Channahon

Once a strictly agricultural area, the neighborhood of South DuPage River is now welcoming new residents as the greater Chicago metropolitan area continues to expand. Situated along the western banks of the DuPage River, residents trade immediate proximity to shopping opportunities for picturesque views from established parks like Will County Forest and quick trips to the events of downtown Channahon, located on the other side of the river. “It was all farmland 20 or so years ago and has been slowly growing since,” says Debra Brisolara, Realtor at RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals, with 20-plus years selling in the greater region. “I imagine it will become a major artery in the next 10 years.” Expansive crop fields, filled with corn in the summer months, make up half the community, while several subdivisions comprise the remainder. More specifically, mid-to-late 20th-century homes are found within its more rural areas located south of Route 6, closer to the waterfront. These sit farther back from the road, offering a more secluded feel. They come in ranch styles and sit atop land, usually around an acre or more. Meanwhile, its subdivisions, which include Rivers Edge, Copper Leaf and several others, are characterized by community sidewalks, plot sizes averaging less than 0.3 acres and new traditional-style homes built in the last 30 years. It’s also worth noting that the homeowners associations and their associated fees change from one subdivision to the next. Potential homebuyers can expect a price range from $207,000 up to $620,000 for a larger home built in the last five years. McKinley Woods is a forested park located at the community’s southernmost tip. Many head here for peaceful walks along its winding trails, which lead to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. This trail spans for miles in either direction, offering afternoon joggers and bicyclists with views of the water and local wildlife on both sides. According to Angela Rafac, an interpretive naturalist at the park’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, many locals make the short bike ride east from home to Moose Island. It’s a frequented spot year-round, with fall and spring welcoming migratory birds to the Des Plaines and Du Page rivers and accessible programming inside the education center, ranging from rotating exhibits to guided kayaking trips. There are also a couple of traditional neighborhood parks home to playgrounds and picnic areas, including Diamond Park off South Eastwood Drive and Henneberry Park along West Deer Path. Channahon School District 17 provides four public schools in the neighborhood, starting with Galloway Elementary School, which enrolls kindergarten through second grade and earns a B on Niche. Third and fourth graders attend Pioneer Path School, while fifth and sixth graders attend Three Rivers School, both of which maintain a B-plus. Channahon Junior High School, which has an A-minus rating, serves around 300 seventh and eighth grade students, providing a variety of extracurriculars in preparation for attending Minooka Central Community High School, the best public high school in Grundy County, according to Niche. Operating independently of the district, Minooka High earns an A rating and serves several of Channahon’s surrounding communities. A mile west on Pheasant Lane sits Pesciolino Osteria. This cozy Italian eatery serves as the area's special occasion spot, thanks to its popular martinis and polenta dish. Meanwhile, residents head across the river to catch up with friends over a drink and Mexican fare at Lallos Bar & Grill, a local hotspot, according to Brisolara. When it’s time to shop, taking Route 6 west for a mile leads to Jewel-Osco in Heartland Crossing and a Walmart Supercenter 9 miles farther. The Village of Channahon hosts several events to bring neighbors together, including its annual Channahon Community Potato Festival eachSeptember. The celebration includes potato-inspired eats from local food trucks, games for little ones and a local band to close the festivities. The community rings in the holiday season on the first Sunday of December with Channaholidays, a day packed with a Christmas lights walk, known as the Luminary Trail, a candy cane scramble and photos with Santa himself. US Route 6 runs through the community, carrying travelers east and west. Those commuting to major employers across the river, which include refineries, manufacturing plants and shipment centers, can reach the area using US Route 6 and I-55 along a 4-mile drive. Interstate 55 also carries travelers into downtown Chicago along a 51-mile commute north and Chicago Midway International Airport, a 38-mile trip. Closer to home is downtown Joliet, 10 miles north on I-88, and Morris Hospital, 11.5 miles east, off West High Street.