Mount Prospect

Placed near Robert Morris University and two major highways, Mount Shire is an established north Chicago suburb. But it still has a quiet feel, due to the buffer of the sprawling Busse Woods on the west end. The neighborhood has experienced a bit of a rollercoaster recently, but is on a trajectory back to its usual easygoing character. “A lot of homebuyers surged into this area in 2023, when the Chicago Cubs announced they’d be moving into the area,” says Realtor Brandon Rodriguez with Corona Homes Team. “But since that plan has gone up in the air in 2024, the rate of people moving in there has stabilized.” Midcentury split-levels are commonly seen in the area, along with other modest styles. “You’ll see entry-level houses such as ranches without basements,” says Realtor Holly Connors with @properties. Prices tend to be based on square footage and range from $200,000 to $500,000. For example, the top of the market is represented by four-bedroom, two-bathroom split-levels with 2,400 square feet of living space. Yards are decorated with a tall mature tree or two, but otherwise large swaths of grassy lawn frame the property. Driveways lead to street-facing attached garages, and one side of the street typically has a sidewalk. John Jay Elementary is centrally located, and features a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. It earns a C-plus from Niche. Holmes Junior High has the same ratio, and manages to earn a B. Rolling Meadows High continues the trend of rising scores by earning an impressive A-plus overall. The school offers a career pathways program which covers a range of interests, from engineering to nursing to the culinary arts. Robert Morris University also has a strong presence in Mount Shire, after introducing a branch there in 2011. The university is known for offering evening classes for its business administration degree. Tamarack Park is a public green space located near the campus of Robert Morris University. It has tennis courts, playgrounds and athletic fields. Clearwater Park, located just above the retail cluster in Mount Shire’s north end, is also a way for residents to catch a piece of nature. A walking path that’s nearly a mile allows pedestrians to circle a pond, and there are more playground facilities for families to enjoy. Sports enthusiasts can join the Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club, which offers workout facilities, four racquetball courts, six indoor tennis courts and six outdoor tennis courts. A cluster of conveniences and eateries can be found in the northeastern corner where Golf Road meets Busse Road. Korean cuisine, Indian food and American comforts like coffee, burgers and beer can all be found here – showing that Mount Shire has an eclectic bent to its offerings. Residents can also complete errands at a CVS, or grocery shop at Montrose Market. Just a mile west down Golf Road, residents can also shop at Aldi, Jewel Osco and Brookhaven Market. There’s a traditional shopping mall experience as well at Arlington Town Square, which is surrounded by places to grab fun eats like sushi or pizza. Fitness and nature enthusiasts also have regular events to be involved in. The nearby Ned Brown Forest Preserves hosts seasonal half marathons and 5K runs, such as the Turkey Trot and Shamrock Beer Run. Seasonal attractions can be found here for all ages, too, including guided paddling and hiking tours, children’s educational programs and biking club gatherings. August brings the annual Mount Prospect Celebration of Cultures event, during which locals highlight their heritage by setting up educational exhibits. There’s also live music, dancing and a market for exploring handmade crafts. Mount Shire covers a relatively small area, bounded by Highway 58 and Highway 62, and residents can directly access amenities along these routes, which are trafficked by public buses. The neighborhood is also close to Interstate 90, so commuters can easily begin the 35-mile trip south to downtown Chicago. O’Hare International Airport is about 10 miles south.

