‘Sense of Community’ of Rising Importance in Midwest Real Estate

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In the community atmosphere at Heritage Harbor, neighbors get to know each other -- a growing perk in Midwest real estate.

The design of [Heritage Harbor Ottawa] neighborhoods allow the ‘living off your front porch’ lifestyle that has somewhat been lost in our society. -Tammy Barry

Ottawa, Illinois (PRWEB) June 22, 2012

It’s common knowledge that “location, location, location” has always been of key importance to those browsing real estate options for relocation or a vacation home. In the ever-changing real estate landscape, the sense of community in those locations is starting to play in even more important role.

Trends are showing more and more families, singles and empty-nesters are deciding to leave the bustle and stress of major cities, such as Chicago, and heading to outer suburban areas in search of closer-knit communities offering better real estate values.

According to Builder Online, homebuyers in 2012, and looking toward the future, are searching for communities with a “small town vibe,” that still have access to the perks of big city life — great restaurants, entertainment, ease of transportation — but with an added benefit of good schools, a neighborhood feel and a slightly less hectic pace.

The growing resort community at Heritage Harbor Ottawa in Starved Rock Country is continually catching the eye of city dwellers who are looking for beautiful waterfront properties and are on the search to either relocate for a second space for relaxing and fun within an enjoyable community.

Heritage Harbor’s properties — which include homes and cottages for every lifestyle and budget — sit on the waterfront of the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill creating its own pocket neighborhood, says Tammy Barry of Heritage Harbor.

The harbor, which includes a full-service marina, is located in the middle of Starved Rock Country, offering countless outdoor adventure activities, access to natural resources, picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to explore historic Ottawa, which boasts unique shopping, excellent dining and bars, outdoor festivals, good schools and a safe, fun environment for families. To those that live and vacation there, Barry says Ottawa and Starved Rock Country is truly a one-of-a-kind community.

“The design of our neighborhoods allow the ‘living off your front porch’ lifestyle that has somewhat been lost in our society,” Barry says. “People here who work during the week can’t wait until the weekend — that’s when they pull up in the driveway, run into their neighbors (who know their name), catch up and make plans for the weekend.”

This way of life can be different for those from larger cities or suburbs who usually tell Barry they never even previously knew their neighbors’ names. At Heritage Harbor Ottawa, homeowners and vacationers embrace not only Heritage Harbor as their home, but Starved Rock Country as a whole.

“Our boaters and homeowners are able to appreciate things like having a local butcher shop, people that know your name at the grocery store and pulling together with neighbors for events. It’s just that intimate, type of small-town relationship that we have with each other.”

That community feel also resonates at the harbor, too. Barry says the full-service bar and restaurant, Tracy’s Boat House, on-site is like the community’s very own “Cheers” — everyone there knows your name. And with 110 boat lifts at the marina, the boaters all get to know each other on the docks and river and look out for each other.

“Boaters, homeowners and vacationers love the fact that it’s like a version of Mayberry here,” Barry says. “That may sound cliché, but it feels that way because we are so close to many vacationers’ or homeowners’ primary homes, yet we have so many natural resources here in Starved Rock Country. It feels like we are a world away. They can get here and back quickly, but as soon as you’re here, your mind set changes quickly.”

Getting back to the rat race is just a hop, jump and skip away as Chicago and suburbs like Huntley, Elgin, Romeoville, Shorewood, Crest Hill and more are a mere commute away. But Heritage Harbor Ottawa sits in its own oasis from the hustle and bustle.

Starved Rock Country may seem like an unlikely spot for transplanted city dwellers, but according to Barry, in reality it’s exactly the sort of place that’s attracting Baby Boomers and growing families alike — buyers who have a desire for urban perks to be close, but long for the small-town vibe, close-knit community and an adventure lifestyle that the area offers.

“After arriving, many have adopted Ottawa and Starved Rock Country as their new hometown community.”

For more information about Heritage Harbor Ottawa or to schedule a tour, contact Tammy Barry at 815-433-5000.

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