Crete

Goodenow is an unincorporated community to the south of the village of Crete. The area is primarily rural and contains remnant Oak trees and prairie grass, with many houses on large, wooded lots. Those searching for a quieter, private lifestyle only 39 miles south of Chicago will enjoy living in Goodenow.<br><br>"People move to Goodenow for the rural living," says local Realtor Greta McKenna. "The neighborhood features many beautiful, wooded areas and open prairie lands, and you have the nature preserve right there and two public golf courses."<br><br>House styles in the area vary widely, ranging from manufactured homes to ranch-style homes to custom-built "Country Victorian" homes. A 2021 3-bed, 2-bath manufactured home in Pheasant Lake Estates will cost you $109,000 and comes with a private driveway. A 3-bed, 2-bath ranch-style house with a heated inground pool, driveway and 2-car garage sitting on an acre of land costs around $299,000. For $525,000, you can buy a 4-bed, 3-bath custom-built Country Victorian sitting on two and a half acres of land across the street from Tuckaway Golf Club.<br><br>The nearest school in the area is Balmoral Elementary School, to the north. The school has a highly active and supportive PTO, which ensures students and staff have the resources needed to succeed. Illinois Lutheran High School is a private school in Crete, offering a faith-based education for high schoolers, boasting an average class size of 15 students.<br><br>There are plenty of outdoor activities for you to check out in Goodenow. The 891-acre Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve features over two miles of natural trails, perfect for hiking or running in the summertime and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Several threatened or endangered animal species are in the preserve, such as the Kirtland's snake. You'll also find endangered plant species, like the spotted coral-root orchid and ear-leafed foxglove. There's also a 40-foot hill perfect for sledding in the winter. Bring your own sled or rent one at the Plum Creek Nature Center. Balmoral Woods sits next to the nature preserve and is rated one of Chicagoland's best public golf facilities. The country club has hosted numerous local CDGA Amateur events, Illinois PGA events and tournaments and is the annual home of the prestigious Will County Amateur Championship, held every spring. Tuckaway Golf Club, to the southeast, is another public golf course, designed in 1960 by John Ellis and features 6,225 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 71.<br><br>You'll have to drive north to Walt's Food Center in Crete for groceries. You'll have to head to the same area when you want to eat out. For pizza, stop by Main Street Exchange Pizza Bar. Customers love the atmosphere, prices, and crispy crust. When you're craving barbeque or just looking for a casual spot to watch your favorite sports team, head to Smokey Jo's Scratch Kitchen and Ale House. The restaurant sells half-price burgers every Monday when you dine in and has live music throughout the week. Looking for a cozy coffee shop to hang out in? Look no further than The Edge Coffee House and Roasting. Get the iced chai latte and bring your favorite book.<br><br>While it may not be a bustling city, Goodenow offers a peaceful and relaxing environment with a wide range of outdoor activities for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

You’ve got to have faith in Faithorn: this area has managed to retain a small town lifestyle that’s easygoing, despite being just 30 miles south of bustling downtown Chicago.<br><br>“It has a rural feeling, but it’s a short drive to the Loop,” says Realtor Wendy Lee. “There are several options for homebuyers, from townhomes to single-owner homes on large lots.” <br><br>You can find investment properties starting around $100,000, and these are often split-level homes. But as you get closer to downtown Crete on the west end, you’ll see prices begin to hover around $400,000. These are slightly more contemporary properties, built in the 80s and expressing a clean look with bold brick façades. <br><br>The lots for many single-owner homes are indeed large, sometimes approaching a full acre. Interiors are open, airy and bright, often featuring updates to floors, kitchen areas and bathrooms. Street layouts put you in proximity to homes of a similar style, creating a cozy yet quiet sense of community cohesion. Thanks to sidewalks, many stretches are welcoming to pedestrians. <br><br>Crete Elementary has over 400 students enrolled in grades K-5, and Niche awarded the school a B- in the category for academics. In 2023, the Midwest PBIS Network recognized Crete Elementary for fostering social, emotional and behavioral awareness. Crete-Monee Middle enrolls over 1,000 students in grades 6-8 and earned an A from Niche in the diversity category. Curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, culminating in a community service project for 8th grade students. Crete-Monee High is the biggest educational institution for residents of Faithorn, with 1,500 students enrolled in grades 9-12. The school received a B- from Niche in the category of college prep. This is a relatively new school, too, completed in 2007 with a $60 million investment. <br><br>Even though Faithorn has that small town feel, you can still satisfy your itch for modern convenience and shopping destinations. The Calumet Expressway on the east end connects you with all sorts of retail amenities and fast casual eateries. If you’re looking to expand your palette without traveling to the city, just try a local restaurant like Black Salt Indian Bar and Restaurant. Inside you’ll find elegant dark wood and a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for exploring dishes like spicy fried cauliflower. <br><br>When residents are trying to run errands, they often head to Chicago Road, which passes through downtown Steger. Here you’ll find big grocery stores like Jewel-Osco. You’ll also be close to entertainment options, like Austin Community Tavern, a popular live music venue in the area. <br><br>Escaping into nature is a preferred pastime for residents of Faithorn, too. The Plum Valley Preserve is a prime spot for observing local wildlife and plant life, like lobed violet, sycamore and red pine. Across nearly 500 acres you can encounter forest and wetland habitats. If you’re a fan of hiking and biking, pick up the 3.5-mile Plum Creek Greenway Trail. Or, if you prefer to bring a furry friend along, there’s a 9-acre off-leash dog park. <br><br>With a full pipeline of schools servicing the area, plus access to huge nature preserves and fun dining options, you don’t need to make a big leap of faith to enjoy Faithorn.