Listing Description
Crystal Lake, Illinois Community Overview: Crystal Lake is a vibrant suburban city in McHenry County, about 45 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Known for its charming historic downtown, scenic lakefront, strong schools, and family-oriented atmosphere, Crystal Lake offers a high quality of life with the appeal of small-town charm and easy access to big-city opportunities.
✅ Why People Love Crystal Lake
✔ Excellent public schools and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods
✔ Picturesque Crystal Lake – perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing
✔ Historic downtown with boutiques, cafes, and community events
✔ Strong commuter access via Metra rail to Chicago
✔ Parks, trails, and recreation for all seasons
🏡 Real Estate & Housing
Crystal Lake offers a wide range of housing options that attract families, professionals, and retirees:
🏠 Single-Family Homes – From mid-century ranches to newer subdivisions in tree-lined neighborhoods
🌳 Lakefront & Custom Homes – Along Crystal Lake and private wooded lots
🏘️ Townhomes & Condos – Convenient options near downtown and along commuter corridors
💰 Median Home Price: Around $330,000 – a solid value compared to closer-in Chicago suburbs
📊 Demographics & Economy
Population: Approximately 40,000+ residents
Median Age: ~39 years
Median Household Income: About $88,000
Key Employment Sectors:
Education & Public Services
Healthcare & Professional Services
Manufacturing & Logistics
Many residents commute to Chicago or other northwest suburbs
🎓 Education
Crystal Lake is served by Community High School District 155 and Elementary Districts 47 & 26:
Prairie Ridge High School & Crystal Lake Central – High academic standards and extracurriculars
Coventry Elementary & Lundahl Middle School – Well-regarded neighborhood schools
Nearby Colleges: McHenry County College, with satellite campuses from larger universities
🏞️ Lifestyle & Recreation
Crystal Lake & Three Oaks Recreation Area – Paddleboarding, fishing, beach swimming, and trails
Veterans Acres Park & Lippold Park – Playgrounds, hiking, sports complexes, and disc golf
Raue Center for the Arts – Local venue hosting plays, music, and cultural performances
Historic Downtown Crystal Lake – Charming area with farmer’s markets, cafes, festivals, and local shops
Winter Recreation – Ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing
🚗 Transportation & Accessibility
Metra Union Pacific-Northwest Line – Direct commuter rail service to Chicago
Major Roads: US-14, Route 31, and Route 176
Nearby Airports:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): ~45 minutes
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD): ~1 hour
Transit: Pace suburban bus service; most residents rely on personal vehicles
☀️ Climate & Outdoor Living
Four-season climate – cold winters with snow, warm summers, and colorful falls
Spring and summer bring lake days, outdoor concerts, and community fairs
Abundant parks, trails, and recreational programs make Crystal Lake ideal for active families and retirees
Crystal Lake, Illinois strikes a beautiful balance between natural beauty, historic character, and suburban comfort. Its excellent schools, recreational amenities, and small-town charm make it one of the most desirable communities in the northwest Chicago suburbs.
