Romeoville

Big Run is a relatively inexpensive southwestern Chicago suburb with zip codes between Romeoville, Lockport and Lemont. These areas are more industrial and less developed than trendy western Chicago suburbs like Naperville and Wheaton. However, as inventory shrinks in those places, development and homebuyers are branching out to places like Romeoville. "Big Run is in a great location, with easy access to surrounding communities via Interstate 355 and Interstate 55," says Francine Caliendo, a broker with RE/MAX of Naperville. "It only takes around 30 minutes to get to Chicago and both airports. Its small-town feel, combined with the close-knit community, make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family." The average listing price for a home in Big Run is $400,000, and there is some new construction in the area as the western suburbs grow in popularity. Most homes are postwar ranch styles with two or three bedrooms and large front lawns. These list for between $175,000 and $375,000. Recently constructed new traditional homes on smaller lots with two or three bedrooms are listed for under $450,000. Sprawling, custom-built ranch-style homes and neo-colonials of brick on 5 acres are at the top of the market and listed between $700,000 and $900,000. Big Run is in Will County School District 92, which received an overall grade of A-minus on Niche. Reed Elementary School serves students from second to third grade and received an A-minus ranking from Niche. Ludwig Elementary School received an A-minus. Oak Prairie Junior High School received a B-plus. Lockport Township High School East received an A. Its campus has a three-hole golf course, a greenhouse and a swimming pool area with 600 seats for fans. Big Run is named after a golf club in the area. Big Run Golf Club is a public course with 18 holes that wind through tall oak trees, five lakes and Long Run Creek. The course was partly designed by Sam Sneed. There's a bar and grill on-site, and course management hosts community events year-round. Parks in Big Run are well-maintained. Bambrick Park has walking trails, soccer and baseball fields, and a frisbee golf course. Rolling Meadows Park is a small pocket green space with a playground. The 80-acre Long Run Seep Nature Preserve Area takes up part of Big Run's south side. Mainly wetlands, the preserve is maintained by the state. Big Run's green spaces are helpful in offsetting air and occasional water pollution from a Citgo petroleum factory that operates in the northwest section of Big Run along the Des Plaines River. Depending on which way the wind blows, particulate matter from the Citgo plant can negatively affect air quality. Big Run is also within a 5-mile radius of two nuclear power plants, which puts residents nearby at risk in case of leaks or meltdowns. Big Run residents have many grocery options, including Jewel-Osco and Pete's Fresh Market. Rustic Knead is an artisanal bakery and café with a quaint atmosphere and sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. Burrito Junior has a laid-back atmosphere and serves authentic homemade Mexican cuisine, including vegetarian options. The Lemont Public Library is also nearby and has a wide selection of materials for residents to check out and enjoy. Just across the Des Plains River, Iron & Glass taproom serves an extensive selection of craft beers with indoor and outdoor tables on which to drink them. Down the block, White Fence Farm claims to have been serving the "World's Greatest Chicken" since the 1920s, and Chicagoans seem to agree. The farm has a petting zoo and regular musical guests. Commuters or day-trippers can take the Romeoville Metra and be in Downtown Chicago in an hour. Despite its environmental challenges, Big Run is growing because of its space, prices, access to the Des Plains River and nearby Metra stop.

