Neighborhood profile: Woodland Green

Patty and Joe Bologna lived in a large home on an acre in Spring Grove where the upkeep consumed a lot of their time. They considered downsizing when they came across the model homes at Woodland Green in Fox Lake.

"The homes offered beautiful floor plans with a lot of square footage, which we thought was unusual for attached housing," Patty Bologna said. The couple purchased a home in the subdivision 11 years ago. Coming from a single-family house, they weren't used to the rules and regulations, but they adapted quickly.

Patty and Joe enjoy all the social activities the neighborhood's association plans.

"We have a lunch bunch that meets at various restaurants, and we go to Leisure Village where we all have a picnic along the shoreline," Bologna said.

When they're not involved in neighborhood activities, the couple goes boating and hiking, trying to stay active as much as possible. "There's always a friend or relative with a boat available at one of the lakes, and the state park has beautiful trails," Bologna said. "Also, Lakeview Park is a nice little spot where people go and sit on a bench and look out at the water.

"For the city slickers, we're close to the train station to get down to the city; so they can have the best of both worlds.

"People here are friendly and willing to help; there's always someone watching out for you. This is a nice, close-knit community."

Located on State Park Road north of Grass Lake Road, Woodland Green features 175 homes - attached ranch villas and two-story townhouses - in a cozy setting with a lot of old trees, said Pat Cashmore, real estate broker with Century 21 Affiliated in Lindenhurst and also a resident of the subdivision.

"We have a lot of nature here, and it's not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife. One day I looked out and saw a big turtle sitting on the porch looking at me. I waited a few minutes, and he moseyed on to the golf course."

The subdivision offers newer construction, which is attractive to homebuyers. Many homes border the Fox Lake Country Club and have scenic golf course views. Homes and yards are especially well kept, and people take a lot of pride in their properties.

The subdivision sits among the Chain O' Lakes, a busy inland recreational waterway where boating, fishing and other water sports are popular activities. The Chain O' Lakes State Park, a water-oriented recreation area with seven picnic areas and four trail systems, sits north of the subdivision.

The village of Fox Lake has a nice, small-town feel, yet offers a lot of activities and has several lakes where people enjoy boating and fishing.

Cashmore has lived in Woodland Green for three years, downsizing from a home in Lake Villa where she lived for 16 years. "We still have a nice-sized home, a ranch style with a walkout. I love the very open concept with vaulted ceilings," she said.

"We wanted an upgraded ranch home and peace and quiet, and that's what we have. This is a quiet area with little traffic because there's only one entrance."

Woodland Green is a sought-after area, Cashmore said.

"We get a lot of people that stop by and ask if we know of any homes coming up for sale in the subdivision. It's a good problem for a Realtor to have."

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $220,000 to $270,000

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> Nine to 16 years

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools: </span>Lotus Elementary and Stanton Middle schools in Fox Lake Elementary District 114; Grant Community High School in Grant High School District 124

<span class="fact box text bold">Parks: </span>Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department