Why Live in Bluff City
Bluff City, located southeast of Elgin and about 40 miles west of Chicago, combines suburban living with natural attractions. The neighborhood features expansive forest preserves like Rolling Knolls, which offers an 18-hole disc golf course and fishing pond, and Bluff Spring Fen, a 160-acre preserve popular with birdwatchers. Lords Park, with its zoo, playground, and baseball fields, adds to the family-friendly amenities. Housing options range from 1920s bungalows to contemporary homes, with prices varying based on age and lot size. Condos and townhouses are also available, catering to diverse preferences. The area is served by Hilltop Elementary, Ellis Middle School, and Elgin High School, which have varying ratings. For dining and shopping, residents frequent Chicago Street Pour House, known for its cozy atmosphere and bingo nights, Taqueria Parrilla Azteca for traditional Mexican dishes, and Spice Bazaar for southern Asian foods and spices. Grocery shopping options include Jewel-Osco and ALDI further north on Summit Road. The neighborhood is well-connected with the Pace suburban bus line and is a short six-minute drive to the Elgin Metra station, making it convenient for commuting to downtown Chicago. South of Route 20, the industrial area includes a sand and gravel supplier, a Waste Management transfer, and a large auto auction, adding to the practical aspects of the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluff City a good place to live?
Bluff City is a good place to live. Bluff City is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Bluff City has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.6 people per acre and a median age of 38. The average household income is $86,800 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 23.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Bluff City are home owners, with 30.6% of residents renting and 69.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Bluff City can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Bluff City neighborhood guide.
Is Bluff City, IL a safe neighborhood?
Bluff City, IL is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Bluff City?
The median home price in Bluff City is $359,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $72,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,860 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $80K a year to afford the median home price in Bluff City. The average household income in Bluff City is $87K.
What are the best public schools in Bluff City?
The best public schools that serve Bluff City are:
What are the best private schools in Bluff City?
The best private schools that serve Bluff City are:
- Elgin Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.3.
- Valeo Academy has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- St. Edward Central Catholic High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
What are the most popular zip codes in Bluff City, Elgin, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Bluff City, Elgin, IL?
Home Trends in Bluff City, IL
On average, homes in Bluff City, Elgin sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Bluff City, Elgin over the last 12 months is $256,250, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$256,250
Median Single Family Sale Price
$330,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,428,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$899,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$470
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
70
Median List Price
$359,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%