Neighborhood profile: Stillwater

The Stillwater subdivision is a sought-after clubhouse community that offers buyers upscale custom homes, excellent schools and a convenient location on Naperville's southwest side.

A big draw to the subdivision is the Stillwater Swim and Tennis Club, which features a zero-depth pool, six-lane lap pool and four lighted tennis courts. And the community is home to the competitive Stillwater Starz Swim Team.

The spacious clubhouse with fireplace and two large flat-screen TVs offers a beautiful space for residents to gather and socialize.

Situated just east of Route 59 along 87th Street and west of Book Road, Stillwater features mostly traditional and Georgian homes with 3,200 to 5,000 square feet, typically four to five bedrooms and a three-car garage. Several different builders showcase homes with a diversity of architectural styles that contribute to the attractiveness of the neighborhood, said Jeff Stainer, real estate broker with RE/MAX Action in Lisle.

The neighborhood features about 550 homes, which is smaller than many Naperville subdivisions. Properties are well tended with professional landscaping, and the lots are wider so there's more privacy for homeowners. There are several ponds in the neighborhood, which people like, and the neighborhood elementary school is a welcome amenity, Stainer said.

Denise and Tom Bollinger moved from Plainfield to Stillwater eight years ago. What attracted the couple to the neighborhood?

"A lot of things," Denise Bollinger said. "We love the different style of homes in the subdivision and how they're so well maintained. We knew of the school system, so that was a draw. And we like being close to downtown Naperville with all the attractions there."

The couple also loves their home's open floor plan where Denise enjoys decorating and changing things up in the eclectic décor. Their private backyard plays host to outdoor cooking in the summertime when Tom grills almost every day for the family.

The family also likes to ride their bikes to the park and the library. Tom's mother resides in Carillon Club, an active-adult retirement community in Naperville, so they like being close to her and to Edward Hospital if necessary.

Naperville's downtown amenities are also attractive. "We enjoy all the restaurants, and it's nice to walk to all the shops after dinner downtown," Denise Bollinger said. "We also enjoy Centennial Beach and the outdoor concerts and events throughout the year."

Being near North Central College is also a big plus for the Bollingers as their daughter is in her first year there and can be close to home.

Stillwater is a friendly neighborhood. "We have awesome neighbors and we have block parties, a New Year's party every year and game night where we play a variety of cards and games," she said.

The Stillwater Homeowners Association plans a lot of events including an annual community garage sale, children's parties for the holidays and interest groups such as bunco and bowling.

Stillwater sits close to the Prairie Path with its miles of walking and riding paths, Springbrook Golf Course and the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve with expansive prairies and meadows and a number of rare birds.

With the southwest Naperville population growing, the area continues to offer new amenities for residents. Naperville Crossings at Route 59 and 59th Street features a mix of entertainment, restaurants, shops and businesses, including the AMC Showplace theaters.

Residents who want to head north can enjoy Naperville's dynamic downtown with the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach aquatic facility, skate park and in-line skating rink, fine dining and shopping, which has made the city a destination for people from all around.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $475,000 to $1,029,000

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 20 years to current

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Welch Elementary, Scullen Middle and Neuqua Valley High schools in Indian Prairie Unit District 204.

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