ceilings and Pella architectural windows, higher-end finishes, Amish built cabinetry, hardwood floors, Bosch stainless steel appliances, Kohler plumbing fixtures and a 9-foot basement roughed in for a future bathroom.

Single-level living in a ranch home appeals to many older buyers, and the developer has kept this in mind.

“We have zero-barrier showers so that residents are looking forward to the future. We're not an age-targeted community, but it doesn't hurt to have those things in place if you need them,” Buno said.

Home exteriors are all brick or brick and stone, and even the decks are done with a maintenance-free product. There is minimal maintenance to the building itself with a lifetime roofing material.

A Springfield Place model opens in March. A half a dozen homes are ready to move in, and there are still homesites available. Prices range from $549,000 to $598,000.