Hello James,

You are on the right track beginning your research for a community on the internet, but I think a thorough answer would require a little more investigation to find out the specifics of your ideal community/home/neighborhood.
But having said that...my quick answer is to look into the Del Webb communities. There is one in Elgin and one in Huntley. I am also an appraiser in addition to a sales agent and I have done several appraisals in the Huntley community. I have thought it would be a fun place to live. (The age minimum is 55) The Huntley community has a beautiful golf course, whereas the Elgin Del Webb does not. Both have a clubhouse with swimming pools and many social & hobby clubs, activities, parks, nature areas, paths, etc.
The resales in Huntley range from about $170,000 to $400,000. In the "Edgewater" Del Webb community in Elgin they are still building new, but recent resales range from $170,000 to $240,000.
If the Del Webb lifestyle is not for you, I can think of many neighborhoods in the Fox River Valley that would appeal to an active empty-nester.

It is a great market to be a home buyer. With 12 years of appraisal experience and I can help you find the best value for your money.
Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or would like additional information.

Happy House Hunting!

Cindy Strahota
Keller Williams Fox Valley Realty
630-624-9246
CindyStrahota@KW.com

Hi James
Wow, where to start? There is a lot the area has to offer, from downtown shopping of Geneva, to the charming restaurants of St. Charles to the casino and reviving Elgin downtown area. The living options reflect the same diversity of the downtown areas, new high rise condos, old refurbished Victorian charmers, big rambling farmhouses, Sears homes, and upscale townhomes. Activities in Elgin, for example, include the Gail Borden Library, which is right across the street from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra at the Hemmens along with the Elgin Opera and various cultural offerings. Next to that is the huge Centre of Elgin and Elgin Sports Complex with indoor swimming pools, rock walls, and more. Kane County Cougars offers great minor league baseball games in a stadium that is easy to get to and easy on the wallet. The various areas hold annual events like FoxFireFest in Elgin or Geneva's Swedish days. The Great Western Prairie trails runs through several townships (and has a nice long shady spot to jog in about 2 miles long) or bike ride on a trim white gravel path. Great access for equestrain activities or boaters too with plenty of free parking and quiet areas to enjoy.
If you're interested in a learning a new language or taking a class, Elgin Community College offers a wide range of topics and is currently undergoing an expansion and update of all its offerings. It is a top rated community college and a fantastic resource for the community. Resale values on homes in the Fox Valley area, especially St. Charles, are solid due in large part to the outstanding school district #303 You can also visit the City of Elgin online at http://www.cityofelgin.com or go to my website for local links to Elgin, South Elgin and St. Charles at my website (see link). You can buy a new home, a great resale home, vacation home, on the river, on several acres, in a community or out in the country. Route 47 is growing slowly as well, but Randall Road still has a few bare spots that will fill in soon. And, another nice drive is only 2 hrs west to Galena from Elgin. Hope that helps!

James,

A direct answer to this question could be considered a form of steering, which is an anti-trust violation and something that a Realtor could get in a lot of trouble for doing.

With that being said, the Fox Valley offers tons of recreational opportunities in all towns. The bike path runs along the fox River from Elgin to Aurora. Every town has at least one golf course etc. You really can't go wrong here!

What are you looking for in a home would probably be a better place to start. An answer to that question could help narrow down towns or areas that would most interest you.

Do you want a condo or townhome or single family?
Are you looking for a large piece of property if single family?
New construction, existing, historic or a fixer upper?
What price point?

Start there and then explore the areas that have those types of homes and see if the amenities you are looking for are nearby.

I hope that helps!

Good Luck!
Chris Clark