The McDowell Forest Preserve neighborhood of northwest Naperville includes the houses just south of McDowell Grove Forest Preserve and west of the DuPage River, which runs through the preserve. The neighborhood boasts an abundance of options for getting out into nature while also being close to Downtown Naperville, Interstate 88 and a Metra station, providing easy access to Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Home sale prices in McDowell Forest Preserve range from $165,000 to $215,000, and you’ll mostly find townhouses and condominiums in the neighborhood. For $165,000, you can buy an updated two-bed, one-bath condo unit in the River Shores complex with an attached one-car garage and exterior parking space. For $170,000, you can buy a spacious end unit, two-bed, one-bath townhouse with an attached one-car garage that has been converted into a storage area and entertaining space that has both heat and air conditioning. For $215,000, you can buy a two-bed, two-bath condo in Valley Condominiums.
All public schools in the area received an A-plus ranking from Niche. Mill Street Elementary School is northeast of the neighborhood and has a School Family Community Partnership composed of staff and parent volunteers who work together to provide activities for students, families and community members for the purpose of enriching the students’ experiences. Jefferson Junior High School is also northeast of the neighborhood and offers over 25 clubs and activities for students, including a math team, positivity club and jazz band. Naperville North High School is east of the neighborhood and has over 50 clubs and activities available for students, including film club, improv club and ski and snowboard club. All Saints Catholic Academy is a private, faith-based school for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school has a SMART Board in each classroom, and all students are given iPads or Chromebooks to take home for assignments. The school also has a state-of-the-art STEAM lab centered on 21st-century learning skills such as exploration, problem-solving, communication and collaboration.
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is a 465-acre wooded area with seven miles of multi-use trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas. The preserve features mature woodlands, open fields with eastern bluebirds and Cooper’s hawks and a floodplain forest with towering butternuts and black maples. “My favorite part of the forest preserve is the boat launch,” says local resident Susannah Ball. “It’s a great spot for putting in or taking out, with a wide concrete ramp and easy vehicle access. I go on paddling adventures often.” A restored 3-mile stretch of the West Branch DuPage River flows naturally and provides improved habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife. Visitors can fish for catfish, carp, sunfish and bluegill at the 22-acre Mud Lake and can do “catch-and-release” fishing in the DuPage River, which is stocked with smallmouth bass.
Drive east to either Fresh Thyme Market or Jewel-Osco when you need to stock the pantry. When you’d rather eat out, there are a few restaurants within walking distance. Los Burritos Tapatios Naperville is a counter-serve Mexican eatery featuring tacos, burritos and tortas in a casual setting. You’ll receive complimentary chips and salsa if you dine in. On the weekend, head to The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli, an old-fashioned daytime eatery serving up traditional breakfast and lunch plates in a low-key setting. Customers rave about the homemade blueberry coffee cake. For more dining options, drive southeast to Downtown Naperville.
Mike Long
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(331) 241-7089
109 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$425,000 Price
Mary Summerville
Coldwell Banker
(630) 931-8695
357 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$230,000 Price
Raj Patel
American Star Realty
(224) 412-5984
87 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$185,000 Price
Donald Hampton
Fathom Realty IL LLC
(708) 905-4903
138 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$190,000 Price
Kris Maranda
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(630) 576-1627
253 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$164,500 Price
Carol Gavalick
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(224) 332-3608
95 Total Sales
1 in McDowell Forest Preserve
$175,000 Price
On average, homes in McDowell Forest Preserve, Naperville sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in McDowell Forest Preserve, Naperville over the last 12 months is $245,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Suburban charm, esteemed schools and commuter transit in northern Naperville
Living within walking distance of the golf course
Classic architecture defines this residential Naperville neighborhood
A Naperville neighborhood shaded by a canopy of trees
Mostly residential, yet close to downtown shops and the river
Vibrant downtown with quaint Main Street and larger mansions
