When heading home to the western suburbs from downtown Chicago on any given day riding Metra’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, you’re reminded how different each of the suburbs are from one another. Just 18 miles southwest of the city is Clarendon Hills, a great village that has managed to maintain its small-town character and appeal. Last year, West Suburban Living magazine named Clarendon Hills the second-best place to live in the Chicago area (neighboring Hinsdale topped the list). The beautiful homes and excellent schools in Clarendon Hills are the biggest reasons why.
Remodeling in Clarendon Hills — High Percentage of Home Ownership
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 80 percent of Clarendon Hills’ residents own their own home, and the median value of these owner-occupied homes is over $570,000. It’s evident that residents here really care about making their house a home.
I also like the variety of home styles you’ll find in Clarendon Hills. As you drive or stroll through the scenic, winding streets, you’ll see elegant Southern Colonials and vintage farmhouses mixed in with newly built Tudor Cottage homes and two-story brick homes. There’s a huge opportunity for renovations and additions to existing homes on fully landscaped lots throughout the town.
Once you’re in Clarendon Hills, you will find it hard to leave. You might find a Swiss Chalet Bungalow, a Raised Ranch or a Cape Cod-style home on the market that you’d purchase in a heartbeat if it were larger, had a better layout or featured modern amenities. That’s when it’s time to contact a reputable design-build firm like ours who could walk through the home with you and discuss remodeling options prior to purchasing the property.
This process happens time and again in Clarendon Hills, with recent statistics showing that it is rebounding from the recession more quickly than other communities in Illinois. When talking with clients, many often ask me which remodeling decisions are better for re-sale value in the future. While I always address that question, I also make sure any changes they’re considering will work well for their family now. After all, if your space is properly designed and built, chances are the next buyer will appreciate it too.
Top-Rated Schools
In an earlier blog about Hinsdale, which is the neighboring suburb to the east, I mentioned the outstanding academic ranking of Hinsdale Central High School. Students living in Clarendon Hills attend Hinsdale Central High School. The town’s grammar schools are all top-rated in the State of Illinois as well. More than 95 percent of students at Walker Elementary, Prospect Elementary and Clarendon Hills Middle School consistently exceed state achievement standards in core subjects.
Active Downtown and Beyond
More than 900 people board Metra’s BNSF Rail line daily in downtown Clarendon Hills. In addition to the Metra rail station, the pedestrian-oriented downtown area is home to a number of gift shops, independent retailers, coffee shops, banks and restaurants. Ogden Avenue is another vibrant part of town for businesses and office tenants, as well as 55th Street. Seasonal events such as Dancin’ in the Street, Daisy Days, the Christmas Walk and the Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony are also big draws for the Village.
If you are thinking about buying a home in Clarendon Hills, I suggest you call Realtor Mike McCurry of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. There’s nobody who knows Clarendon Hills better! His office is downtown on Prospect Avenue. And if there’s a property or lot that catches your attention, give me a call to discuss opportunities.