Wesglen is a modern, suburban community in southwest Romeoville, 35 miles from Chicago's city center. Peaceful ponds, manicured lawns and tree-shaded sidewalks bring a sense of suburban serenity to streets with floral names like Lavender, Zinnia and Honeysuckle. According to local real estate agent Cheryl Morlock, "Wesglen has a very active community. You'll often see people out and about walking their dogs or riding bikes." Morlock is with EXIT Strategy Realty, a brokerage with over $2 billion in sales since opening. Most homes in Wesglen were built from the late 1990s to early 2000s and are typically three- or four-bedroom models with 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. The neighborhood's home values generally range from $325,000 to $375,000. Houses that back up to one of the subdivision ponds would be on the high end, over $400,000. These homes often have four bedrooms and over 4,000 square feet. On the lower end of the market, there are 1,500-square-foot townhouses for around $200,000. Kids may attend public schools like Kenneth L. Hermansen Elementary School, graded B-minus by Niche. A. Vito Martinez Middle, graded A-minus, serves around 700 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12-1. Creative extracurriculars to choose from include clubs for creative writing, gardening, art and drama. Romeoville High School, also A-minus, has an Illinois Report Card designation as a commendable school with no underperforming student groups and a 93% graduation rate. High school students can enroll in employment-path studies at the Wilco Area Career Center, where classes include aviation mechanics, barbering, culinary arts and landscaping. About 5 miles away, there's the main campus of Lewis University, a private school with approximately 6,500 students. In addition to undergraduate and graduate courses, Lewis has a flight team and a corporate airport with two runways. The community is centered around the Wesglen Country Club, where members can host events in the banquet hall or enjoy the fresh air at the pool or tennis courts. Across the street is Wesglen Park, where kids enjoy the playground and three baseball diamonds provide plenty of space to pitch. "There are a lot of opportunities for recreation here, with parks and walking trails," Morlock says. Boucher Prairie Park, located on the neighborhood's south side, features a playground, basketball court and an in-line hockey rink. On hot summer days, kids cool off at the park's splash pad. A bit to the south, there's the Mistwood Golf Club, a public, 18-hole course full of lush rolling hills and picturesque water features. In 2021, Mistwood was named one of the "Best Golf Schools and Academies" by Golf Digest. Nearby nature preserves include Lake Renwick Heron Rookery and Avery Preserve. Retail, entertainment and dining options are just a short drive from home. The Romeoville Crossings shopping center has a Walmart and Scene75 Entertainment Center, the largest entertainment center in Chicagoland. Its attractions include go-karts, laser tag, mini-bowling and a roller coaster. For more retail, there's an Aldi close by and brand-name stores like T.J. Maxx and Kohl's. In Wespark, to the east, The Corned Beef Hideout is not shy with portions. Those who spent a day on the green at Mistwood Golf Club might visit McWethy's Tavern on Renwick Road. Diners enjoy hearty dishes like blackened catfish or lamb burgers in the rustic, Scottish-inspired setting. A lot is going on in Romeoville, from summer's Movies Under the Stars and concert series Rockin' the Ville to fall events like a community garage sale, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration and the Autumn Colors Craft Show. Expect the customary holiday events in December, followed by the all-ages Enchanted Ball in February and a Bunny Bash and Egg Hunt in March. Seniors looking for programs, special events and a central place to access services will make the most of the Ovation Center. Created by Senior Services of Will County, the Village of Romeoville and other local partners, the 100,000-square-foot venue combines event space with retail and providers, including Silver Cross Hospital and Friends Over Fifty, a home-care company. Interstate 55 is accessible via Weber Road, allowing for a straightforward, 35-mile drive to downtown Chicago. The Windy City's suburban bus system, Pace, offers ride services within a 10-mile radius of Romeoville and vanpooling with flexible fares and a tax-free commuter benefit. Commuters have the benefit of light-rail travel from the Romeoville Metra Station, which is about 6 miles away. There’s also a Park-n-Ride at White Fence Farm.

