$430,286Average Value$255Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Laid-back, suburban living south of Chicago
South of Chicago, Westgate Valley is a family-friendly suburb known for its "Excellent public and private schools and proximity to outdoor leisure activities, from golf courses to miles of hiking and biking trails right out your front door," says Tom O'Connor, a local real estate broker who has sold homes in the area for over twenty years. Situated in the eastern part of Palos Heights, Illinois, Westgate Valley is a "newer development that was converted from a golf course in the 1980s" and still retains this natural sort of feel to this day. Thanks to the Burnham Plan of 1909, residents of Westgate Valley can enjoy heading out into the Cook County Forest Preserve, which forms the southern border of the neighborhood, any time they want. In addition to a diverse mix of housing, from townhouses and condos to larger single-family homes, this peaceful, suburban neighborhood is also very diverse in population. O'Connor explains that he recommends Westgate Valley to "working professionals, young families and retirees alike," stating that "retirees often look to neighborhoods like Westgate Valley when wanting to downsize, but still stay close to their families in the Chicago area." With a calming know-your-neighbor feel, schools within walking distance and public transportation connecting residents to Chicago, Westgate Valley is a welcoming neighborhood for anyone looking to enjoy a friendly, more laid-back pace of life.
Affordable Cook County homes with generous floor plans
With an average sales price of about $390,000, homes in Westgate Valley are considered relatively affordable compared to both Palos Heights and the greater Chicago area. Despite friendly price points, many homes here are built on large lots and feature expansive floor plans, making them "very in demand," says O'Connor. Sitting astride closely mowed lawns and gently curving suburban streets, homes here are shaded by mature trees and often feature popular styles, from traditional homes with front garages to split-levels, ranch-styles and even quad houses. O'Connor also notes, "Two-bedroom, ranch-style townhouses are particularly popular here," explaining that, "They're perfect for retirees looking to downsize because they're just one story, though some come with basements. Many of these houses have also been recently renovated and feature hardwood floors, stone countertops and updated porches and patios. These earlier-built homes, like two and three-bedroom ranch-styles, can sell for as low as $250,000, but new construction is also available. Modern split levels with eye-catching angles and architecture can be found for up to about $540,000 dollars, while 4-bedroom, traditional homes with up to 4,250 square feet can cost close to $700,000. There are also several townhouse communities offering a more maintenance-free lifestyle for those looking for a smaller home. These townhouses typically have two or three bedrooms, attached garages and outdoor living spaces and sell for around $340,000.
Top-rated Palos Heights schools close to home
There are several schools in the neighborhood that students can look forward to attending. In addition to private options, young students of Westgate Valley can attend Navajo Heights Elementary, which is slightly further from the neighborhood and receives a rating of A-minus from Niche. Independence Junior High is in the neighborhood for older students to attend before moving on to Alan B. Shepard High School. Both schools receive A-minus ratings from Niche and are close enough to many homes for kids to walk or bike to school if they want to. Independence Junior High offers basketball, track and volleyball teams for boys and girls, while Shepard High is known for having over 42 extracurricular activities, including coding, improv, and robotics clubs. Additionally, parents with toddlers can drop their kids off at Sandbox School, a local daycare center, on their way to work.
Heading Outdoors in Westgate Valley
When residents want to get outside on a nice day, those living further south in Westgate Valley can often simply head across the street to check out the Cook County forest preserves. Residents can also park their cars at Cooper's Hawk Grove Family Picnic Area before walking or biking through the Tinley Creek Trail System, which winds throughout the forests. Elizabeth A. Conkey Forest has several covered picnic areas and nature trails that run through the Cook County Forest Preserve for family and friends to gather and enjoy being outside together, while birdwatchers can spot migrating birds, like winter wrens, vireos, gnatcatchers, phoebes and tanagers, all along Tinley Creek. Broad-winged hawks and red-headed woodpeckers also spend time here. Another popular choice is heading out to one of several nearby golf courses to get some rounds in. Midlothian Country Club is one option that locals often choose and offers food, social areas, a pool to swim laps or exercise in and a full 18-hole golf course.
