When buyers think about where they want to live, they often start with square footage, bedroom count, or price. But in the Chicago suburbs, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what kind of lifestyle you want to live, and that starts with location.
Do you crave serene lake views?
Do you want to sip coffee while overlooking the 9th hole?
Or maybe you dream of walking to your favorite café or farmer’s market?
At Helen Oliveri Real Estate, we’ve helped thousands of buyers find more than just a home, we help them find their perfect lifestyle. And the truth is, where you live matters just as much as what’s inside your home.
Let’s explore the pros, cons, and real-life considerations of lakefront, golf course, and walkable-town living, so you can find the lifestyle that fits you best.
1. Lakefront Living: Peaceful, Scenic, and Surprisingly Accessible
There’s something special about living by the water. Whether it's a private lake, pond, or larger body of water, lakefront homes offer a level of serenity you can’t find elsewhere.
Pros:
Beautiful views year-round
Access to boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming
Incredible sunsets and tranquil mornings
Higher resale value due to limited inventory
Things to consider:
Flood zone concerns and insurance requirements
Higher maintenance from humidity, shoreline upkeep, and pests
Some lakes have HOA restrictions on boat types, docks, or use
Local examples:
Tower Lakes: Known for its private lake and charming, wooded lots
Lake Zurich: Offers lake access with shops and restaurants nearby
Lindenhurst: More affordable lakefront options, especially in new builds
Best for: Nature lovers, hobby boaters, retirees, or those seeking a slower pace and picture-perfect setting.
2. Golf Course Living: Luxury, Community, and Picture-Perfect Backdrops
Imagine waking up to manicured greens and peaceful open space outside your window. Golf course communities in the northern suburbs offer much more than just proximity to tee time.
Pros:
Stunning views with no backyard neighbors
Access to clubhouses, fitness centers, pools, tennis, and events
Quiet streets and prestigious atmosphere
Great resale value in established clubs like HWCC
Things to consider:
HOA fees and optional golf memberships
Golfers nearby = occasional broken window risk
Less privacy during golf season if your home borders active holes
Local examples:
Hawthorn Woods Country Club (HWCC): A gated, amenity-rich, Arnold Palmer-designed community
Ivanhoe Estates: Private, established, and upscale
The Grove Country Club in Long Grove: Classic elegance with large custom homes
Best for: Those who love amenities, a social lifestyle, and upscale community living (even if you’ve never touched a golf club).
3. Walkable Town Living: Convenience, Energy, and True Community Feel
Many buyers today are prioritizing walkability, the ability to stroll to restaurants, shops, coffee, parks, and events. In certain northern suburbs, that’s absolutely possible.
Pros:
No need to drive for daily errands
Active lifestyle with walking trails, parks, and community events
Easy access to restaurants, boutiques, gyms, and farmers markets
Strong sense of neighborhood and belonging
Things to consider:
Smaller lots or older homes with less square footage
Potential for noise, traffic, or limited parking
Higher price-per-square-foot in sought-after walkable areas
Local examples:
Downtown Lake Zurich: Lakefront + walkability
Historic Long Grove: Quaint shops, festivals, and charm
Grayslake: Small-town vibe with great public events and local businesses
Best for: Young professionals, empty nesters, social families, or anyone who values connection and convenience over sprawl.
How to Choose the Right Fit For You
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when weighing these lifestyles:
1. What’s your day-to-day like?
Do you want peaceful views with minimal activity, or do you love being in the center of the action?
2. Do you entertain often?
Lake and golf homes offer gorgeous backdrops for hosting, while walkable homes keep guests close to everything.
3. How important is privacy?
Golf and lake homes often have more space between neighbors; walkable homes may be more tightly clustered.
4. Do you mind paying HOA fees?
Golf and lake communities often have higher fees, but they come with incredible amenities and maintenance.
5. Are you buying for long-term enjoyment or short-term flexibility?
Lifestyle communities tend to hold value well and are ideal for long-term residents. Walkable locations can offer easier resale.
Why Work With Helen Oliveri Real Estate?
Because we live here. We know what it’s like to watch the sunrise over the fairway, to stroll through the heart of Long Grove on a Sunday morning, or to sip wine on a private dock in Tower Lakes.
We’re not just selling homes, we’re helping clients make the best move for their lifestyle, future, and goals.
Our expertise includes:
In-depth knowledge of zoning, HOAs, and restrictions
Personalized tours based on lifestyle needs, not just price
Exclusive access to off-market homes and insider listings
Strategic guidance to get the most home for your budget, where it matters most
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are lakefront homes more expensive?
They often come at a premium, but not always. Some smaller or less developed lakes offer more affordability. We help you find what fits your goals.
Q: What if I want walkability and nature?
Some communities, like Lake Zurich, offer a mix of both! We can help you identify hybrid areas that give you the best of both worlds.
Q: Are golf course homes only for golfers?
Nope! Many residents enjoy the lifestyle, views, and amenities without ever hitting the course.
Q: Can I find newer homes with these lifestyles?
Absolutely. Newer communities like Channahon Town Center and The Oaks of Volo offer modern homes near trails, lakes, or parks, and with builder incentives too.
The Bottom Line
Your home is more than a place to sleep, it’s where your lifestyle unfolds. Whether you want lakefront serenity, country club luxury, or walkable-town energy, the northern suburbs of Chicago offer it all.
The secret is working with someone who knows how to find the right version of that lifestyle for you, without compromise.
📞 Ready to explore your options? Let us guide you to a home that fits the way you want to live.