Situated on the west side of the growing Romeoville community, Weslake residents enjoy a finely crafted residential life in an accessible subdivision. Growing from the foundation of a 1990s planned neighborhood, comforts like a community clubhouse, fishing ponds and parks are a short walk away, giving the area a sense of prestige without the usual price tag. “Romeoville’s an up-and-coming community. It doesn’t have a downtown, but it’s a great place for first-time homebuyers,” says Jacquie Dix, a real estate broker with Compass. Dix has sold homes in Chicagoland for over 19 years. The neighborhood’s single-family homes have the hallmarks of late 1990s and early 2000s style, with neo-eclectic and traditionally styled homes in line with contemporary architecture. Lightly colored vinyl siding, asphalt roofs and arch windows lend the area a cohesive visual identity. Home values start at about $275,000 and top out at about $400,000. Weslake falls within the Plainfield 202 school district’s boundaries. The area’s youngest students attend schools such as Creekside Elementary School, which has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and earns a B grade on Niche. John F. Kennedy Middle School’s extracurricular programs include 10 intramural sports clubs, the ‘Cast and Crew’ drama club and the culture club for internationally curious students. The school earns a B-plus grade on Niche. Plainfield East High School has employees who have appeared at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on shows such as Jeopardy. The school earns an A grade on Niche. Weslake residents can join the Weslake Country Club, located at the neighborhood’s center and has its own swimming pools. The park accompanying the clubhouse area features a fishing pond, softball diamond, playground, and picnic tables. Weslake Park offers similar amenities on the neighborhood’s west side. Most of the local amenities are maintained by the homeowner’s association in the neighborhood and intended for private use by residents and guests. The neighborhood is also 3 miles north of Mistwood Golf Club, an 18-hole course inspired by the golfing traditions of Scotland. Taylor Road on the area’s north side is the area’s primary connection to the surrounding area; while residents are close to Interstate 55, the area has no direct connections to the highway. Weslake is 12 miles south of the Naperville city center and 36 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop. Commuters can use the Plainfield Park N Ride station 5 miles west to catch Pace system buses or the Metra train at the Romeoville station 7 miles east, with a 54 minute train ride from Romeoville to Chicago. Plainfield Emergency Center is 7 miles northwest of the Weslake area for immediate medical concerns. For trips beyond the Chicago area, Chicago Midway International Airport is about 29 miles northeast of the neighborhood, while Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 46 miles northeast. Convenient retail and restaurant options line Weber Road to the neighborhood’s east. Regular shopping spots include Aldi, Walmart and Jewel-Osco for groceries and everyday goods, along with specialty retailers such as Kohl’s, Maurices, Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Goodwill. Tasty Waffle serves up classic brunch selections in a contemporary space, while Burritos Mi Terra is a local standby for quesadillas, tortas and all-day Mexican fare. Sushi Train serves Japanese platters, ramen bowls and fried rice in lantern-lit digs. More shopping and dining options await at the Louis Joliet Mall, 5 miles south of the neighborhood. Iron & Glass Romeoville does draft and bottle pours of IPAs, ciders, meads and many more. The taproom also hosts food trucks, monthly bingo nights and themed seasonal events. At the Louis Joliet Mall, Anthony’s Restaurant and Pub offers daily specials and rotating events five nights a week, and residents can also catch new film releases at the Cinemark multiplex. Family-friendly outings happen at Scene 75 Entertainment Center, an indoor complex with mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games and more. Potential residents should be advised that the areas along Weslake’s roads have Flood Factor scores of approximately 1 foot. Residents may also experience higher noise levels on the neighborhood's west side, near Interstate 55.

Situated between a golf club and a series of wetland forest nature preserves, the suburban Fieldstone-Mistwood community about 40 miles southwest of Chicago has grown steadily in recent years. “I went to middle school and high school in this area, and 20 years ago, it was just cornfields where the houses are now,” says Sandy Munoz, a real estate agent with RE/MAX 10 with about five years of experience. “Today, it’s a neighborhood that has many kids.” Situated in the subdivision of the same name, Fieldstone Park consists of an acre-and-a-half with a sheltered pavilion and a few picnic tables, a playground and green space. Mistwood Golf Club is in the southeast part of the neighborhood and is a public course inspired by classic courses in Scotland. For example, about 20 sod-wall bunkers provide a steep drop into the sand. The Mistwood Performance Center is a 5,000-square-foot training facility with a putting lab, club repair room and space for lessons. Across Interstate 55 is Lake Renwick Preserve, a nesting location for wading birds and herons. A short distance to the east is Boucher Prairie Park, which has a splash pad and a concrete roller hockey rink. “The green space at the park is a popular place to fly a kite,” says Tony Sotira with the Romeoville Parks and Recreation Department. Indoor recreation can happen at Scene 75 Entertainment Center on Weber Road, with a full arcade and an indoor amusement park. The oldest homes in this neighborhood are from the late 1980s and are