$287,080Average Value$155Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Elgin’s first development
When James Gifford founded Elgin in 1835, he designated 400 acres east of the Fox River as the first housing development. That piece of land is part of what is now the Gifford Park neighborhood, also known as the Elgin Historic District. “When the area started developing, it was the only housing in Elgin, so the big owners of the big companies were in the same neighborhood as the factory workers,” says Paul Bednar, a Realtor with Real People Realty, who is a resident of this historic neighborhood and is an active board member of the Gifford Park Association, which works to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood.
Large lots provide Gifford Park with plenty of privacy.
American 4-Squares are just one of the historical home styles found in Gifford Park.
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Helping preserve the historic homes in Gifford Park
While a few houses were built in the 1840s when the neighborhood started, most were built from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. “Elgin, generally, is more affordable than surrounding communities,” Bednar says. “You’ll pay more for a historic home in places like St. Charles or Geneva. You get more house for your money here.” Some of the bigger homes are $450,000 or more, but most are between $250,000 and $350,000. Victorian, Italianate and American Foursquare are just some of the classic designs. To encourage the upkeep of these homes, the Gifford Park Association has set up a matching grant of up to $2,000 to promote any improvements. It can also be combined with grant money from the City of Elgin.
Historic houses of worship in the neighborhood include St. Mary Catholic Church, which opened in 1899, and the First Universalist Church, built in 1892 and retaining its classic architecture. However, the church is now called Iglesia Principe de Paz, which means Prince of Peace Church. The aerial view of the building is made to look like a pocket watch, a nod to Elgin’s past as home to the Elgin National Watch Company up until 1968. Churches of various denominations are on the neighborhood's west side near Villa Street.
The neighborhood's CAP crime score is 6, above the national average of 4. Some property crimes score higher.
Gifford Park is home to some of the most unique homes in Elgin.
Some of Gifford Park's homes predate the city itself.
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Gifford Park Historic Homes tour
September 2024 was the latest historic house tour in the neighborhood, which started shortly after the Gifford Park Association was formed. “It’s done as a fundraiser for our organization, but it’s also so people in the area can appreciate the architecture here,” Bednar says. “We also have tours inside a lot of the houses. It’s our most popular event.” There are other services the association provides. “We also answer questions about how to approach remodeling a historic house,” he adds. Other events put on by the group include a fall festival held a few weeks before Halloween with a costume contest.
Orchestral concerts at Gifford Park
Gifford Park is also the city’s oldest facility, dating to the 1850s. It has a playground and a gazebo shelter for events, such as summer concerts by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The park is also the site for the Summer Picnic in the Park event organized by the Gifford Park Association. Davidson Memorial Park contains a memorial and statue commemorating all Elgin citizens who served in World War I. Although the log cabin is no longer there, the park is the site of the home of Elgin city founder James Gifford. A short walk west, along the Fox River, is the Fox River Trail, which follows the water through the downtown Elgin area and north toward Wisconsin and south about 30 miles to the southwest Chicago suburbs. The Grand Victoria Casino is a short distance west, with dining entertainment and table games close to the Fox River.
James T Gifford Park gazebo is home to a summer concert series.
Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Davidson Memorial Park site of the home of Elgin city founder James Gifford.
The Fox River Trail runs through Downtown Elgin.
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The nearest restaurants are in downtown Elgin
Heading west on Chicago Street into downtown Elgin is where most of the dining-out options are. Elgin Public House is a pub and restaurant serving various burgers and sandwiches. On Friday nights, the restaurant becomes a karaoke bar. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sugar & Rhyme has a bright interior serving coffee and pastries with gluten-free options. A few miles northeast is an Aldi location for grocery runs, while La Roca Mart specializes in Mexican food products. The East Side Neighborhood Garden has been in the neighborhood since 2019 and is there to educate residents about the benefits of growing their own food.
Sugar and Rhyme is a popular coffee shop near Gifford Park.
Gifford Park residents can head downtown for additional dining options.
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District U-46 Schools
Multiple elementary schools are available for public school students, including Channing Memorial and Ronald D O’Neal Elementary Schools, rated a C-minus on Niche. Both teach students through sixth grade. For seventh and eighth grade, Ellis Middle School gets a C-plus, while Larsen Middle receives a C. Elgin High School is rated a B-minus and is one of Illinois' oldest public high schools. Although it has changed locations three times, its first graduation ceremony was held in 1872. Moving On Central School is for middle and high school students who require more structure than what a typical classroom provides.
Students are the top priority at Channing Memorial Elementary School.
Ellis Middle school is the primary choice for Gifford Park teens.
Elgin High school accepts students from all over the surrounding area.
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Downtown Metra station
The downtown Elgin Metra station is about a mile away from the neighborhood. It’s one of the far western stops on the Milwaukee District West line, so a trip into downtown Chicago will take over an hour. The Pace bus system has opportunities to ride with stops on Villa and Chicago Streets. It’s a 3-mile trip north to reach Interstate 90 for the 40-mile trip downtown by car. The largest hospital is about 3 miles west at Ascension Saint Joseph-Elgin.
Gifford Park residents can head to the downtown area and enjoy the large community center.
Travel around Downtown Elgin is easy thanks to the Pace bus system.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Gifford Park, Elgin sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Gifford Park, Elgin over the last 12 months is $307,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in Elgin's Historic District, this Farmhouse/Queen Anne style home offers over 2,100 sq. ft. of timeless character. Step inside to find a gracious front hall with fireplace, a curved staircase, and hardwood floors. The updated kitchen and two baths provide today's comforts while honoring the home's history. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms plus a den. The main level includes a
Welcome to 370 North St, a charming and move-in ready home nestled in a quiet, established neighborhood in Elgin. This well-maintained property offers a perfect blend of classic character and modern updates, featuring a spacious layout with natural light throughout. The inviting living room flows into a formal dining area, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with ample cabinetry and
This unique piece of land is nestled in the heart of Elgin's charming historical district, surrounded by beautifully preserved architecture and mature tree-lined streets. It offers a rare opportunity to build within a community rich in character and cultural heritage.
Don't miss this freshly painted 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment in the heart of Elgins historic district. Street parking only. There is in building coin operated washer and dryer in the basement. DO NOT PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR SHOWINGS. Tenant pays electric and cooking gas. Owner pays gas/heat, water and garbage. 1 year lease. No pets. No smoking. Owner is an IL licensed real estate agent.
Room for rent, third floor with bedroom and sitting area. Includes water, heat & electric, shared bathroom, parking. This boarding home includes both men's & ladies rooms, this is a room available in the men's section .Application fee includes credit review, criminal history check, past rental history, identity confirmation & employment verification. We require photo ID of all prospective
This delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bath upper apartment offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this home features spacious living areas and abundant natural light. The primary bedroom is large and inviting, perfect for relaxation after a long day. Situated close to schools, parks, shopping, and dining, this apartment is ideal for anyone seeking an
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