Hoffman Estates

Residents of the southern half of Hoffman Estates can easily access the Arthur L. Janura Preserve, which they can explore on foot or horseback or simply spend a quiet morning in fishing. The preserve boasts a mixture of prairie, wetlands and dense woodland that is home to some 300-year-old oaks. While clearly the community’s most prominent green space, the preserve is just one of a number of recreational destinations on this side of this Chicagoland suburb. In fact, village is somewhat blessed when it comes to recreation, as well over 90% of its residents are within a half-mile walk of a park. Completing these amenities are an abundance of dining and shopping destinations along roadways like West Higgins and access to several highly rated schools. “It’s an interesting suburb because it doesn’t really have one central place. The schools are a big draw in the area, with district 54 and district 211,” says Linda Dressler, a broker with Re/Max Suburban, who’s made over 20 sales in South Hoffman Estates and who’s a commissioner with the Hoffman Estates Park District. “I have to say that anything you could want — shopping, entertainment, transportation, anything you could want — is within 10 or 15 minutes. It’s very well located for travel. If you want to go on 90 or 290 or 294, or if you want to go to Wisconsin, you’re an hour away. It’s a really good location. The village also works really hard to make sure we’re getting great businesses and things here.” With the proximity to Schaumburg, South Hoffman Estates students can attend a few school divisions that include Schaumburg School District 54 and Township High School District 211. Schools serving the area include Timber Trails Elementary School, Helen Keller Junior High School, Hoffman Estates High School and James B. Conant High School, which respectfully received grades of B, A-minus, A-plus and A-plus. Conant is rated among the 20 best public high schools in Illinois. The high school boasts numerous types of extracurricular activities, including a coding club and a gaming club for students interested in getting into the growing competitive activity of eSports. In addition to the scenic preserve, this part of the village has several other outdoor and recreational destinations. Players can get some rounds in on the tree-lined fairways of the 18-hole course at the public Bridges of the Poplar Creek Country Club. With its picturesque backdrop, gazebo and wooden walking bridge, the country club is also a popular wedding venue. Another public 18-hole course exists just north at the Hilldale Golf Club. Fabbrini Park is among the several parks that exist throughout South Hoffman Estate’s eastern half. Pickleball players will find numerous courts for the growing sport, while the park offers activities for anglers, too. The park district stocks more than a dozen ponds in the village — including at Fabbrini — and the fish include largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Visitors to the park might even spot a blue heron on the water. Those who enjoy ice skating won’t be disappointed as the Scott R. Triphahn Community Center is among the many venues in the Chicago suburbs with an indoor rink. Those looking for poolside fun can visit the Water Works Indoor Water Park or Seascape Family Aquatic Center. Whether it’s along Golf or West Higgins roads, residents in South Hoffman Estates have access to a few dense and modern shopping and dining areas. “It’s interesting. In South Hoffman, you often got a criss-crossing of Schaumburg and Hoffman. There are a ton of restaurants,” says Dressler. Joy Teriyaki in the Hoffman Plaza is a favorite for a variety of Asian fare. The restaurant is located just south of an Amazon Fresh, one of several grocery shopping options in South Hoffman Estates. Going west toward Barrington Road is Moretti’s, known for its thin crust pies and rustic setting. Much of South Hoffman Estates’ residential blocks bear a traditional suburban feel. Certain pockets include wide, unmarked roads, while others see tall and mature trees lining narrow streets. While location plays some factor, much of the homes here are ranch-styles, split- and bi-levels and Colonial Revivals, some of which boast garage wings and distinct features like half-hipped roofs. Price points for much of these homes that date back to the 1960s and 1970s can go from just under $350,000 a ranch-style or split-level house to nearly $700,000 for a more modern home with both Colonial Revival and Traditional features. Some more economic options do exist, but they’ll likely come in the form of a townhouse or condo, which can run between $160,000 and roughly $320,000. One of the village’s biggest celebrations is its July 4 festivity, a multi-day event called Northwest Fourth-Fest that takes place just north of Interstate 90 in the area of the NOW Arena. In addition to the fireworks, goers can enjoy several other activities like carnival rides and live music. Children can meet the petting zoo animals, as well as get their faces painted. The NOW Arena is also the home of the NBA G Leage outfit, the Windy City Bulls. Another popular event is the Platzkonzert Germanfest, a multi-day event September that occurs at the Hoffman Estates Village Green. In addition to the beers and German food, goers often decked in traditional Bavarian wear can enjoy many other activities ranging from a stein holding contest to dachshund races. I-90 cuts right across Hoffman Estates, providing a direct commuter route southeast to the Chicago Loop. The interstate also connects to Interstate 290, which provides a route to many of the Chicagoland suburbs south of the village. Another destination I-90 goes to is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which is an 18-mile drive east of the village. Pace bus stops exist in South Hoffman Estates. Ascension Saint Alexius hospital is located on the south end of the village just off West Higgins Road.

