Stony Ridge a solid choice
With spacious residences, mature landscaping, open space and nearby shopping, Stony Ridge, on the north end of Hoffman Estates, fits the needs of many homeowners.
One of the features of the neighborhood, constructed in two phases beginning in the late 1970s by Alistar Builders, is the variety of models. The first phase offered primarily traditional styles, such as raised ranches, split-levels, a Dutch colonial and larger two-story traditional colonial models.
The second phase, constructed in about 1985, featured contemporary styles with vaulted ceilings in two-story homes, ranches and raised ranches.
Because of the age of some of the homes, many owners have remodeled, including additions. Original sizes run from 1,625 square feet to 2,400 square feet, with prices ranging from $275,000 to $425,000.
Lots generally measure 60 by 120 feet. Most homes have two to four bedrooms. Some versions of the Fairfax, the largest model in the neighborhood, have five bedrooms, along with two to 2½ baths.
"Many folks stay in the neighborhood and move up in size," said Lauren Harper, of RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest in Palatine.
Bob and Irene Perlowski are such homeowners. They originally moved to Stony Ridge in 1981 and purchased a second home several years later.
"We outgrew our first home when our son came along and wanted to stay in the area because the schools were good," Perlowski said.
The majority of the neighborhood is in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, but a small portion on the western end is in Barrington Unit District 220.
Other neighborhood features include its location north of the Northwest Tollway, making it less congested.
"The neighborhood has three lakes with walking trails around them," Harper said. "We also have tennis courts and great playgrounds."
Perlowski said she likes her home's proximity to shopping.
"Everything is convenient and nearby," she said. "You only have to travel a few minutes to get to a store."
A variety of shopping is nearby at the intersections of Algonquin and Huntington roads or Palatine and Huntington roads.
Downtown Chicago is easily accessible via public transportation. The Palatine and Barrington Metra rail stations are about four miles north of the neighborhood, while the Northwest Tollway is accessed at Barrington Road, about two miles south.
"I just love everything around here," Perlowski said. "I would never move back into the city."
Price range: $275,000 to $425,000
Age of homes: 30 years old
Schools: Thomas Jefferson or Frank C. Whitely Elementary and Carl Sandburg or Plum Grove Junior High schools in Palatine Township District 15 and Fremd High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 or Grove Elementary, Station Campus Middle and Barrington High schools in Barrington Unit District 220
Parks: Hoffman Estates Park District