Established community in Forest River with easy access to nature
Old Willow Falls Condominiums, completed in 1970, offers a well-established residential option in the Forest River neighborhood. This two-story complex houses 162 units, providing a mix of living spaces for residents seeking a suburban lifestyle with proximity to natural amenities. Situated in an area that was once farmland, the development reflects the neighborhood's transition from its rural roots to a more modern suburban setting. The community's location near the Des Plaines River and surrounding forest preserves offers residents easy access to outdoor recreation, while still maintaining convenient connections to urban amenities and transportation routes.
Diverse layouts with recent updates catering to various needs
Old Willow Falls Condominiums presents a range of living options to suit different preferences and budgets. The complex offers one to three-bedroom layouts, with sizes spanning from cozy 400 square foot one-bedroom units to more spacious 1,000 square foot two-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units, priced around $120,000, feature one bathroom and range from 400 to 750 square feet. The two-bedroom units, selling for approximately $210,000, offer between 900 to 1,000 square feet of living space and come with one to one-and-a-half bathrooms. For those requiring more room, three-bedroom units are available at around $240,000.
Many units have undergone significant renovations in recent years. Updated kitchens boast features such as slow-close drawers, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Some units have been fitted with new engineered hardwood flooring throughout, adding a modern touch to the living spaces. Bathrooms in select apartments have been refreshed with marble finishes, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Other improvements include new doors, electrical outlets, switches, trim, and updated plumbing fixtures.
The condos benefit from ample natural light, with some units featuring balconies or patios that offer views of the surrounding greenery. Air conditioning ensures year-round comfort, while electric baseboard heating provides warmth during colder months. Storage is not an issue, with many units offering generous closet space and additional storage lockers available within the complex.
Monthly HOA fees range from $200 to $300, covering water, exterior maintenance, lawn care, and access to shared amenities such as the clubhouse and pool. This fee structure helps maintain the property's appeal while keeping costs reasonable for residents.
Community-focused amenities promoting outdoor living and social interaction
Old Willow Falls Condominiums offers a selection of amenities designed to enhance residents' quality of life and foster a sense of community. The centerpiece is a spacious courtyard that serves as a gathering place for neighbors. Within this area, residents can enjoy a refreshing outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off during warm summer months or maintaining an exercise routine.
For families with young children, the complex features a playground, providing a safe and convenient space for kids to play and socialize. Barbecue spaces are available for residents who enjoy outdoor cooking and dining, ideal for hosting small gatherings or enjoying meals al fresco.
The complex caters to pet owners, allowing one pet per unit, though a pet deposit is required. This pet-friendly policy adds to the community's appeal for animal lovers.
Practical amenities include on-site laundry facilities, eliminating the need for in-unit washers and dryers. Storage space is available for residents who need extra room for their belongings. The property also features walking and biking trails, encouraging an active lifestyle and providing easy access to the surrounding natural areas.
Parking is well-managed, with each unit typically assigned one reserved parking space. Additional unassigned spaces are available for residents with multiple vehicles or visitors, though parking stickers issued by the association are required.
While the amenities may not be extensive, they contribute to a comfortable living environment without resulting in excessively high monthly fees. This balance allows residents to enjoy key conveniences while maintaining affordability.
Nature-rich suburb with a blend of outdoor recreation and urban conveniences
Forest River, where Old Willow Falls Condominiums is located, offers residents a unique blend of suburban living with abundant natural surroundings. The neighborhood's history as former farmland is evident in its spacious layout and proximity to green spaces. The Des Plaines River, which runs through the area, provides numerous recreational opportunities and contributes to the neighborhood's picturesque setting.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the wealth of nearby parks and forest preserves. Willow Trails Park, just a short 15-minute walk from the complex, offers a variety of amenities including baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, bike trails, and picnic areas. For those seeking a more immersive nature experience, Allison Woods is about a mile away, featuring a canoe launch and hiking and biking trails.
The area's commitment to preserving green spaces is evident in the number of nearby forest preserves. Camp Pine Woods, a 5-minute drive from the complex, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, as well as featuring a dog-friendly area. The River Trails Nature Center, also a short drive away, offers additional outdoor recreational opportunities.
While the neighborhood has a distinctly suburban feel, it doesn't lack in urban conveniences. A variety of dining options are available within a short drive. For quick meals, familiar fast-food chains like McDonald's and Subway are less than a mile away. Those seeking more diverse culinary experiences can explore local favorites like The Dog Walk for casual fare, or Azada Grill for Mexican cuisine, both within a short driving distance.
Shopping needs are well-served by a mix of local and chain stores. The Indian Trails Library District branch, about a mile away, provides a valuable community resource for residents. For groceries and everyday essentials, options range from specialty stores like H Mart Glenview for Asian groceries to larger chains like Trader Joe's, though some may require a bit of a drive.
The neighborhood is served by several schools, including Robert Frost Elementary School within walking distance, and Wheeling High School a short drive away. While school ratings vary, they contribute to the family-friendly atmosphere of the area.
Forest River's location also provides convenient access to major highways, making it easy for residents to connect with the greater Chicago area while enjoying a more relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle at home.
Car-centric area with access to public transit options
Transportation in the Forest River neighborhood primarily caters to car owners, reflecting its suburban nature. The area's layout and infrastructure are designed with drivers in mind, providing easy access to major roads and highways. This setup allows for convenient commuting and travel to other parts of the Chicago metropolitan area.
For those who prefer or require public transportation, there are options available, though they may require some planning. The nearest bus stop, located at Seminole Lane and Mura Lane, is just a 5-minute walk from Old Willow Falls Condominiums. This stop is served by the Wolf Road bus line, providing a connection to other parts of the neighborhood and beyond.
For longer commutes or trips into Chicago, the Prospect Heights Metra Station is about a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the complex. This station is on the North Central Service line, offering regular service to downtown Chicago during peak commuting hours.
While the area is not particularly known for its walkability or extensive public transit network, there are some amenities within walking distance. The moderate Bike Score suggests that cycling could be a viable option for some local trips, especially given the presence of nearby trails and bike-friendly parks.
For air travel, the complex enjoys relatively close proximity to major airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, while Chicago Midway International can be reached in about 45 minutes by car.
The transportation landscape around Old Willow Falls Condominiums reflects its suburban setting, prioritizing car travel while still offering some public transit options for those who need or prefer them. This mix allows residents to enjoy the quieter, nature-rich environment of Forest River while maintaining connections to the wider Chicago area.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
47/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
51/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Willow Trails Park
10 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Aspen Trails Park
12 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Allison Woods
2 min drive
Lake Avenue Woods West
3 min drive
Burning Bush Trails Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Camp Pine Woods
4 min drive
Boating
Camping
Dog Park
Lake Avenue Woods
4 min drive
River Trails Nature Center
5 min drive
Des Plaines River View Point
5 min drive
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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