Naperville Real Estate

Bolingbrook

Like many of the surrounding Chicago suburbs, Bolingbrook hasn't been around that long. In fact, the village wasn't incorporated until 1965. But the areas history stretches back to the early 1800s when it was merely a parcel of land acquired by the U.S. government from the Potawatomi Indians. Captain John Barber, a pioneering settler to the region, arrived in 1832 and established a dairy farm along what is present day Route 53. Other settlers followed, but the area remained sparsely populated farmland for many decades. Present-day Bolingbrook was conceived in the 1960s when the Dover Construction Company built the first tract housing. They called a subdivision of their Westbury development Bolingbrook. With the famous Route 66 running due south of the new residential suburb, Chicagoans had easy access to the growing town. And when the cross-country roadway was expanded, improved and rechristened as the Stevenson Expressway (I-55), increased interest in Bolingbrook was guaranteed.

A single-family home in Bolingbrook in the 1960s was about $10,000, which makes it easy to see how the town sprouted up so fast. In fact, tremendous growth during the past four decades (particularly in the '80s and '90) saw the population rise to just over 70,000 residents, according to the 2008 special census. You cant get residential real estate for $10K in Bolingbrook anymore, but the suburb offers plenty of affordable houses, townhomes, condos and other multi-unit dwellings, plus there is still a lot of open space for development in the area as well. Prices for attached properties in Bolingbrook range from $80,000 to the upper $300,000s. Detached property values vary widely, too, with small, older three-bedroom houses starting in the low $100,000s and large, four-bedroom newer constructions getting up to the $700,000s.

For recreation and exercise in the Bolingbrook community there are many options for family fun and individual activities. The Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park has indoor/outdoor swimming facilities that are a hit with Bolingbrook residences year-round. But on those hot summer days, you can bet the Aquatic Park is where everyone is headed, so be prepared for thongs of water wing-wearing kids and sun-loving loungers. If your leisure interests are more on the dry side, Bolingbrook Park District has a number of walking, jogging, biking and cross-country skiing paths (for outdoor enthusiasts who wont let a little thing like winter get in the way of a good, nature-filled romp). This local pathway system is still in development but it has three major sections: DuPage River Greenway, ComEd Greenway and Lily Cache Greenway. These trails will eventually constitute 42 miles of paved tracks that will not only connect to each other, but will also link to various schools and parks in the region.

The advantages inherent in a new development:

Your decision on the colors of the paint, appliances, flooring, landscaping etc.
All new appliances and plumbing fixtures
Configured to suit your needs - built-in appliances and walk in closets to internet wiring.
New homes are safer - better wiring systems , no lead, no asbestos.
More energy efficient - better windows, and greater use of insulation. Less maintenance and upkeep

Below are several of the developers specializing in new developments:

Kirk Homes has developed some 500 single-family homes in Bolingbrook. They also, offer sites in two scenic locations on the west side of Bolingbrook. One community is located on the northwest corner of 111th and Weber Road with an 18-acre pond. Another larger community is located on 115th Street and west of Weber Road.

Lakewood Homes is an independent builder offering homes in beautiful neighborhoods in towns with great schools, convenient shopping and parks. They consider each development with a variety of community amenities, like pools and clubhouses.

Barclay Estates offers 4-6 bedroom homes with a variety of floor plans.

Another Bolingbrook attraction, which draws visitors from all over the state, is the Illinois Aviation Museum located in a 6,000-sqaure-foot hangar at Clows International Airport. The museum houses a number of restored airplanes from over the years and replica aircraft are also on exhibit. After perusing the cool collection of antique models and specialized jets you may get the urge for some hands-on experience. Well, the museum welcomes volunteers to help with its ongoing restoration projects, so go ahead and sign up!

Golfers in Bolingbrook have their choice of sites for afternoon tee times, driving practice and just relaxing on the weekends or after work. The Boughton Ridge Golf Course offers nine holes and the Bolingbrook Golf Club has an 18-hole course. Enjoy a round on the greens and then grab a table in the clubhouse or one of the Clubs lounges/restaurants for a round of beverages. A less formal alternative to the traditional golf course scene is the local 10th Hole Pub, a sports bar with a cozy neighborhood feel. Stop in for the Friday night fish fry buffet or catch a Monday Night Football game here in the fall. For dining options, Bennigan's, Applebee's and Olive Garden are just a few of the family-style restaurants in Bolingbrook where you can treat the tribe to dinner. Chicagoland's favorite hometown pizza-maker, Home Run Inn, has a pizzeria location here as well.

In 2008, Money Magazine listed Bolingbrook in its top 100 places to live in the country. With all the great things to do and see, plus a diverse housing market and scenic surroundings, its no wonder this lovely Chicago suburb is considered such a sought-after place to settle down!