Much like many Chicago-area suburbs, Hoffman Estates, which encompasses the Highlands-Schaumburg neighborhood, has its origins in the baby boom. Thousands of young families flocked to the area in the decades following World War II, putting down roots in brick ranch-styles with attached garages and front yards large enough for friendly games of catch. Although the maple and pine trees lining the sidewalks in Highlands-Schaumburg have certainly grown taller over the past 50 years, little else has changed: streets are still quiet, and homes are quickly snapped up by young families looking for a good public school system and reasonable housing prices. At the center of the neighborhood sits Highland Park, where residents can picnic at the tables near the lake, walk to the small playground after school or jog on the paved pathways surrounding the water. To the north lies Interstate 90, which provides easy access to the Windy City.<br><br>In the Highlands-Schaumburg neighborhood, residents will find split-level, bi-level and ranch-style homes dating back to the late 1950s and early ‘60s. Most have a mix of brick and wood siding, and single-car garages are standard. “Compared to nearby communities, the price points of homes are lower here,” says Tanya Pearson, a Hoffman Estates resident who’s amassed over 20 years of real estate experience. Single-family residences will typically hover between $330,000 and $450,000, and most properties are less than 2,000 square feet. Lot sizes are around 10,000 acres, and neighborhood kids like to build snowmen after winter storms. Prospective buyers will also find condominium and townhome options in the southeast corner of the neighborhood in the 12 Oaks At Schaumburg Subdivision; here, list prices range between $130,000 and $230,000. Compared to the national average of 41 days, properties in Highlands-Schaumburg sell after an average of just two weeks. <br><br>Area students can enroll in public schools like Churchill Elementary and Dwight D Eisenhower Junior High, both of which earned an A-minus on the educational review site, Niche. Hoffman Estates High School, which has been ranked the most diverse non-charter non-magnet public school in Illinois, received an A-plus on Niche. Each January, counselors and teachers collaborate to help students choose their course line-up for the next fall, and there are over 70 extracurricular activities to choose from including Filmmaking Club and the Business Professionals of America. <br><br>Nearby higher education opportunities include Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg campus, which is home to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students. There’s also Harper College, a public community college in nearby Palatine. <br><br>Along with Highland Park, the neighborhood is also home to Locust Park, Sycamore Park and Vogelei Park, beloved for its farm-themed playground, small pond and splash pad. Within the park find Vogelei barn, which houses a gymnastics studio and gaming center. Paul Douglas Preserve, which spans 1,800 acres, is just a few miles away along West Central Road. Here, residents can explore open grasslands and restored wetlands along 25 miles of paved and unpaved walking trails. During the winter season, cross-country skiers flock to the pathways and birders look out for pied-billed grebes, ruddy ducks and yellow-headed blackbirds. <br>For a more curated outdoor experience, book a tee time at Highland Woods Golf Course, which has 52 sandtraps. <br><br>Residents access shopping and dining options along Golf Road to the south. Honest Schaumburg started as a family-run street cart in 1975. Now, it’s going strong in a permanent location next to Patel Brother’s grocery, which imports food and beauty items from India. In Schaumburg Marketplace find Thai food, Korean Barbecue and Pita House, which serves up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu items like shawarma, kabobs and falafel. Nearby, pick up groceries at Aldi, Jewel-Osco or drive up Roselle Road to H Mart Fresh. There’s also the Woodfield Mall, the largest shopping mall in all of Illinois, less than 5 miles (or a 10-minute drive) from the neighborhood. “A bonus to living in this area is how close it is to Woodfield Mall,” says Pearson. “That is the go-to place for many of the residents here.” It’s anchored by department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom and Primark. Nearby, residents will find more grocery options like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Costco Wholesale.