Shopping and dining nearby on Harlem Avenue
For groceries, Westgate Valley residents can drive over to their local Jewel-Osco, which is located right on Harlem Avenue, along with a range of other opportunities for convenient services and eating out. One local option is Restaurante y Taqueria Jerez, a Mexican restaurant and bar with a creative selection of food and glowing reviews for its atmosphere and service. Customers particularly enjoy the restaurant's Birria tacos with flavorful beef broth. For something more upscale, check out Zachary's Grill. The restaurant offers seasonally updated menus as well as soups and pastries made from scratch. The grill is known for its chic, modern interior and inventive recipes and flavor combinations meant to delight patron's taste buds. For brunch on the weekends, residents can head to Royalberry Waffle House and Restaurant, a waffle joint dishing out breakfast staples and lunch with patio seating. Locals stand by Royalberry Waffle House for its personable servers, fluffy pancakes and bottomless coffee.
TransportaGetting around the greater Westgate Valley areation
Just twenty miles from Chicago, residents of Westgate Valley can get downtown in about thirty minutes, whether driving along the conveniently located Interstate 234 (also known as the Tri-state) or taking the train from their local Palos Heights Metra station. With the Pace bus system servicing the area and well-connected sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, residents are also able to get around their local area fairly easily without a car. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 11 miles north of Westgate Valley for those looking to travel outside the city, while, to get to the nearest hospital, residents can head just a few miles to Palos Heights where they can find the Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Community events at Gaelic Park
One cultural beacon near Westgate Valley is Gaelic Park, an Irish-American heritage club that brings the community together every year with an Irish Fest. When there isn't a wedding or other private event renting space here, Gaelic Park also serves the community by hosting concerts and providing a selection of Irish cuisine in their banquet hall and restaurant. For fun with family and friends, community members also get together here to enjoy playing traditional Irish sports together, from hurling to Irish football, which is "Kind of like a mix between soccer and rugby, it's hard to explain but it's really fun," says Michael Bennett, the general manager at Gaelic Park.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angelica Jones,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Convent Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Playground
Walker Park
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Arrowhead Lake
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Heritage Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Carlson Springs Woods
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Turtlehead Lake
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
Bachelor's Grove Woods
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
22 min drive
Bus
Harlem Ave & 131st St
Westgate Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westgate Valley, Palos Heights sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Westgate Valley, Palos Heights over the last 12 months is $635,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOUSE IN THE WESTGATE SUBDIVISION. 3 BEDROOM, 3.5 BATHROOM WITH FINISHED BASEMENT. MAIN LEVEL FEATURES HARDWOOD FLOORS, POWDER ROOM, VAULTED CEILING IN LIVING ROOM W/BAR AND GAS FIREPLACE. 3 LARGE WINDOWS TO LET IN PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT HAVE NEW SHADES ON THEM. LARGE KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, TONS OF CABINETS. NEWER STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES INCLUDE: DOUBLE OVEN, GAS 5
Completely Renovated Palos Heights Condo - End Unit Retreat! Don't miss your chance to own this rare, beautifully remodeled 2nd-floor end-unit condo, tucked away on a quiet street in one of Palos Heights' most desirable buildings. With complete owner occupancy and no rentals allowed, this is your opportunity to enjoy peaceful, maintenance-free living in a private location just behind Jewel-talk
Welcome to beautiful brick split level house in Palos Heights. Home offers: 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, recently refinished hardwood floors, bright living room, formal dining room, spacious, updated kitchen with skylight and tons of cabinet storage, new sink, counter top and backsplash. Sun room addition with fireplace, family room with brick, wood burning fireplace and built-in shelving. New
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angelica Jones,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,466
Median Age
52
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$93,480
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$122,014
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.5%
% Population in Labor Force
63%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
