For those thinking about moving to a clubhouse community, summer is the perfect time to investigate the various amenities these communities typically offer – including pools that rival the neighborhood waterpark, outdoor spaces for relaxing with family and friends, and even fitness centers for when the weather is too hot to exercise outdoors. Those looking for a clubhouse community in Chicago’s suburbs will be pleased to find their options range from single-family homes in master-planned communities to luxury condo and apartment developments. Here are several options from local builders and developers:

Greenbrook at Highland Woods in Elgin: Skip the pool lines and the wait time for a new home
Buyers in the market for a single-family home in a clubhouse community can move in this summer with an immediate-delivery home available at Greenbrook, an exclusive neighborhood of 22 homes by Meritus Homes within the master-planned Highland Woods development on Elgin’s west side. Greenbrook residents have access to the exclusive Highland Woods Owners Club, which features a clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor sports courts, and resort-style pool with a triple-loop waterslide and separate splash play area.

“Families love that during the summer they can just head down the street to the Highland Woods pool rather than drive to a public pool or waterpark with fees and long lines,” said Brunhofer. “Plus, it’s a great place for kids to make friends in the neighborhood. And with our immediate-delivery home, buyers can move in now and still enjoy the pool and other amenities for the remainder of summer.”

Priced at $539,320, the available inventory home features the 3,845-square-foot Banfield plan, a two-story design with four bedrooms, 3½ baths, a den, loft area, and a split-bay three-car garage. Semi-custom home packages at Greenbrook at Highland Woods are priced from the mid-$400,000s and feature home designs ranging from 2,610 to 3,918 square feet with three to four bedrooms, 2½ to 3½ baths, full basements and attached two- or three-car garages. For more information about Greenbrook at Highland Woods, call 630-883-8547 or visit www.MeritusHomeBuilders.com.

Medinah on the Lake in Bloomingdale: Condo living with sand between your toes
Condo buyers will also find Chicago-area options offering clubhouse-style amenities. At Medinah on the Lake, a 118-unit luxury condo development in Bloomingdale by Foxford Communities, a spacious clubhouse at the center of the community features an entertainment room complete with a big-screen TV, kitchenette and serving bar, a newly updated fitness facility with saunas, and a heated outdoor pool. The clubhouse is also adjacent to the community’s private beach on Lake Medinah, which is complete with a fire pit and grilling area.

“With Medinah on the Lake’s natural setting and waterfront location, the clubhouse and private beach provide residents with their own oasis to unwind after a long day,” said Peter Brennan, president of Foxford Communities. “The lake provides a peaceful retreat that holds a lot of appeal for homebuyers and the fire pit on the beach offers a fun gathering place for residents to socialize on a clear summer night.”

Located at 125 Lakeview Drive, just north of Lake Street and east of Bloomingdale Road, Medinah on the Lake offers homes priced from $158,900 to $499,900, with approximately 1,067 to 2,140 square feet, one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half baths and a den in select plans. For more information on Medinah on the Lake visit www.medinahonthelake.com or call 630-980-7300.

The Arbors of Brookdale in Naperville: Two pools are twice the fun for families
For those in search of a rental lifestyle with family-friendly clubhouse amenities, The Arbors of Brookdale in Naperville is a 281-unit rental complex anchored by a clubhouse that serves as a convenient hub for recreational activities and family fun. It boasts both an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness facility with a whirlpool and sauna.

“We host a number of family activities for residents in the clubhouse throughout the year, such as a summer party at the pool that always includes a bouncy house,” said Barbara J. Gaffen, co-CEO of Prime Property Investors (PPI), which owns and manages The Arbors of Brookdale community. She added that the clubhouse is an especially popular destination for residents in the summer, with families relaxing and playing at the pool during hot weather. “Even with all the rainy days we had earlier this summer, families could still have fun in the water thanks to our indoor pool,” she said.

Located just minutes from downtown Naperville, The Arbors of Brookdale features garden-style one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with rents starting at $1,250. For more information, call (630)-416-6525 or visit www.arborsofbrookdale.com.

The Oaks of Vernon Hills in Vernon Hills: Renters enjoy “clubbing” with a pool, painting parties and fire pit
Also offering apartments with extensive clubhouse amenities is The Oaks of Vernon Hills, a 336-unit luxury rental community in Vernon Hills by REVA Development Partners. Residents have access to a clubhouse featuring a catering kitchen, theater/gaming room, state-of-the-art fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool with sundeck and fire pit.

“We have a very social community and the clubhouse has become the heart of the community where we have planned activities year-round, including monthly happy hours that take place by the pool and fire pit, painting parties in the main clubhouse room, and a summer movie in the park,” said Matt Nix, principal of REVA Development Partners.

The 27-acre development features three-story garden-style apartment buildings and rental rowhomes configured in a series of pocket neighborhoods enhanced by open green space and connected by walking trails. Infused throughout the grounds are special features including a bocce ball court, dog park and grilling areas giving residents more opportunity to socialize. Rents range from under $1,400 for apartment flats to $2,700 for row homes. Leasing and property management is being overseen by Kinzie Real Estate Group. For more information, call 847-821-2000 or visit www.oaksofvernonhills.com.