Itasca

South Itasca is an idyllic neighborhood surrounded by parks, lakes and nature preserves. John Steinbeck might have been writing about the village when he wrote of the Midwest’s friendly strangers and its “deep topsoil, wealth of trees, and the lake country.” This midwestern community imbues a sense of pastoral living despite its ready access to urban conveniences. “South Itasca has a quiet community feel,” says Nancy Funteas, a resident and Realtor with @properties. “A lot of people grow up here and stay here. Homes here are hard to come by, and when they are available, they move pretty quickly.” Homes sit back from residential streets on well-tended lawns. Mature maples, oaks and elms line the sidewalks, providing dappled shade in summer and a palette of colors in fall. One finds a blend of homes throughout the neighborhood, from modest ranch styles and Cape Cods to grand Tudors and stately French Provincials. Most homes feature private driveways and one or two-car garages. Prices range from around $375,000 to $975,000. Homebuyers looking for construction-ready lots and land options may pay between $225,000 to $325,000. Students in Itasca may begin schooling at Raymond Benson Primary School, serving kindergarten through grade two. From there, students move on to Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate, which has an A-minus rating from Niche. F. E. Peacock Middle School also holds an A-minus rating. Lake Park High School has an impressive A-plus rating. The school has a 95% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1210. When it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors, The Woodlands at White Oaks Park is a refreshing respite from life’s daily stressors. This serene park features a looped trail, log cabin, walking and biking paths and tranquil lake views. Bring Fido along for some outdoor fun, as dogs are permitted. The Springbrook Nature Center is in the heart of Itasca, but it feels far more remote. Two miles of hiking trails meander through shady woodlands, prairies and a lush marsh. Keep an eye out for barred owls and other raptors. Looking for an intense hiking, fishing and nature experience? Head to Songbird Slough Forest Preserve. The expansive green space offers over 14 acres of land and is home to 200 bird species. It’s easy to imagine being on a tropical island when visiting Itasca Caribbean Water Park during the summer. It packs a full house with its tropical-themed pools, tube slides, bubblers and spray features. Eaglewood Resort & Spa provides “a little bit of ahhhh” to help unwind mind, body and spirit. Duffers will want to spend as much time on the links as possible at the 18-hole, par-72 Golf Club at Eaglewood. For retail shopping, Elk Grove Town Center and Irving Park Plaza are open-air shopping malls with wellness centers, movie theaters, restaurants and hair salons. Nearby Woodfield Mall offers a major shopping experience with apparel stores such as Macy’s and Michael Kors. Grocery shoppers will relish the aisles of fresh meats, produce and home essentials at Jewel Osco and Frank’s New Fresh Market. When it’s time for a dinner out, the Fox & Turtle, in the Itasca Country Club, bills itself as a rustic-chic pub serving the freshest ingredients. Locals say the crispy eggplant and Thai chili salmon do not disappoint. Tree Guys Pizza Pub features an Italian American menu and classic pies. Pass the time at one of the pub’s Vegas-style slot machines or enjoy the outdoor patio seating. Itasca Fest is an annual celebration held every July in Washington Park. The four-day event brings music, food and fun to the village. Children can stay entertained with carnival rides and an entertainment area. Kids of all ages will enjoy the flea market and classic car show. In September, residents head to downtown Itasca to enjoy Oktoberfest. After beginning the day either running or cheering on the participants in the annual 5k race, head over to the event grounds to dance to polka music, nosh on authentic German foods or step into the beer tent for a draft or two. South Itasca is 27 miles west of Chicago and 3 miles west of O’Hare International Airport. The community sits at the crossroads of Interstates 355, 290 and 290, making access to Chicago and other points relatively easy. Train service runs regularly between the village and Chicago’s Union Station. The neighborhood is car dependent.

Tree-lined residential roads and a quaint central street area contribute to the small-town feel that residents of North Itasca enjoy. The neighborhood is split in half by Interstate 290, with manufacturing and shipping warehouses in the west and residential suburbia taking up the other. “It’s a smaller area that has about 9,000 people,” says James Diestel, realtor at Fulton Grace Realty. “It’s a small town in a pocket of bigger cities. They got a great park district.” Locals also sit near a Metra station and the O'Hare International Airport. “Itasca offers a pretty wide variety. You have bungalows and spots of newer construction,” Diestel says. Homes can date back as early as the late 19th century. However, most houses were built in the midcentury onward. The neighborhood’s homes are situated close together on quarter-acre lots. A wide selection of townhomes can also be found in the north. Most homes have attached garages and front lawns that branch out to sidewalks. Prices come in a wide range, but most houses are between $350,000 to $700,000. But houses can peak over $1 million. Students may spend up to eighth grade within the Itasca school district. Raymond Benson Primary School is ungraded on Niche and GreatSchools but teaches grades kindergarten through second grade. Elmer Franzen Intermediate School teaches grades three through five. The A-minus-rated school allows students to participate in projects such as the Fifth-grade outdoor education program, the Battle of the Books, or the Village of Itasca Tour. F.E. Peacock Middle School also holds an A-minus Niche grade, where students must complete six community service hours. Lake Park High School finishes education strong with an A-plus from Niche, splitting two campuses between grades 9 and 12. The school offers 45 clubs and activities and 29 sports. “It’s a walkable town. You have parks. You have a bunch of forest preserves. You have Usher Park in the center of the town,” Diestel says. Usher Park holds a picturesque pavilion. Franzen Park is centrally located within the neighborhood walls. It features athletic fields ideal for soccer, softball and tennis. Kiddos can also enjoy the playground space. Springbrook Nature Center is an ample outdoor space in Itasca. Hikers can enjoy these miles of trails or have a picnic within the various spaces. North Itasca residents can become members of the Itasca Country Club. Members can utilize their pool, fitness center, yoga studio, or 18-hole golf course. The Itasca Park District holds several programs for all ages. Residents can use a fitness center and ice rink. North Itasca is special for having several local restaurants within its walls. “Fox and Turtle is a great place to catch a bite. There’s Tree Guys, which is good for pizza,” Diestel says. “Fox and Turtle and Tree Guys are the biggest restaurants in town.” Fox and Turtle Restaurant is located within the Itasca Country Club. Fulla Beans is a newer spot located on Irving Park Road. Locals can have a breakfast sandwich or pastry with their hot morning brew or eat their simple sandwiches. Residents can do their grocery shopping at the nearby Jewel-Osco on Irving Park Road. That direction also includes Target and Big Lots. Woodfield Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the country, located 6 miles north. It features nearly 300 stores, restaurants and shops. “Itasca, they do a fireworks show for the 4th of July,” Diestel says. “They do a decorating tree lighting. They have a strong park district that does a lot of events. The list is endless.” The Polar Express Storytime Train is another popular event held around Christmas time. Take the kiddos on a train in their favorite PJs and enjoy a story, milk and cookies, and a visit from Santa and his elves. “It’s very centrally located. It’s nice for the northwest,” Diestel says. “You have access to the expressways. You have the Metra, which takes you from downtown to the northwest.” North Itasca is conveniently divided by the Elgin O’Hare Tollway and Interstate 290. Interstate 290 can take commutes into Chicago within 27 miles. Itasca Metra Station is right on Irving Park Rd; from there, it’s a 45-minute ride. Those needing to catch flights out of the city are 18 miles from the O-Hare International Airport. There are non-stop flights to over 200 destinations.