Dundee has distinct villages, shared green spaces and a busy downtown
Midway between Rockford and Chicago , Dundee is a versatile community. It has distinct residential areas and multifaceted green spaces, from nature preserves to traditional parks. Thriving commercial hubs along the Fox River create a central downtown for the region. Within Dundee are several villages — including West Dundee , Sleepy Hollow and East Dundee — and large unincorporated areas. Each village has its own government and public service departments. Still, the communities work in tandem under the township to host events, offer recreation and support the local economy.
Dundee, IL is on the east side of the Fox River, which offers outdoor adventures.
Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary nature preserve offers public trails for people on foot and bike.
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Housing options span from historic styles to tree-shaded custom homes
The community has plenty of architectural diversity. Historic districts are known for century-old Victorian, Queen Anne and Tudor Revival homes. Many suburbs have ranch-style houses, bungalows, New Traditional homes and American Foursquares on spacious lots. "I call Sleepy Hollow a nestled community," says Shefali Shah, Dundee Township's supervisor. "You can't completely see the homes from the road because there are so many trees." Homes in unincorporated areas often have 3,000 to 6,000 square feet of space and custom architecture. Lawns are lush, and some properties have acreage, creating more space between neighbors. Condo and townhouse communities are also scattered around Dundee. Pricing depends on a home's size, condition, age and location. "We have entry-level, historical and million-dollar homes," says Tammy Mrotek, Realtor at Keller Williams Success Realty with experience in the area. "There really is housing for everyone." Dundee's median price is $535,000, above the national median of roughly $420,000.
Most of the houses in Dundee are on individual lots and surrounded by evergreen trees.
Some of the houses in Dundee, IL date back to as far as 1850, as this Queen Anne does.
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Recreation abounds with nature preserves, parks and Fox River access
The 200-mile-long Fox River snakes between West and East Dundee. People fish and paddle along its scenic waters. The Fox River Trail connects several communities and riparian woodlands. Dozens of forest preserves and village parks are in and around Dundee. At Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary, people scan for great blue herons, red-tailed hawks and American goldfinches. Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve has a dog park, while Camp Tomo-Chi-Chi Knolls offers tent campsites to scout and youth groups. Randall Oaks Park has a petting zoo, playgrounds and an adjacent golf club. Raceway Woods Forest Preserve converted its former track into miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. It also hosts annual events, like 5ks and antique car shows. According to First Street, West Dundee is at moderate risk from flooding, and East Dundee is at major risk. Both villages have resources to prevent and address river overflows.
Spring Lake Forest Preserve grants 45 miles of woodlands in Dundee, IL.
The Downtown Dundee River Walk is a beautiful pathway that runs along the Fox River.
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West and East Dundee’s commercial options create a thriving downtown
Downtown Dundee hugs either side of the Fox River, and East Dundee is a hub for dining and nightlife. "The restaurants are notable, and there are festivals like Wine Down Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday," says Cindy Kennedy, Real Estate Broker for Baird & Warner. Rosie O'Hare's Public House offers Irish pub fare and impressive views, from its copper ceilings and stained-glass windows to its riverfront patio. In West Dundee, "residents rave about No Manches Mexican Grill," Mrotek says. "Not only are the food and drinks great, but we can experience the culture through a culinary experience." Spring Hill Mall is set to be demolished, so people lean on national retailers and locally owned businesses. Supermarkets include Jewel-Osco and Aldi.
Just south of Old Town Dundee, IL is Rosie O’Hare’s Public House.
Southern Belle's breakfast restaurant located in Dundee is a family friendly diner.
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Many Community Unit No. 300 schools have A and B ratings
Community Unit School District No. 300 serves students living in Dundee. The district has an A-minus Niche rating and 20 elementary schools. Some kids attend Dundee Highlands Elementary, while others might attend Sleepy Hollow Elementary. Both have A-minus ratings. Of the district's six middle schools and four high schools, many students attend Dundee Middle and Dundee-Crown High, which have B-plus and B scores.
Harry D. Jacobs ranks #7 in best public high schools in McHenry County according to Niche.com.
Dundee Highlands Elementary School is located in West Dundee, IL.
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Local transit includes golf carts, buses and the highway to Chicago
Interstate 90 passes through the community, connecting to Rockford, Chicago and Chicago O'Hare International Airport within 50 miles. State routes 25, 31 and 72 also cut through Dundee, creating easy passage between villages and townships. Some areas, like East Dundee, allow residents to drive golf carts within village limits. Downtown Dundee is considered walkable, and Pace bus stops line Main and Eighth streets.
If you are looking to travel around Dundee, IL you can take public transportation.
Dundee is three miles north of I-90, which passes O’Hare Airport.
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Annual events include the Heritage Festival held at Dundee Village Hall in Dundee, IL.
Dundee winter holidays feature lighted parades and window skits
Community events vary from village to village, yet some draw crowds from all over the township. Dickens in Dundee features everything from horse-drawn carriage rides to the Living Windows display. "You can walk between stores in East Dundee, and the staff at each store does a little themed skit in the window," Shah says. "There's also a lighted parade that goes from West Dundee to Carpentersville that is out of this world." Heritage Fest in September is a three-day event showcasing local cuisine and craft makers. Around Saint Patrick's Day, Shah says Main Street turns bright green and shuts down for parades. "People don't care if it storms or rains. They still come," she says.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Dundee, IL sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dundee, IL over the last 12 months is $501,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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