Hinsdale il- homes near the hospital (Downers Grove, Ogden: sales, new home, buying)

[Lulu2158]

We are considering buying a teardown and building a new home near hinsdale hospital. I'm wondering if this area of hinsdale is more or less desirable than other areas.

In addition, I'm curious about a block of land near the water station. We walked by the area and noticed a tree surrounded area with one open path leading into an open grassy area. I'm guessing it is public property. Does anyone know how that space is used? Thanks!

[chet everett]

I don't know what you mean by the "water station" as Hinsdale recieves water from Lake Michigan. There is a large field behind the Humane Society that is also adjacent to Hinsdale's Public Works department. It is not a park.

As to the question of "desirability" the degree to which one should consider this is largely a function of what one is looking for -- like every part of Hinsdale there are excellent schools, lovely parks, conveneient access to the train via one of three Metra stops, walkable destinations both in the core of town as well as nice retail near Ogden & County Line Rd. One need only look at prices for the massive estates with multi-million price tags in the SE portion of town to realize that the NE section of town is not the "most costly" but the incidence of ambulances pulling up to the hospital is low and this is certsinly not a factor in dissuading folks from buying a new or existing home near by...

[Lulu2158]

Yes, that is the land I'm curious about. A resident told us the building to the south was a water station. He likely meant Public Works. Regardless, still wondering what the land is used for. Anyone?

Regarding my question of desirability. Yes, it is, somewhat, pertaining to the noise level. I know the proximity to train and downtown is a big draw. But for resale purposes, I'm curious if folks try to avoid living so close to the hospital, police and fire departments (similar to the way they try to avoid living too close to Ogden, 83 or 294).

[chet everett]

The police and fire stations generate nearly no noise, one of my friends owned a historic home directly north of the police / fire station. It sold for millions. Although Hinsdale Hosptial has an emergancy room it is is more likely that patients come in with mom after they've stepped on broken glass or tried to catch a fastball with their lip. More serious trauma situations usually head to Good Samaritan in Downers Grove (and their much larger campus is easier to access to from the tollways...

The open space behind the human society is mostly used by volunteers to give adoptable pets exercise and ensure they are well behaved on-leash. The Human Society itself is housed in a modern building with good sound proofing. Nothing to worry about there.

You are correct that folks that can afford a quieter spot will often prefer something that does not front the railine, Rt 83, Ogden or 294 but the sales record also clearly show that these roadways are not enough to create "give away pricing" and many homes have changed hands adjacent to these things with just a modest discount relative to quieter neighbors. Similarly the positives of good schools, lovely parks and other amenities far outweigh any slight negative associated with a mostly quiet community hospital...