Algonquin, Illinois
Population: 14,700
Located in McHenry County
Located in the scenic Fox River Valley just south of Carpentersville, the quiet village of 14,700 is experiencing a major housing boom, ranking it among the top development spots in the northwest suburbs.
While schools, shopping and a rural atmosphere all contribute to the area's newfound popularity, village officials cite Algonquin's proximity to the Northwest Toll way as its main selling point.
In recent yeas the 1-90 commercial corridor has flourished, attracting corporate giants like Seers and Ameritech, as well as many smaller companies. Naturally, such growth creates a need for housing, said William Ganek, village administrator.
With direct access to the toll way via Illinois Route 25, and especially Randall Road, Algonquin was destined to take on its share of newcomers, according to Ganek.
"A lot of it is location. We were the next logical step," the village administrator said.
But there is more to Algonquin than location, Ganek added.
Zoning mandates the popular large building lots, which are on rolling and often wooded terrain; the community has a healthy school system; there is plenty of shopping nearby, including Spring Hill Mall, Huntley Factory Shops and a smattering of new establishments; and there is good housing value for the dollar.
Such qualities also increased demand for homes, and, in turn, lured those who would build them, Ganek said.
Willoughby Farms is one of about eight large housing projects under way in Algonquin. Willoughby Farms, a project of Rolling Meadows-based Kimball Hill Homes, is planned for 630 residences, including multi- and single-family homes. The development also has set aside 98 acres for parks, lakes and other common areas.
Plans call for more than 200 townhouses in two floor plans, base-priced from $96,990 and $133,000. The units range from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet, and come with two or three bedrooms and one- or two-car garages.
"The new Country Homes (a style of 110 townhouses) offer a combination of contemporary styling and affordability, which has attracted a great number of first-time home buyers," said Kevin Kinsella, Kimball’s vice president for marketing.
The Kimball development also offers three models of single-family homes, which will sit on quarter- to half-acre lots. The three- to four-bedroom houses, ranging from 1,939 to 3,200 square feet, are base-priced from $173,990 and $266,990.
Willoughby Farms fills a wide open area, most of which was once farmland, while some neighboring developments offer secluded lots carved out of the woods.
A bit northwest of Willoughby Farms is Falcon Ridge, a 60-acre parcel located on a former nursery, where 131 single-family homes are expected to be built by Pulte Home Corp., a national builder whose local operations are based in Hoffman Estates.
Buyers can choose from six designs at Falcon Ridge, ranging from 1,410 to 2,277 square feet with three or four bedrooms. They are base-priced from $149,990 and $193,990. Many will have lake views and trees, which appears to be a big draw, said Dotty Mannen, Falcon Ridge’s sales manager.
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