Sun City Huntley, a 55+ community in Huntley, Illinois, has earned a reputation among active adults for being the largest age-restricted community in The Prairie State. Located within an hour’s drive of downtown Chicago, Sun City Huntley offers residents an active physical and social lifestyle full of world-class amenities, activities, and entertainment. Renowned active adult community builder Del Webb constructed the 55+ community between 1998 and 2013.
Here are five important things to know about this 55+ community near Chicago:
1. The Clubhouse Is the Largest in the State
One of the biggest—literally—benefits for residents of Sun City Huntley is the Prairie Lodge clubhouse, which has been recognized as the largest in the state. The Prairie Lodge consists of 94,000 square feet of world-class amenities.
The massive facility includes an abundance of amenities and social gathering centers, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an aerobics and dance studio, a card room, multiple arts and crafts studios, a library, and the Drendel Ballroom, the community’s premier performing arts theatre. The Prairie Lodge even has a steakhouse, Jameson’s Charhouse, where residents can grab a bite to eat and enjoy views of the Whisper Creek Golf Course.
Despite its resort-style amenities, The Prairie Lodge isn’t the only clubhouse within Sun City Huntley. The newer and smaller clubhouse, Meadow View Lodge, is still a sizable 20,000 square feet and is another hub for activities. This additional clubhouse has its own fitness center, outdoor pool, aerobics and dance studios, hobby and game rooms, and a ballroom. An additional amenity center, Millgrove Woodworking Shop, includes a woodworking studio and a billiards hall.
2. It’s a Nature Lover’s Delight
Sun City Huntley’s focus on natural spaces within the community makes it a great match for active adults who like to spend time outdoors but don’t always want to leave their community. One-third of the community’s property is dedicated to protected natural areas and parks.
Residents can find a majority of these greenspaces in Wildflower Park, an expensive space in the heart of the community. The park spans hundreds of acres of open spaces and greenery for nature lovers to explore. Residents can enjoy the miles of walking and biking trails that weave through and around Wildflower Park and several other pocket parks within Sun City Huntley. The community also features the 19-acre Wildflower Lake, a stocked lake that provides scenic pond views.
For residents who like to spend their time outside golfing, they can hit the links on the 18-hole championship Whisper Creek Golf Course and then enjoy a meal at the course’s grill, Casper’s Cafe. Additional outdoor amenities at Sun City Huntley include eight lighted tennis courts, six bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, a softball stadium, a sand volleyball court, gardening plots, and a playground for visiting grandchildren.
3. There Are a Range of Floor Plans
Any interested buyers at Sun City Huntley can find a variety of floor plans and home types that suit their individual needs and preferences. The community boasts 5,489 single-family, attached, and condominium homes. With so many styles and layouts to choose from, active adults can find a home that meets their specifications, from size to location to budget.
Homeowners looking for a spacious single-family home will find that Sun City Huntley boasts 37 models and floor plans to choose from. The clubhomes offer a unique option for homebuyers interested in smaller and more modestly priced single-family homes. The clubhomes are homes that are attached underground through the foundation but appear detached above ground and share no common walls. This innovative home style from Del Webb provides a cost-efficient option for buyers who want to downsize.
For homebuyers who enjoy low-maintenance living and being close to neighbors, the community also features attached homes that come in 13 floor plans. Owners of attached homes at Sun City Huntley enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle that covers lawn care, snow removal, and exterior home maintenance. The community also includes the Arcadia Condominium, a four-story building that houses five different floor plans and offers its residents completely maintenance-free living. The Arcadia condominium building is also conveniently close to Meadow View Lodge.
4. The Social Calendar Overflows With Things To Do
Residents of Sun City Huntley never have to be bored thanks to a full-time activities coordinator who books a busy social calendar all year long. Active adults can participate in more than 80 clubs, activities, athletic groups, and meet-ups.
Some of the many opportunities that await interested home buyers include fitness and sports clubs such as the softball league, yoga, anglers club, and water aerobics. A few selections from the list of hobby groups include the Woodchucks woodworking club, theatre company, gardening club, book discussion, and numerous game meet-ups.
5. Residents Can Easily Visit Chicago
One of the greatest benefits of Sun City Huntley is its convenient location in Northern Illinois that puts residents within easy reach of the world-class city of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Residents can visit the Windy City either by driving about an hour to the heart of the city or parking at Big Timber Road Metra Station, located about 15 minutes away, and taking the Metra into town for a hassle-free trip. The desirable location makes Sun City Huntley an ideal place to retire for those who have family in Chicago.
Chicago has a lot to offer residents in terms of entertainment, dining, and fun. Homeowners can tour one of the city’s world-famous museums such as the Field Museum or the Art Institute, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the thousands of restaurants within the city. They can also spend an afternoon shopping on the Magnificent Mile or catch a show at one of the many theatres putting on performances every night. The endless fun of Chicago is at the fingertips of residents at Sun City Huntley.
