Beach Park

The small suburban neighborhood of Heatherstone is situated less than a mile northeast of Waukegan National Airport. As a planned community, it is much more uniform than surrounding neighborhoods, allowing for similar features across its homes and a relatively small range in pricing. Its convenience is appreciated with quick trips to local eateries, while comfort is found in friendly neighbors. “It’s a quiet neighborhood, but people come outside to play with the kids,” explains Tricia Dean, owner of the local Wordup Bible Bookstore LLC. “Neighbors go outside and barbeque with the family.” Heatherstone presents a typical suburban residential landscape filled with sidewalks for morning walks, occasional “children at play” caution signs and maintained lawns thanks to the several present homeowners associations. Each yard features a single tree and a bit of shrubbery along the front of homes. This, paired with equally sized lots and neutral exteriors, seen in white, beige and tan, adds to the community’s sense of uniformity. Homes here were constructed in the early 2000s and are a mix of new traditional and colonial-inspired styles, plus a number of townhomes. For those looking to buy, these range in price from $210,000 to $400,000, depending on size and condition. North Cambridge Boulevard leads into the Carillon of Heatherstone, a 55-plus community. Though the styles and pricing of homes in this community are similar to the rest of the neighborhood, residents here can expect a higher monthly homeowners association fee, as it is a gated community with its clubhouse and pool. “People come from all over the state to visit Illinois Beach State Park,” says Lilly Cardena, a local Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty of Il. Many head to its shores to catch rays and views of Lake Michigan. Though a busy beach in the summer, locals enjoy exploring local wildlife like turtles and deer along its 5-mile trail in the off-season. Thunderhawk Golf Club is another popular spot, according to Cardenas. Those familiar with golf like to say its course is the perfect amount of challenge for both new and experienced golfers. Those looking for quick trips to the playground, walk to the neighborhood’s park at the intersection of North Cambridge Boulevard and West Wakefield Drive, also home to a little free library. Though there are no dining establishments within the neighborhood, hungry residents don’t have to go far to enjoy the flavors at The Shanty Restaurant. The wood-clad eatery is a 3.5-mile drive east on West Wadsworth Road and is known for its fish fry and unique menu items like alligator and bison. Next door is Captain Porky’s, a roadside barbeque spot that doubles as a fish market. Many like to pick up seafood boils on their way home from work. Meanwhile, a 3-mile trip southeast leads to Yorkhouse Commons, home to Jewel-Osco for all things groceries and a Target for all retail needs. Children can attend classes at Oak Crest Elementary School and Beach Park Middle School, both of which maintain a C-minus rating on Niche. Meanwhile, older students head to Zion-Benton Township High School. The home of the Fighting Zee-Bees has a B-minus rating from Niche and has an attached Athletics and Performing Arts Center, home to an indoor swimming pool and a 750-seat auditorium. Heatherstone sits an equal distance of 45 from Chicago to the south and Milwaukee to the north, both accessed via I-94. Those traveling out of the area reach flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a 35.6-mile drive along I-94 East and I-294 South. Not as far is the hospital at Vista Medical Center, an 8.6-mile trip via North Sheridan Road. The Waukegan National Airport hosts periodic air shows above the surrounding area. Considering it sits less than a mile southeast of the neighborhood, the community is susceptible to occasional noise from overhead planes. Though background noise for most, those sensitive to this kind of noise should consider this before moving into the community.