Neighborhood profile: Sherwood

A mosaic of homes, towering trees and excellent schools draw buyers to the Sherwood subdivision in the heart of Arlington Heights.

The subdivision features a few older homes built in the early 1940s, but most constructed in the 1960s and '70s with some newer houses built on large lots following teardowns. All the houses are different with no two houses alike, and many of the homes are well-sized for families, said Caroline Starr, real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arlington Heights.

It's this diversity of homes that brings an irresistible charm to the neighborhood, she says. Many homes feature additions or have been renovated and include all the amenities that today's buyer wants. When adding on to their homes, residents keep the established architecture of the home so that it blends seamlessly with the neighborhood.

Sherwood is also one of the few neighborhoods in Arlington Heights that doesn't have sidewalks, which adds to its charm.

David Jaffe, also a broker with Coldwell Banker in Arlington Heights, lives in a two-story Dutch colonial in Sherwood that was built in 1939 with a unique architectural style.

"We love the classic, old style of the house that we've added on to and renovated with upgraded features you see in a modern home," Jaffe said. "We have an expansive yard that we love, and it gives our kids plenty of room to play."

Jaffe has sold many houses in the subdivision and believes the primary draws are the distinctive home styles, its rural charm and the many neighborhood activities held throughout the year.

For Jaffe personally, the activities and events sponsored by the homeowners association is a very attractive aspect of living in Sherwood. "It fosters a sense of community among residents, and we get to know people who live four and five streets over."

Activities include a family spring gathering, a ladies' tea, wine tastings, golf outings, a summer block party, Oktoberfest, Halloween walk and parade, bridge party, family Christmas party with a horse-drawn hayride and an adult Christmas party.

"It's really a lot of fun and brings the neighbors together," Jaffe said.

The community feel extends into other aspects of the subdivision. Jaffe served on the association board for several years and said the improvements committee was instrumental in redesigning the island on Kennicott Boulevard. They dedicated the entry to one of the ladies on the street who had passed away.

"Sherwood is a hidden gem," Jaffe said. "Residents can walk to Arlington Park train station. We have award-winning schools and a phenomenal location within walking distance of four different parks."

Hasbrook Park offers a baseball diamond, basketball courts, softball field, tennis courts, playground and hiking paths.

Attractions to the village include a strong park district that is a vital part of the community with facilities and activities for all ages, Arlington Park racetrack, a beautiful facility that offers fun for the whole family, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, which has one of the largest collections in the state.

On the north side of the village, Arlington Lake has the feel of a private lake in Wisconsin. Here you see people enjoying sailing, paddle boating and walking and riding their bikes around the lake.

The village's thriving downtown features an eclectic mix of restaurants and pubs, live theater performances, outdoor concerts and shopping at boutiques, specialty shops and galleries.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $400,000 to $1.8 million

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 1939 to new construction

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Patton Elementary and Thomas Middle schools in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 and Hersey High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214.

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