Mokena

Arbury Hills is a Chicagoland Area suburb that lies a jog away from the diverse habitats of the Hickory Creek Preserve. Located more than 30 miles south of the Windy City’s downtown, this community is located in one of the area’s “Collar Counties.” South La Grange Road — U.S. Highway 45 — passes near the heart of this community, which comprises of a mix of suburban neighborhoods and a sector of strip malls populated by a variety of businesses and services. It’s uncommon to see more than one generation of a family live here. “A lot of people are moving back after they’ve had kids because they love their community and they love their schools,” says Will County Board Member Dan Butler, whose district includes Arbury Hills. “The community doesn’t have a whole lot of commerce, so their schools are kind of what centers it. They do seem to anchor a lot of the community and there’s a lot participation in the schools.” In addition to receiving exceptional ratings, a few of them like Summit Hill Junior High School and Hilda Walker Intermediate School offer a diverse mix of extracurriculars that include robotics, Aikido, morning yoga and fishing clubs. A portion of this part of Will County is also working class, represented in particular by those who advertise their membership with the local plumber and pipefitter union. Arbury Hills feature suburban blocks with wide streets lined by trimmed lawns and road verges. Although the natural canopy isn’t particularly dense, some trees can be found in yards providing ample shade. Much of the homes closer to South La Grange Road are ranch-styles houses with variations like split- and bi-levels. Traditional ranch-styles that date back to the 1960s and 1970s can start at just over $250,000 for those under 1,000 square feet and ones larger than that can up to just under $300,000. Then some split- and bi-levels from around the same era can run for just over $220,000. For more modern ranch-style houses — 1990s and 2000s — price points can run between $320,000 and $450,000, again with overall size playing factor. Two-story homes with some mixes of Colonial Revival and traditional features can be found farther east. Price points for those types of homes can run from around $400,000 to $550,000, depending on overall size. The community is served by some highly rated public schools. Schools here include Arbury Hills School, Dr. Julian Rogus School, Hilda Walker Intermediate School, Summit Hill Junior High School and Lincoln-Way East High School, all of which received grades of A-minus or higher from ratings site Niche. Middle school students, who are divided between Hilda Walker and Summit Hill, can take part in summer athletic camps for a variety of sports like baseball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. They can also take part in intramural sports like bowling and golf. Those looking for a quick bite don’t need to travel far as several places exist along or not too far from South La Grange Road. For either breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack, there are a variety of baked goods and pastries, as well as some coffee, at Fleckenstein’s Bakery. The establishment can also whip up some cakes for anyone planning an event or celebration. A little farther north in the Hickory Creek Centre, patrons of the Stoney Point Grill can enjoy classic American comfort fare ranging burgers and steaks to wings and potato bites. Then, those looking for some craft brews can travel east to Brothership Brewing just off South 90th Avenue. Groceries can be found at either Mariano’s or Jewel-Osco, each of which are located south of the community along South La Grange Road. Arbury Hills residents have quick access to ample recreation, whether it be indoors or outdoors. The approximately 24-acre Hecht Park features a pond, walking and biking paths, a children’s playground and several sports amenities. The Hickory Creek Preserve is also just a couple miles south. Explorers of this roughly 1,500 area will find a diversity of protected habitats that include forest, prairie, wetland and a portion of Hickory Creek. The preserve delights birdwatchers it’s home to more than 50 species. Joggers and hikers to take the network of trails, which during the winter months can accommodate cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. But those more interested in indoor fun don’t need to fret. They can take some laps on the indoor go-kart track at K1 Speed just east of 88th Avenue. Or if they’re avid golfers seeking to still get in some practice — while also avoiding Illinois’ bone chilling cold — they can try out the virtual indoor golfing experience at the 19th Hole just off West 191st Street. Frankfort being just a few miles south means many in Arbury Hills are within convenient access of the diverse lineup of events that occur in the village’s historic downtown throughout the year. The festivities there include seasonally-themed ones like the Fall Festival in late August and early September, when more than 200,000 goers can visit hundreds of artisans that come in from all over the country. Another one that occurs around February in Breidert Green Park is the Fire & Ice Winter Social, which features a live ice carving demo and ice games. The community is home to Metra’s Hickory Creek commuter rail station, which is located just east of South La Grange Road — or U.S. Highway 45. The rail line runs all the way north to downtown Chicago, but also goes west to Joliet. Those who still rather commute by car can hop on Interstate 80, which runs right along Arbury Hills northern bounds. I-80 connects to a network of interstates leading to the Windy City’s downtown and its attractions. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is located more than 35 miles north of Arbury Hills. The community, however, is a little closer to the Chicago Midway International Airport, which is also located north. The Silver Cross Hospital in the New Lenox area is located just under 10 miles west of Arbury hills. Although it's currently open, the Summit Hill School District 161 has voted to close the Arbury Hills School, which serves first through fourth grades. The school is one of a few the district has decided to close due to dwindling enrollment.