<br><br>Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, located just a few minutes north past Interstate 90, makes it easy for residents to time travel, at least for a few hours. Watch a jousting match and enjoy a four-course “Medieval” feast alongside the queen. Or spend an afternoon at Topgolf, just a short drive away. On Friday mornings from June through October, locals can pick up fresh produce and locally-made crafts at the Olde Schaumburg Centre Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot of the Trickster Cultural Center. “Hundreds of people come out for that,” says Gina Roxas, the center’s program coordinator. “There’s vendors and live entertainment. Sometimes music, sometimes poetry.” Afterward, step inside the Trickster Center, home to an impressive collection of contemporary Native American Art. <br>There are also several entertainment opportunities in the Woodfield Mall. Buy tickets to a comedy show at IMPROV, watch a movie at AMC or swing by LEGOLAND Discovery Center for the indoor rides and playground. <br><br>Although most residents rely on their cars to travel around the Chicago Metro Area, public buses are available along major thoroughfares like Golf Road. Or utilize the Metra; the Milwaukee District West Line stops at Schaumburg Station on the way to the Windy City, and one-way tickets are $6.75. There’s also the Blue Line, part of the Chicago “L,” which runs from Rosemont to downtown. O’Hare International Airport is about 15 miles from the neighborhood along Interstate 90, and residents can book non-stop flights to nearly 215 unique destinations. When it comes to medical care, Ascension Saint Alexius delivers 24/7 emergency care just 10 minutes away. The facility also serves as one of the area’s largest employers.

Many west of Chicago suburbs began farming in the 1940s. High Point Park in Hoffman Estates was founded that way, but by the 1960s and 1970s, it had become a business center. Even the neighborhood’s NOW Arena, home to the G League's Windy City Bulls, an affiliate of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, reflects its busy lifestyle. “You could even call this a touristic area,” says Realtor Wendy Lee. “There are so many amenities to check out.” The homes in High Point Park are interesting because of their minimal appearance. The midcentury modern style is mixed with buildings from the 1970s that were built when High Point Park was at its busiest. However, the area has become a one-stop shop enclave where residents can work, live and play. “There’s access to good jobs, good parks and good schools,” says the Village of Hoffman Estates communications manager Melissa Brito. “It is ideally located close to Interstate 90, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago.” The Prairie Stone Business Park was established in the ‘90s. And Sears relocated its headquarters from the iconic Sears Tower in downtown Chicago to this sprawling campus. For instance, the brick condos from the 1970s feel a bit classic, which is great because these units are perfect for people in the area who are buying their first house. Most houses have bay windows, hardwood floors and fenced yards. The rest of the housing stock ranges between $227,000 and $541,000. For single-owner homes, split-level types can be found on 11,225 square feet that are spread out along streets that gently curve. Homes generally run 3,110 square feet. Most residents buy their homes — only 10% of the housing stock is rented. CAP Index gives the area a 2 out of 10 crime score. There are 16 houses of worship a few miles from the neighborhood. Additionally, the area has three hospitals, including the Alexian Brothers Women and Children’s Hospital. As implied by its name, there are many parks in High Point Park. The focal point is Fabbrini Park, a 43-acre wonder with two lakes where locals go ice skating in the winter and fishing in the summer. In addition, the many sports facilities attract locals who come to play soccer, baseball and pickleball. Eisenhower Park, a 9-acre park, has a serene walking trail for those looking for a smaller area to unwind in. With nine parks in the general area, Brito says the community has something that many in the Chicago area don’t offer — open space. “There’s a lot of open areas here,” she says. “Paved paths, jogging routes and more. Open space is not something every community offers.” Dwight Eisenhower Junior High, which enrolls 600 7th and 8th-grade students, is known for having a variety of clubs, from the Backstage Crew Club, which teaches how to stage theatrical productions, to the Fluid Power Club, where students create machines using hydraulics. The school has an A-minus rating. Macarthur Elementary is ranked a B by Niche and Hoffman Estates High School has an A-plus rating. There are nine colleges and universities near the neighborhood, including Elgin Community College. High Point Park offers easy access to major transit lines despite having a pedestrian-friendly local street layout typical of suburban areas. But, as Brito says, residents really don’t have to leave. “This is a full-service community.” Route 72 lies to the south and connects you to some of the area’s best dining and shopping destinations, including the second-largest shopping mall in Illinois, Woodfield Mall. Bombay Chopsticks combines Indian, Thai and Chinese food. Other excellent options include Apple Villa Famous Pancakes, Lucky