$360,881Average Value$225Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Emerald Park is a gateway to the Chain O’Lakes
Emerald Park is a quiet community settled between the Fox River and the scenic Moraine Hills State Park. Though McHenry is often nicknamed the “Gateway to the Chain O’Lakes,” Emerald Park’s private docks and public marina embody the meaning. Residents have premier access to the Fox River, implying a 6-mile boat ride to Pistakee Lake and its surrounding parks, preserves and attractions. In the neighborhood itself, homebuyers can expect spacious yards and old-growth trees, with eateries and amenities just a 3-mile commute northwest in the heart of McHenry.
Gardens, brush and private docks on the Fox River
Emerald Park’s homes branch off River Road, a residential thoroughfare aptly named for its proximity to the Fox River. The neighborhood is mostly quiet, with a CAP Index crime score of 1, compared to the national average of 4. Homebuyers won’t find sidewalks or road verges here. Instead, spacious yards sprout gardens, trees, and brush growing up to the street line. Split levels, ranch-style homes and modest bungalows make up a majority of the market, priced between $300,000 and $600,000. Occasionally, properties with less than 1,000 feet are priced below $200,000. On the contrary, those with more than 3,000 square feet can reach $850,000. Their detached garages line narrow avenues, though attached garages and parking pads are just as common. Riverfront homes even include private docks and back porches overlooking the water.
Water recreation is part of McHenry’s culture
While some residents have access to private docks for launching and fishing, plenty utilize the community marina on Laguna Drive. “Proximity to the Fox River is a big deal for boaters here,” says Jackie Nelson, a local agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Folks can head north on the river to Johnsburg and the Chain O’ Lakes.” The Chain itself comprises 15 lakes, all connected by the Fox River. Those seeking fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and swimming opportunities need only travel about 6 miles north to reach Pistakee Lake and its surrounding preserves.
On land, Moraine Hills State Park borders Emerald Park to the east. The 2,200-acre natural area offers lakes, wetlands, woodlands and open fields. Park visitors can fish or boat on Lake Defiance or hike along its 10 miles of scenic trails. Moraine Hills is also a popular spot for birders, as the park is home to over 200 unique species.
From picnic supplies to dinner on the waterfront
Emerald Park residents typically run their errands in McHenry. Riverside Bakery is on the way, a locally owned bake shop serving everything from fresh bread loaves to homemade donut holes and hot coffee. Jewel-Osco and Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market sit side-by-side on Elm Street, 3 miles north. Across the road, Adam’s Sandwich Shop sells snacks, picnic supplies, fresh salads and subs. Retailers like Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Old Navy are just north along Route 31, Richmond Avenue.
Closer to home on the river’s east side, Snuggery River Roadhouse serves classic American bites on the waterfront. Patrons can watch the game inside or the sunset outside. Both experiences come paired with cocktails, pizza and barbeque sandwiches. Evenings might include a visit to the McHenry Outdoor Theater, a drive-in showing new and old cinema classics throughout the year.
RISE UP Music Festival brings big names to McHenry
In the summertime, Peterson Park hosts the RISE UP Music Festival on McCollum Lake. Organized by the Rise Up Foundation, a nonprofit raising funds for improvement projects in McHenry, the festival features prominent musicians each year. Past lineups have included bands like Dirty Heads and Old Dominion. The Red, White & Booze Fest overlaps in July. This Independence Day celebration takes place at the Courthouse Tavern, featuring live music, food trucks and drink specials.
McHenry Central Consolidated School District 15
Students attend McHenry Central Consolidated School District 15, which enrolls the entirety of McHenry and parts of the surrounding suburbs. Edgebrook Elementary School earns a B on Niche, enrolling prekindergarten through fourth grade. Next door, C-plus-rated Chauncey H. Duker School enrolls third through fifth grade. With a B-minus on Niche, McHenry Middle School provides extracurricular clubs and athletics in preparation for McHenry High School. There, ninth-graders will attend the high school’s freshman campus, while the rest attend the main campus 2 miles west. Regional news stations have credited the school’s journalism program, while the state-of-the-art STEM building offers courses in automotive and robotics. Altogether, McHenry High earns a B-plus on Niche.
Bike lanes and Metra lines traversing the Fox River
Emerald Park’s cyclists will find bike lanes on Charles J. Miller Memorial Highway and Green Street, which connect to a handful of McHenry’s restaurants and shops. Otherwise, residents are primarily car-dependent. Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, a regional employer and the nearest emergency room, is located 2 miles west across the river. Chicago commuters can expect a 55-mile drive southeast on Interstate 94. Those preferring the Metra will find the nearest station in McHenry, 3 miles northwest. From there, riders can expect an hour-long trip to the Windy City. Out-of-state travelers typically fly commercially from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 35 miles south.
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Dana Chesser
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On average, homes in Emerald Park, Crystal Lake sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Emerald Park, Crystal Lake over the last 12 months is $330,000, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this incredible 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located on a gorgeous, wooded 1.38 acre lot. This home in in move-in condition & features a new kitchen w/large eat-in area, w/granite countertops & island w/seating & tons of cabinetry, opens to family room w/ brick fireplace. Spacious master suite w/updated bath. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the 1st & 2nd floor. 4 additional
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
