Minooka Real Estate

• Then and Now
• Real Estate
• What's on the Menu?
• Mark Your Calendar
• School's in Session

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Minooka

Then and Now

The village of Minooka is located in Grundy County about 50 miles southwest of Chicago. The name is a Pottawatomie word that translates to "contentment" or "good land." Quite fitting for a picturesque town surrounded by farmland and the lush Aux Sable Creek riverbed.

Minooka was established around the construction of the Chicago, Rock Island and Peoria Railroad, which came through the area in the early 1850s. The train depot was soon joined by a post office and about five years later a hotel was erected to house travelers passing through town. In the 1860s, Minooka hit a growth spurt that included several new businesses, a church, and incorporation in 1869.

Transportation continued to be an essential part of Minooka's progression and growth. The railroad set the stage and the addition of an expressway in the 1960s sealed the deal for this southwestern Chicago suburb. With construction of Interstate 80, which runs through Minooka, the town solidified its status as a convenient place to settle down with easy access to the big city and other areas of Illinois.

The population of Minooka gradually expanded in the following decades, but nothing compared to the housing explosion and influx of residents that occurred after the new millennium. In 2000 the number of inhabitants was just under 4,000 - by 2007, census estimates put the population of Minooka, Illinois at over 10,000 people! Residential growth was accompanied by and an increase in both industrial and commercial business to create a healthy, self-sufficient upper middle-class community.

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Real Estate

Homes in Minooka, Illinois vary greatly and include everything from century-old farmhouses to new construction condos. The inventory of properties for sale also varies significantly, offering homebuyers prime residential real estate from $160,000 for a single-family home. Prices for detached properties in Minooka can reach the million-dollar mark, but most homes are available for under $400,000. Many of the higher-end residences are new construction McMansions with spacious living spaces, modern kitchens, attached three-car garages and large lots.

Minooka also has a good supply of nice townhouses and half-duplexes on the market starting from $125,000. These typically have two bedrooms, but the pricier attached homes can provide three-bedroom units. Buyers shouldn't expect to pay more than $200,000 for attached property in Minooka, however, there are a few listings that are the exception to the rule.

Minooka Residential Real Estate Info for Single-Family Detached Homes

Average Sale Price 2005-2006	Average # of Days on the Market	Number of Sales 2005-2006	One Year Price Change	Price Change Since 94
$213,873	114	720	n/a	n/a

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois

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What's on the Menu?

The town's restaurant selection offers all the American favorites with a few local specialties thrown in the mix.

For ordering a pie, Minooka residents have their choice of prime pizza joints. Get classic Chicago stuffed at Giordano's (2075 Ridge Rd, 815-521-1222) or enjoy the timeless recipes of the Aurelio family at Aurelio's Pizza (106 Ridge Rd, 815-467-9222). Rosati's (524 W Mondamin St., 815-467-0800) has been serving Chicago and its suburbs for five decades and still believes in making pizza the old-fashioned way, with homemade sauces and brick oven baking. Fatz Boyz Pizza & Stuff (408 W Mondamin, 815-467-9100) is a product of Minooka that regularly attracts diners from other parts of Illinois. The restaurant has cheap lunch specials (including subs, salads and pasta dishes) and what some claim to be "the best pizza in Minooka." This neighborhood establishment is popular with families (there are games to keep the kids busy) and is a must-try for any pizza-lover.

Cookie's Restaurant & Lounge (103 W Mondamin, 815-467-6667) takes the shape of a supper club with upscale meals at a decent price. It's known for friendly, attentive servers and good prime rib and seafood. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Minooka Creamery (111 E McEvilly Rd, 815-467-9699). Indulge in traditional banana splits, brownie boats, sundaes, floats, soft serve cones and hard scope flavors made with the finest ice cream. The food menu at the Creamery is just as fulfilling as the dessert assortment with a full array of hot dogs, brats and Polish sausage, plus quarter-pound hamburgers, Italian beef sandwiches, chili and other appetizers.

The line-up of national fast food chains in Minooka is pretty standard - McDonald's, Arby's, Subway, etc are all represented - for a quick bite and no fuss. But if you want somewhere you can hang out for a while and relax, the best place to go in this Chicago suburb is Bean Encounters Coffee Company (859 S Ridge Rd, 815-521-3747). The independently owned caf?-style coffeehouse is as cozy as they come - blazing fireplace, cushy couches, warm smiles from the staff. Snack on sweets and Panini sandwiches, paired with a cup of java or hot chocolate. Great for gatherings (there's a meeting room) or getting some work done on the laptop (free WiFi). Bean Encounters often hosts live music and special events, making this inviting little restaurant one of Minooka's most happening community spots.

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Mark Your Calendar

In the summer, Minooka residents are invited to enjoy monthly outdoor movies at various school and recreation grounds throughout the town. Bring a blanket or chairs down to the designated site and set up for a family flick under the stars. Concessions are on hand for purchase or pack a picnic with the kids' favorite munchies.

The annual Minooka Village-Wide Garage Sale gives residents a chance to clean out their closets en force. Registered participants are included on a map of sale locations. The garage sale runs three days, so there's plenty of time to get out and visit your neighbors in search of hidden treasures to replace all the stuff you're getting rid of! In August, Minooka residents gear up for the Summerfest 5K fun run and a couple times a summer you'll see a line of hot rods and classic cars motoring around town for Minooka Cruise Nights.

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School's In Session

Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 is the town's elementary school system. Due to the area's incredible population growth in recent years, the district's enrollment has also shot up. In fact, two new schools are being built and a sizeable addition is planned for a third. Minooka is recognized for having exceptional education programs and academic scores.

• Aux Sable Elementary School 1004 Misty Creek Dr., (815) 467-5301
• Minooka Elementary School 400 W Coady Dr, (815) 467-2261
• Minooka Intermediate School 305 W Church St., (815) 467-4692
• Minooka Junior High 333 McEvilly Rd, (815) 467-0283
• Minooka Community High School 301 S Wabena Ave., (815) 467-2147