close to the golf course. Most are contemporary two-story or ranch-style homes, generally priced between $285,000 and $475,000. The average living space of the houses is 1,800 to 2,700 square feet. “One of the attractive things about this neighborhood is that there’s no HOA,” Munoz says. “The next neighborhood over, Lakewood Falls, does.” Condos and townhouses are also part of the neighborhood and are priced in the $250,000 to $300,000 range. Monthly fees are around $175, which includes lawn care and snow removal. The neighborhood gets a 1 on the CAP crime score index, below the national average of 4. Public school options are in Plainfield School District Number 202, rated an A-minus on Niche with high marks for academics, clubs and activities. Lakewood Falls Elementary School has a B grade and a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Richard Ira Jones Middle School gets a B-plus and serves sixth through eighth graders. Plainfield North is rated an A on Niche and opened in 2005 to accommodate the growth in the area. Lewis University is located in Romeoville and has around 6,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate classes. While Fieldstone-Mistwood is primarily a residential area, those looking for a meal out don’t have to look further than Mistwood Golf Club. “There are only a certain amount of places that I will eat, and McWethy’s Tavern qualifies,” Munoz says of the club's on-site restaurant with high vaulted ceilings, large candlelight chandeliers and a dining room hearth. “They have really good steaks, but all the food is great.” One of the unique aspects is that there’s a small farm, greenhouse and apiary on the golf course. The vegetables that are grown there are used in the salads. Honey served at the restaurant is produced in the apiary and is available for sale. At Faiza, a restaurant specializing in Uyghur cuisine from China's northwestern provinces, guests feast on noodles, vegetable, chicken and lamb seasoned with red pepper flakes and cumin seeds. Grocery options include Walmart Supercenter and ALDI to the east and Costco just off Interstate 55 to the west. One of the education fields at Lewis University is the College of Aviation, and many students who are learning to fly use the Lewis University Airport next to the school. The neighborhood is also 40 miles south of Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 8 miles north of Joliet Regional Airport. Pace suburban bus lines stops on Independence Boulevard near Lewis University. The Romeoville Metra station is 8 miles to the northeast, and it will take commuters about an hour to get to Chicago’s Union Station.

Carillon is a gated neighborhood that in 1989 became Chicago’s first 55+ active adult community. Interstate 55 runs along the northern border, providing a convenient starting point for the 35-mile trip to downtown Chicago. The Links at Carillon is a prominent golf course, but not the only amenity. "The pools, the golf course, indoor recreation, and the fitness center are all top-notch. They also host various activities for residents that they enjoy,” says Francine Caliendo, a broker with RE/MAX of Naperville. With entertainment, dining and nightlife options lining Weber Road on the east end, too, Carillon may be a gated community, but it offers plenty of chances to explore the greater city of Romeoville in which it’s located. Most of the homes have a contemporary look, since the community itself is a product of the late 80s. The last home in the community was built in 2001. Types of residence include condos, coach homes, townhouses and single-family homes – each with an array of floor plans. Townhouses can be a popular option among homebuyers, since some of these include views of the golf course. The single-owner homes are typically ranch or modern traditional two-story properties, some of which have basements. Tans and creams color the homes, although there are brick accents occasionally. This adds to the overall placid effect, enhanced by sidewalks, tall oak trees, mature river birches and smooth well-kept lawns. Garages are typically attached and face the street. Prices range from $240,000 to $340,000. Golf is central to the active lifestyles here. The Links at Carillon includes a pro shop, a restaurant and 27 holes that weave through the community. There’s more athletic fun to be had hanging around Club Carillon, where shuffleboard and tennis courts are available. Inside, residents enjoy a pool, fitness center, billiards hall and craft studios for artistic mediums like ceramics and woodworking. Bruce Ponti Memorial Park on the west end includes sprawling open spaces to roam on, a playground and a walking trail that skirts a pond. A mile south of the neighborhood is a small shopping plaza containing a Jewel-Osco for grabbing groceries, plus a couple of fast casual chain eateries. Meijer, Fresh Thyme Market and ALDI are all within 10 miles of Carillon as well. Dining options on Weber Road, even those within walking distance, focus on American comfort foods. Bee Brothers is a breakfast restaurant tastefully with a chic industrial look. Michael’s Pizza offers slices cut into squares or triangles, while Culver’s is a classic American diner. Walgreens is also situated within walking distance on the east end. Schools that serve the neighborhood are highly rated. Eichelberger Elementary earns an A-minus from Niche, while Kennedy Middle gets a B-plus. Plainfield East High features an array of extracurriculars, ranging from a Cinematography Club to an Ocean Conservation Club. It earns an A. Carillon is very amenable to bikers and pedestrians. A three-mile walking and biking trail weaves through the community. In addition, Interstate 55 runs along the northside, providing access to the greater region. Weber Road on the east end is ideal for local travel, as it’s packed with retail amenities.