Located 22 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, North Mount Prospect residents are never far from the action of the city, but there’s also a lot to explore close by. North Mount Prospect is a desirable community for both families and professionals looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities along U.S. Route 12. Whether it’s a last minute grocery item or a poster board for a school project, North Mount Prospect residents can take a breather knowing Mount Prospect Plaza is within the community. Locals can grab a slice at the family-owned Pizza Pavia or check out the latest collection at Marshalls. “North Mount Prospect is such a special niche location — It’s close to major highways, shopping and restaurants within a 10-15 minute drive,” says long-time local Elizabeth Thompson, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty. And when it’s time for a quick trip into Chicago, hop on the Metra at the Mount Prospect station for a swift 40-minute commute into the city. Residents in North Mount Prospect can shop at Mount Prospect Plaza along Route 12, which offers department stores and retailers, like Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory and Ross Dress for Less. Groceries and everyday essentials can be found at nearby stores like Wal-Mart, Jewel-Osco and Aldi. When dining in the area, locals can head to family-owned Pizza Pavia for a wide variety of pizza options and authentic Italian cuisine. Or check out The Red Barn Restaurant and Brewery for a relaxed dining experience, a unique cocktail menu and live music on Friday nights. For craft beer and American classics, visit Blackfinn Randhurst Grill for bar bites and their notable Ginger Salmon entree. Every year, the Village of Mount Prospect hosts the Mount Prospect Block Party in July at the intersection of Emerson Street and Busse Avenue. This family-friendly event is free to attend and features live music from local bands, a variety of food vendors and outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can grab a drink at the beer tent or a hot dog from Hubby’s Hotdogs and meet friends and family over at the carnival rides, face painting station or bounce houses. Streets here are tree-lined and well-maintained, with paved sidewalks with ample room from the road for added safety and increased walkability throughout the community. Home styles range from traditional Ranch-styles and split-levels to newly-constructed contemporary homes and multi-family condos and townhouses. “North Mount Prospect attracts young families for sure, but still a great mix of generations with all the ranch homes and one-level townhomes in the area,” says Thompson, who has lived in the area for 30 years. With a median sales price of $330,000, homes here can range from the low $100,000s for a one-bedroom condo to upwards of $1,000,000 for a five-bedroom newly-constructed contemporary home. While single family homes dominate the housing here, the area is built around a central commercial hub and features both multi-family townhouses and condominium complexes within the community. North Mount Prospect offers a variety of subdivision options from those with a Homeowners Association in Harvest Heights to those with more custom builds in Camelot or townhouses with golf course views in Colony Country and condos found in Creekside. Homes here typically feature attached garages, backyard fencing and are typically fronted by small yards with enough room for some shrubbery and tree or two. Students in North Mount Prospect can attend schools like Fairview Elementary, Lincoln Middle and Prospect High School, which respectively received ratings of A-minus, A-minus and A-plus from the educational review site, Niche. Fairview Elementary School offers a variety of clubs and after-school programs from Star Wars fanatics to coloring and board game enthusiasts. Lincoln Middle School serves over 700 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Prospect High School offers an advanced curriculum with 31 Advanced Placement (AP) courses for higher education preparation. Private options like St. Emily Elementary School and St. Viator High School are also common here. For higher education options, locals can look to nearby Oakton College to pursue advanced degrees. When seeking time outdoors, residents can stroll along the tree-lined paved paths at Hill Street Park or visit the mulched playground area with nearby canopied picnic tables for on-the-go dining. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with the public Rob Roy Golf Course nearby, offering 51 acres of greenery and a 9-hole course. Schedule a tee time or visit the on-site clubhouse and order a quick meal at the bar and grill. Rent some skates and glide across the ice at Nicholas Sportsplex, which offers public skating times for all skill levels to enjoy. The facility is also home to the Mount Prospect Adult Hockey League (MPAHL) and the Mount Prospect Figure Skating Academy for skaters of all ages to develop their skills or join the adult league. During the summer, residents can dive into the outdoor pool at Woodland Trails Park or check out the trails and skate park open throughout the year. The Woodland Trails pool is open from June through August every year and seasonal passes are available for purchase. Residents here rely on Route 12 and North Main Street for easy access to downtown Mount Prospect neighboring areas like Prospect Heights and Arlington Heights. Residents seeking public transit options can utilize the Mt. Prospect Metra Station, which operates along Route 14. Or check out the Pace Suburban Bus, which can be accessed along North Main Street. When traveling further outside the community, the Chicago O'Hare International Airport is only 10 miles from North Mount Prospect. Healthcare can be found at Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital just 5 miles from North Mount Prospect.