Monk and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Brito favors Saddle Room but adds that the cuisine in the area is very robust and diverse. The neighborhood has two bus stops and Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a 30-minute drive. Additionally, Chicago Midway International Airport is about an hour away. To the north, you have Interstate 90, which takes you to the Now Arena. Situated next to the NOW Arena is Village Green, which has an amphitheater, 13 acres of open green space, and the on-site Hideaway Brew Garden. The Village of Hoffman Estates owns all three venues. These venues are where residents go for events like the June to August concert series Summer Sounds on the Green, the annual Northwest Fourth-Fest, the Celtic Fest in August and the Platzkonzert Germanfest in September.

With proximity to exciting entertainment, popular parks and bustling businesses, West Hoffman Estates could easily be a noisy, crowded place. However, this neighborhood in the village of Hoffman Estates doesn’t sacrifice solitude for access to amenities. “It’s got a suburban feel, even a rural feel,” says Hoffman Estates Director of Development Services Peter Gugliotta. “There’s quite a bit of open space around the neighborhood, including forest preserves and strong park facilities. Still, it’s very proximate to Interstate 90 and some large employers, as well as retail, restaurants and entertainment.” West Hoffman Estates enjoys immediate access to Arthur L. Janura Preserve, an expansive collection of public conservation spaces. It includes Shoe Factory Road Nature Preserve, a 9-acre gravel hill prairie. “Very extensive pathways have been built out for hiking and biking, connecting to nearby residential areas and the rest of the village,” Gugliotta says. The preserve is also a sought-after location for bird watchers, home to Timberdoodles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Eastern Screech Owls and more. The neighborhood also features a forested 18-hole disc golf course at Black Bear Park, whose pond is a prime spot for wintertime ice fishing. It’s within walking distance of many residents, as is Cannon Crossings, a neighborhood athletic complex. Locals can practice and compete at its baseball, soccer, tennis and volleyball facilities. I-90 runs through the center of West Hoffman Estates, separating its homes from various commercial and entertainment options. NOW Arena, a 12,000-seat venue, is home to the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls’ NBA G League affiliate team. “It hosts a wide variety of events, between Cirque du Soleil, monster truck shows, pro wrestling, Olympics qualifiers and a good variety of concerts,” Gugliotta says. “It draws a lot of people from different crowds.” The nearby Main Event features interactive entertainment, including bowling, laser tag and a ropes course. It operates across the street from The Saddle Room, an American restaurant with a seasonal menu, a wine bar, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Residents are short distances from retail areas such as Poplar Prairie Stone Crossing, featuring Target and HomeGoods. Other nearby grocery options include Jewel-Osco, Aldi and Elgin Fresh Market. Quiet, winding residential streets fill West Hoffman Estates south of I-90. New Traditional architecture is the most common sight, with many local homes built over the last 20 or 30 years. Single-family houses average about 3,300 square feet — significantly larger than the U.S. norm — and typically sit on ¼-acre lots. Townhouses with attached garages are also available in the neighborhood, starting in the low $300,000s for two-bedroom builds. Homebuyers in the neighborhood will spend about $500,000 on average, which might buy a four-bedroom detached house with roughly 2,700 square feet. A few custom mansions over 10,000 square feet appear in the neighborhood and can exceed $1 million. Public school students are zoned for School District U-46, which includes Timber Trails Elementary School. This K-6 school accommodates over 370 students at the neighborhood’s heart and has a B from Niche. Larsen Middle School, rated a B-minus, operates about 2 miles west of the neighborhood. Older students attend Elgin High School, a short distance to the south. It also has a B-minus Niche score and hosts an International Baccalaureate program for gifted and talented students. West Hoffman Estates was once home to a massive Sears Holdings corporate campus. The facility shuttered a few years ago but has some exciting changes in its future. “It was purchased by a company that’s planning to redevelop the entire campus with data center buildings,” Gugliotta says. “I feel like it’s a good use for the site — it’s important to repurpose campuses like this into something more modern and viable in the future.” Residents can quickly take I-90 to other workplaces throughout the village. The interstate also offers a direct 36-mile drive to downtown Chicago.