Developed in the early 2000s, the Grand Haven neighborhood is a gated 55+ community less than 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. “I moved in when it was first developed in the early 2000s,” says Loretta Alonzo-Deubel, managing broker with Century 21, specializing in listing and selling 55+ communities. She has nearly 50 years of real estate experience. “We moved here after my husband retired, and he needed something to occupy his time. He’s a veteran, and there are veterans’ groups and many activities at the clubhouse. The community also plans side trips to casinos and ball games.” There’s access to outdoor recreation and shopping outside the gates and access to major highways. The homeowners association fees range from $200-$450 monthly and include access to amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, bocce ball courts, a putting course and a hot tub. “The monthly fee for the townhouses is more because of exterior maintenance,” Alonzo-Deubel says. “The monthly fee for every house includes yard maintenance and snow removal.” The houses are mainly one-story contemporary ranch-style along with townhouses, usually with two bedrooms and between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. The price range of the houses is between $200,000 and $400,000. “The main difference in the prices is whether or not a house has a basement,” says Angelo Torres, a broker with Trueblood Real Estate with nearly five years of experience. In addition to the amenities that residents of Grand Haven enjoy in the gated community, the Mistwood Golf Club is next door. It’s not affiliated with the neighborhood but provides an 18-hole golf course inspired by courses in Scotland, where the game was invented. On the grounds of the public course is The Farm at Mistwood Golf Club, which includes a greenhouse on the 6th hole to help supplement the produce at the golf course’s restaurant, McWethy’s Tavern, for a farm-to-table experience. Scene 75 Entertainment Center is a large indoor recreation center that could even be considered an indoor amusement park with a go-kart track, an indoor roller coaster and a drop tower. The facility also includes a full-service bar, private party rooms and a banquet facility that holds up to 300 people. The retail shops outside the gates, but within the Grand Haven neighborhood, are mainly along Weber Road. Tasty Waffle is open daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., specializing in breakfast and lunch entrees. Breakfast is served anytime they’re open, but the family-owned restaurant also has soups and wraps available anytime. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a Kansas-based fast food chain specializing in steakburgers, chicken sandwiches and specialty sundaes. Groceries can be picked up at the Walmart Supercenter in the Romeoville Crossings Shopping Center. Other stores like Petco and T.J. Maxx are on the other side of Airport Road. To the east on Renwick Road from the gated community is a small public airport associated with nearby Lewis University, a small private university with over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. One of the fields of study is aviation. Those under 18 can live with residents in Grand Haven for up to six months. Public schools include Richland Elementary School, serving up to fourth grade. It’s rated an A-minus on Niche. Richland Junior High School has the same overall grade and is a separate building on the same property as the elementary school. Lockport Township High School East Campus gets an A rating on Niche. It has over 300,000 square feet, including an 800-seat auditorium, 18 science labs and a community recreation and wellness center. With the experience of living in Grand Haven for 23 years, Alonzon-Deubel likes that it’s a manageable community. “With just over 700 homes, there’s a better chance to get to know most people,” she says. “Not like the Villages in Florida, where it’s just too big.” A car is required to get to most public transportation options. It’s less than 10 miles east to get to the Romeoville and Lockport Metra stations and to catch the Pace public bus stop on Independence Boulevard, east of Lewis University.