$366,887Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Crystal-clear living in the northwestern Chicago suburbs
50 miles northwest of Chicago, natural beauty and suburban stylings converge in Crystal Lake. This McHenry County community takes its name from the lake near its center, which was described as “clear as a crystal” when the first European settlement in the area was established in the 1830s. About 200 years later, the city is now a community of about 40,000 people, with more than 15,000 of those residents moving in during a boom in residential development that started in the 1990s. Folks here are a mix of commuters headed closer to the Windy City and local workers, but the shared sense of local pride ties the whole population together. “People care here, they want to make sure the city's clean. It's well taken care of,” says Karina Hiselman, a real estate agent with the Riser Collective Team at Compass. Hiselman has sold homes in Crystal Lake and greater Chicago for more than seven years.
Enjoy the small-town charm of Downtown Crystal Lake.
Take in nature's beauty at West Park.
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From modest bungalows to waterfront abodes
Crystal Lake offers one of the most varied single-family home selections in the Chicago suburbs, with modest bungalows, four- and five-bedroom waterfront homes, and new traditional ranch homes among the mix of options. Early homes in town were built from the late 1950s through the 1970s, but most properties were built from the 1990s onward, corresponding with the area’s boom in development and population growth. The median single-family home value in the area is about $365,000, making homes here generally higher than the state average but lower than national figures. Sales can go as high as $2 million for custom homes on large lots and houses built along the namesake lake.
Townhomes, condos and other multi-family properties make up about a quarter of the home market here. Most of these homes were built between the 1970s and the present and employ new traditional designs. Townhomes have a slightly lower median price of about $325,000.
Downtown Crystal Lake has a large selection of turn-of-the-century homes.
Sales can go as high as $2 million for houses built along the namesake lake.
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A-rated Crystal Lake schools
Hiselman points to Crystal Lake’s acclaimed schools as a major draw for homebuyers. Crystal Lake Consolidated School District 47 serves young students in town, and it includes nine elementary schools and three middle schools. The district holds an A-minus grade on Niche, and all twelve schools hold individual grades of B or higher on the website. Older kids attend schools within Community High School District No. 155. All five of the district’s high schools earn A grades on Niche.
Husmann Elementary is a well rated public school in Crystal Lake, serving grades K-5.
Marlowe Middle School apart of South Huntley school district is located in Lake In The Hills, IL
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Waterside recreation at Three Oaks
Crystal Lake’s park district operates more than 40 different facilities within the city, from open nature reserves and small neighborhood parks to full-scale recreation hubs. Three Oaks Recreation Area was originally created as a quarry, but lives a second life today as a popular local park with two lakes. In the hot summer months, visitors cool off in the lake’s designated swimming area while kids play on the splash pad. Lippold Park offers dedicated spaces for soccer, baseball, football and disc golf alongside a skate park, dog park and other specialized zones for outdoor fun. Folks can also enjoy days on the green at eight golf courses in the surrounding area.
Three Oaks Recreation Area was originally a quarry, but today is a local park w/two lakes.
Lippold Park has wonderful walking trails along the preserve.
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Downtown brews and bites
Distinctive shopping options in town are generally found in downtown Crystal Lake, in the blocks near Main Street and Grant Street. “There’s lots of boutiques, clothes and food out there. Some of the shops have unique things like crystals and stones,” Hiselman says. Most of Crystal Lake’s mainstream shopping options, including familiar big box stores and groceries, are available along Northwest Highway. Selected dining options are available near both of the city’s primary shopping areas. Local restaurants are the primary choices in downtown Crystal Lake, while Northwest Highway has a mix of local eateries, drive-thru fast food places and casual chains.
Downtown Crystal Lake has many local businesses, including an antiques store.
Taste of Benedicts & More is located on Williams St in downtown Crystal Lake.
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54 miles to Chicago
US-14/Northwest Highway is one of Crystal Lake’s primary thoroughfares, running east-west across much of the center of the city. Illinois Route 31 and Main Street are the main north-south travel options. Crystal Lake is about 54 miles northwest of Chicago; commuters can get to the Windy City via US-14 or by heading 13 miles south to Interstate 90. For people taking daily trains to work, a Metra station is also available near Main Street and Railroad Street downtown.
Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital, about 6 miles northwest of the city, is the closest emergency room for most residents. Folks traveling beyond the Chicagoland area can catch flights out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, about 33 miles southeast.
Horror movies, Independence Day fireworks and the Johnny Appleseed Festival
“One of the best parts of living in Crystal Lake is everything that comes with the summertime,” says Jennifer Sankot, a local real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Everyone comes together downtown to watch the Independence Day parade, and folks will head to Crystal Lake Beach to enjoy the sun and watch fireworks.”
While Crystal Lake has a much more peaceful atmosphere than the fictional camp sharing its name, the town embraces the coincidence with Friday the 13th celebrations. The Park District has hosted screenings of the Jason movies at Crystal Lake Main Beach with local beer selections and games for grown-up horror film fans. Other all-ages festivities in town include the Johnny Appleseed Festival each fall; folks can try out games, ride on a wagon or a pony, or meet the animals of the petting zoo. Live music, comedy performances and community theater shows are regular programming at the Raue Center for the Arts downtown.
Theater shows are regular programming at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake.
Kids dance joyfully in front of the gazebo as a live band plays at the farmers market.
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Low crime rates
According to information from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Crystal Lake’s reported violent crime rates have been rising and falling since 2022. The area’s rates trend slightly higher than the national average but lower than the state average for Illinois.
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kathleen Schroeder,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Crystal Lake, IL sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Crystal Lake, IL over the last 12 months is $344,900, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely Stunning fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that combines modern luxury with everyday comfort. From the moment you walk through the door, you'll notice the timeless elegance of hardwood floors that stretch throughout the entire house. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, including a brand-new kitchen with sleek cabinetry, high-end appliances, and stunning countertops, as
This renovated modern contemporary home on a huge lot is in a great location close to Downtown Crystal Lake, the Metra, Main Beach & 3 Oaks along with shopping and dining on Route 14! Multiple story living offers updated wood flooring on the first floor living room and first floor bedroom/office along with new doors, handles, and built-ins. It includes brand new tile flooring in the kitchen and
Build your dream home in this upscale established neighborhood on .36 acre lot which is located in beautiful Brighton Oaks subdivision. Utilities to site. Just around the corner, enjoy the park with tennis and basketball courts as well as the swings to play on and the gazebo for your picnic lunch. The owner of this lot also has another lot down the street as well.Plat of Survey & Neighborhood
Absolutely Stunning fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that combines modern luxury with everyday comfort. From the moment you walk through the door, you'll notice the timeless elegance of hardwood floors that stretch throughout the entire house. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, including a brand-new kitchen with sleek cabinetry, high-end appliances, and stunning countertops, as
This renovated modern contemporary home on a huge lot is in a great location close to Downtown Crystal Lake, the Metra, Main Beach & 3 Oaks along with shopping and dining on Route 14! Multiple story living offers updated wood flooring on the first floor living room and first floor bedroom/office along with new doors, handles, and built-ins. It includes brand new tile flooring in the kitchen and
Build your dream home in this upscale established neighborhood on .36 acre lot which is located in beautiful Brighton Oaks subdivision. Utilities to site. Just around the corner, enjoy the park with tennis and basketball courts as well as the swings to play on and the gazebo for your picnic lunch. The owner of this lot also has another lot down the street as well.Plat of Survey & Neighborhood
Located in the heart of Crystal Lake at E. Crystal Lake Ave. and on the thriving and beautiful historic Main Street, Enclave Crystal Lake is just steps away from shopping, dining, entertainment, and fun! Our community includes 99 units spanning across ten buildings and features luxurious apartments and spacious townhomes. The four-story 48-unit apartment building is comprised of studios, one- and
Be the first to live in this stunning new construction townhome featuring 3 beds,2.5 bath and attached 2 car garage. Located in desirable, quite community this home offers comfort convenience and contemporary finishes throughout. Open concept main floor with LV flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertop with large island, primary suite with walk in closet, energy efficient features
Visit Water's Edge Apartments Today! Featuring a stunning collection of 240 beautifully appointed apartments. Imagine coming home to a spacious, stylish residence designed to cater to your every need, boasting a full suite of exciting amenities designed to elevate your everyday. Water's Edge is more than your apartment home; it's a vibrant neighborhood where everything you need is just steps
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