The verdant expanse of the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve covers a broad swath of South Ridge, lending a rural vibe to this suburban Illinois neighborhood. “I’m definitely biased, because I grew up in the area. I lived there for 30 years,” says Tawni Barbanente, broker with Re/Max Suburban. “But I think it’s a great place to raise a family.” Set within the village of Hoffman Estates about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, this pocket of streets is filled with leafy green parks, scenic ponds, and rolling belts of grass. The blue-and-white bulb of the Hoffman Estates water tower rises like a beacon from Huntington Boulevard, letting residents know when they’re getting close to home. <br><br>South Ridge homes are neatly spaced along tree-lined residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Most include small front yards and attached garages with short driveways. Paved sidewalks and minimal through-traffic keep the streets pedestrian-friendly. There are a lot of architectural styles represented here, with ranch-style and split-level houses from the 1960s interspersed with modern brick homes. Older or smaller homes might cost $300,000 to $400,000, while large modern builds sell for around $700,000. <br><br>Since the area goes by the name of South Ridge, it stands to reason that South Ridge Park would be its central feature. The green space curves around a small lake and includes an arboretum, fishing dock, splash pad, tennis courts and separate playgrounds for toddlers and older kids. A membership fee is required for Bo’s Run Dog Park, a well-equipped puppy play zone on Lexington Drive. Willow Skate Park is adjacent to the dog park, giving the kids something to do while the pups run around. Highland Woods Golf Course sits atop the highest point in Cook County and features a lighted driving range, 48 hitting stalls and a scenic 18-hole course. <br><br>Hoffman Estates is in the process of re-structuring its school districts, which means South Ridge student life is in a state of flux. One of the schools they might attend is Thomas Jefferson Elementary, which gets an A-minus from Niche. Carl Sandburg Junior High School would be next, followed by William Fremd High School. The junior high school gets a B from Niche, while the high school gets an A-plus. <br><br>Most South Ridge residents head to the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg when they get the urge to splurge. The giant mall is 15 minutes away via West Algonquin Road and includes dozens of chain stores, restaurants, a bowling alley and a comedy club. Closer to home, Huntington Plaza Shopping Center offers more shopping and dining options, and Jewel Osco on Palatine Road is a convenient place to buy groceries. <br><br>West Algonquin Road, or Route 62, cuts through the middle of South Ridge. That makes it easier for residents to make the 80-minute drive to Chicago when the need arises. “Most people who live here work in the area,” Barbanente says. A lot of streets are equipped with bike lanes, making it easier to commute within the neighborhood. An on-demand bus service operates on weekdays from several locations within Hoffman Estates, but there are no stops in the South Ridge section. <br><br>In August, locals head to nearby West Hoffman Estates to join the celebration at the Northwest Celtic Fest. Also known as Shenanigans on the Green, this daylong family-friendly festival celebrates all things Irish with live music, activities, food and spirits.