Forest River is relatively new, compared to some Chicago area suburbs that started near the end of the 19th century. The neighborhood originated when farmland was subdivided in the 1930s – and it took awhile for modernity to kick in. Mudville was the nickname that stuck for awhile, until paved roads finally trickled in. Forest River still experiences heavy rainfall and periodic flooding from the nearby Des Plaines River. But it continues to draw homebuyers with a heavy dose of outdoors culture. Plus, major highways cross through the area today, providing convenient access to modern amenities. Some of the local houses date back to the 1930s, but not all. One is just as likely to see midcentury housing that still appears fresh, or even townhouses from the 2020s. “A lot of home prices in this area will be mid $300,000s to mid $500,000s,” says Realtor Holly Connors, who has been with Christie’s International Real Estate since 2003. “You’ll commonly see split-level homes from the 60s and 70s.” Despite being 23 miles northwest of Chicago, and despite the rather rural green surroundings, the streetscapes of Forest River are distinctly suburban. Long driveways lead to attached garages, and while sidewalks may not always be present, or only on one side of the street, it’s true that tall mature trees are a hallmark of the neighborhood. Outstanding public schools contribute to the appeal of Forest Rivers. Indian Grove Elementary has a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and earns an A-minus from Niche. River Trails Middle is a similar size with a similar student-teacher ratio – and it, too, earns an A-minus. John Hersey High is a large institution with over 2,000 students enrolled, and it still manages to earn an A-plus. The school is known for having a successful marching band program. In 2017, the Hersey Marching Huskies were selected as Honor Band at the Illinois SuperState competition – a coveted distinction given to only one band each year. With the Des Plaines River running through the neighborhood's central nature reserves, it’s easy for residents to find an outdoor escape. Expansive woodlands, open fields and small ponds provide recreational space to explore. There are opportunities for canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and biking. Cross country skiing is an option in the colder months. Additionally, bird watching is a popular past time. Burning Bush Trails Park is a top spot for sports enthusiasts, with its roller hockey and pickleball courts, baseball diamonds and multiuse athletic fields. Camp Pine Woods, Allison Woods and Lake Avenue Woods provide picnic pavilions along with miles of trails. Non-motorized boat owners can launch at the Beck Lake boat launch for drifting or paddling. There’s plenty of variety in Forest River’s dining scene. Sushi, Mexican food and modern American cuisine are some of the options. Otherwise, a relaxed homestyle experience is commonly found. Buddy’s Bites and Brews is where patrons can enjoy live music, drinks and games while chowing down on one of the establishment’s classic jumbo sliders. Quick bites are available at Fry the Coop, which features fried chicken sandwiches that come in a range of spice levels. For daily essentials, residents can shop at the Dollar Tree off of Plaza Drive, or visit Abarrotes La Rosita for a selection of grocery essentials and fresh tacos. Big box supermarkets be found in the adjacent neighborhood of Mount Prospect, which has an Aldi and Fresh Thyme Market. Interstate 294 runs along the east side, giving commuters a convenient way to merge onto Interstate 90 and reach downtown. Within the neighborhood, residents are likely to use Route 45. This key north-south pathway, also known as River Road, is lined with eateries – as is Milwaukee Road, a bus-trafficked corridor which forks off from it. The Prospect Heights Metra station sits near Wolf Road on the west end.

Located 30 miles outside of Chicago, this tranquil suburb combines an at-ease lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreation and everyday amenities within reach. Residents here can cheer on their favorite Little League players at Melas Park or enjoy fishing at Busse Woods Nature Preserve. Hatlen Heights may seem like an unassuming suburban neighborhood built in the 1950s, but homes here are well-constructed and prospective buyers are attracted to the maintained value expected within the community. “First time homebuyers, or really anybody who is planning to get a nice ROI, all these people are excited to get in here — It’s really going to do well over the next five years,” says Holly Connors, Realtor with @Properties. With high-rated schools, activities to stay busy and quick convenience to everyday essentials, Hatlen Heights offers a highly sought-after suburban Chicago lifestyle. Hatlen Heights features a variety of home styles ranging from mid-century ramblers and split-levels to Colonial Revivals and New Traditional homes. Single family homes dominate the area. “Most homes here were built in the 50s and mid-century ranches are very common — Also, lots here are phenomenally well maintained,” says Connors. With a median sales price of $390,000, homes here range from the mid $200,000s for a four-bedroom ranch style to upwards of $800,000 for a four-bedroom New Traditional. Streets here are highly accessible, catering to walkers and cyclists, with paved tree-lined paths and bike-specific lanes throughout the community. Homes here often feature detached garages, paved driveways and are typically fronted by large manicured lawns with enough room for a tree or two and bushes for added privacy from neighbors. Students in Hatlen Heights can attend schools like Fairview Elementary, Lincoln Middle and Prospect High School, which respectively received scores of A-minus, A-minus and A-plus from Niche. Fairview Elementary School serves over 500 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, while Lincoln Middle School offers a variety of after-school clubs for robotics, Minecraft and creative writing. Prospect High School offers an award-winning music department that earned Grammy Signature Gold Status, making it one of the top seven high school music departments in the country. Private institutions like St. Raymond School and Christian Liberty Academy are also common here. When seeking time outdoors, residents can stroll along the paved paths at Melas Park or practice on the basketball and football fields. Visitors here can also enroll in the art sessions held at The Studio at the edge of the park, offering open paint days and courses like Introduction to Art Academy. