Blackberry Countryside

Hence the name, Blackberry Countryside is a quiet community encompassed by lush landscapes. This neighborhood is ideal for anyone looking for a little breathing room along with proximity to vast public greenspaces and outdoor recreational areas.

The community has a wide array of housing styles, mostly comprised of split-level, Colonial, Cape Cod, expansive ranch-style and newer builds within subdivisions. Many of these residences sit on sizeable lots and come equipped with meticulously maintained lawns, elongated driveways and multiple-car garages. Home prices range from $295,000 to $755,000. Townhouses cost between $200,000 to $275,000.

Acres of woodlands hug the winding treelined residential streets giving quick access to just about every outdoor activity of your choice, with Aurora West Forest Preserve being the most notable. This favored preserve offers over 700 acres of forests, prairie lands and marshlands where nature trails abound. Dust off your dirt bike and hit the out-and-back and looped trails. The trail connects to the Virgil Gilman bike trail giving you access to nearby regions in Aurora. Let your pup get some exercise and have some outdoor fun as the preserve has pet-friendly areas, specifically at the Aurora West Off Leash Dog Park. If you’re a golf enthusiast itching to practice your backswing, Orchard Valley Golf Course and Bliss Creek Golf Course have you covered. They both offer an 18-hole course on gorgeous greens, dining and other amenities. Other nearby greenspaces include Canterbury Park, Cherry Hill Park and Lindens Park.

For new residents, Amy Pearson, licensed realtor with @properties, says a great place to check out is Blackberry Farm. “I’ve taken my daughter there and she loved it. It’s a hands-on farm with unlimited train rides, a hay wagon, pedal tractors, a carousel, ponies and paddle boats on Lake Gregory.” According to the Fox Valley Park District, this long-standing community staple is a living history museum that re-creates the rich history of Aurora from 1840-1910.

Primary and secondary students in the area attend public and private schools, including Freeman Elementary and Washington Middle School. West Aurora High School boasts an above average Niche score with diversity earning the highest accolades. West Aurora also prides itself on its long-standing annual West Aurora Fine Arts Festival, which highlights student artists, including performing and visual. When the academic year ends, kids can jump into summer by floating in the lazy river, zipping down the tower tube slides and splashing in the spray features of the Splash Country Water Park.

Take a weekend to get a taste of the community’s culinary scene, by first heading to Syrup for breakfast. This sophisticated farmhouse-style eatery takes breakfast and lunch up a notch. Be adventurous and try the banana-infused, chocolate chip-topped toffana pancakes, or the vanilla-crusted raspberry mascarpone pancakes. Another notable breakfast spot is Mother’s Pancake House & Restaurant. For lunch or dinner, Big Sea Sushi & Noodles is a no-frills yet welcoming place that serves Japanese delicacies, including classic sushi rolls and poke bowls.

For an at-home culinary experience head to neighborhood grocers like ALDI which provides organic produce and unique spices for your everyday cooking needs. Retail shopping can be found at Galena Square, an open-air center with necessities. Additional shopping can be found near downtown Aurora, where local boutiques sell unique and pre-loved items. Chicago Premium Outlets is a destination for premiere shopping with high-end stores such as Coach, Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade.

A few things are for sure when you move into Blackberry Countryside: You’ll be immersed in nature with proximity to diverse cuisines and shopping, making it a coveted place to live.

Written By

LaTasha James

Photography Contributed By

Brett Bulthuis

Video By

Jeffrey Knight