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with Mt. Prospect Golf Club nearby, featuring an 18-hole course and a driving range for golfers to fine-tune their swing. Daily tee times are available as well as seasonal memberships. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Busse Woods Nature Preserve for 3,558 acres of greenery surrounding Busse Lake. Visitors can enjoy outdoor dining at the picnic tables, hiking along 13 miles of tree-shaded trails and the largest fishing scene within Cook County. Those interested in taking advantage of the water access at the Busse Lake Boat Ramp can head to Chicago River Canoe and Kayak for rentals and quick entry onto Busse Lake. Located off Martingale Road, Hatlen Heights residents are less than 5 miles from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago. This family-friendly Lego-themed amusement park offers the Merlin's Apprentice Ride, immersive exhibits, life-sized models of animals and building workshops. Admission pricing varies depending on the depth of the package starting at $22 per person. Residents here can shop at Randhurst Village, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like T.J. Maxx, Michaels and HomeGoods. While groceries and other everyday essentials are available at nearby stores like Wal-Mart, Brookhaven Market and Jewel-Osco. When dining in the area, locals can head to Mr. Allison's Restaurant for hearty breakfast classics and a relaxed dining experience. Or check out Francesca's Tavola for authentic Italian cuisine and an upscale establishment. For outdoor dining options, residents can visit Johnnie's Beef for Chicago-style Italian beef and lemon Italian ice. Hatlen Heights relies on Central Road and Busse Road for easy access to U.S. Route 14 and neighboring areas like Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. When seeking public transportation, residents can take the Pace bus, starting at $2.00 for adults one-way. Or the Metra, which can be boarded at the Mount Prospect station found along Route 14. "Many young professionals gravitate towards living in Chicago's north-side because there are few places in the country that offer such walkable neighborhoods, diverse nightlife and easy access to public transportation,” says Peter Nicieja, Real Estate Broker with Compass Real Estate. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Chicago O'Hare International is only 10 miles away from Hatlen Heights. When seeking healthcare, residents here are 2 miles from Northwest Community Healthcare/Hospital.

In the northwestern Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect is the neighborhood of Colonial Heights, which lies in the western part of the popular suburb. “It’s an older area with most, if not all, of the original owners,” says Vince Dante, a Realtor with Baird & Warner with almost ten years of experience in real estate. “I’ve lived here for 21 years, and I’m also a trustee for the village of Mount Prospect. Public safety services like police and fire are top-notch. It’s a very safe area.” One of the reasons for the loyalty in the neighborhood is the access to quality public schools. Forest View Elementary School is within walking distance for some kids. The student-teacher ratio is 12-to-1 in this K-5 school with a B Niche grade. Fourth and fifth graders at this school can join the Chess Club, Student Senate, and a Service Club for fifth graders. Holmes Junior High School also receives a B and serves second through eighth-grade students. Rolling Meadows High School gets an A-plus on Niche and has a 94% graduation rate. The story of the neighborhood dates to the 1960s, when a builder had only a few models used to design the houses. There are plenty of ranch-style, as well as split-level and tri-level houses. “I worked with an original owner in this neighborhood, and this person had original architectural plans for the neighborhood’s housing in pristine condition,” Dante says. “This was from 1965 when a house sold for $35,000.” These days, a house on the low end will cost $400,000, which is about 1,500 square feet. Larger homes with a more contemporary build and over 3,000 square feet usually cost over $600,000. Many houses have been renovated. “That usually happens when a long-time resident sells the house, and another person moves in,” Dante says. “Often, turnover happens when a long-time resident goes somewhere else to live, like an assisted living facility, or they pass on.” Robert T. Jackson Clearwater Park covers 18 acres at the corner of Busse and Golf Roads. The playground at the park is dedicated to Betty Hedges, who lived in the area and worked at a nearby hospital. After she died of cancer, a boulder was put near the playground in 1976 inscribed with the word ‘Joy’ to honor Hedges, who died of cancer. In addition to the playground, there are tennis courts and a paved walking path. A water retention pond is also on-site and occasionally used for fishing. The Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center near the park has some popular places to gather for a meal. Jelly Café is a breakfast and brunch spot with unique twists to classic breakfast food. The star of the show is in the name. Many people rave about the jelly here, which is made with a mix of fresh berries. Lucky Burgers is part of Jelly Café, and it’s the place to be after 4 p.m. for Angus beef burgers; at night, the space is open to try out the various slot machines. The area can also host semi-private, after-hours events for up to 50 people. Draft Picks Mount Prospect is the place to gather to watch the game. It’s the official Blackhawks bar, so whenever Chicago’s NHL team is on the ice, it’s sure to be hopping. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Woodfield Mall in the neighboring suburb of Schaumburg. With over 230 stores, it’s the largest shopping mall in Illinois and one of the biggest in the country. The mall attracts more than 27 million visitors a year. The mall, which opened in 1971, features JC Penney, Macy’s and Nordstrom as anchor stores. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is one of the more unique places at the mall, with various rides, including virtual reality trips through a LEGO world and a chance to build multiple creations using the famous toy bricks.