Southwest Elgin
Neighborhood in Elgin, Illinois
Kane County 60123
Sears Kit Craftsmen and Colonial Revivals
Southwest Elgin's homes date back to the early 20th century, particularly the colorful Sears Kit Craftsmen scattered throughout the neighborhood. Produced between 1908 and 1942, these historic homes were custom-ordered from Sears and constructed by contractors upon delivery. Situated on uniformly square lawns, Colonial Revivals, American Foursquares and ranch-style homes stand between many of them. Out front, a mix of new and old trees shade sidewalks, modest gardens and picket fences, blanketing the neighborhood with colorful leaves in the fall. Detached garages come standard, typically paired with paved or gravel driveways leading out back. Altogether, prices range between $165,000 and $360,000, which is generally low for the Chicago metro area.
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A scenic promenade on Riverside Drive
Umbrellas illuminate the promenade on Riverside Drive, where the Downtown Elgin farmer’s market is held each Friday from June to October. Walkers, joggers and cyclists can spend an afternoon on the walkway or check out the Fox River Trail beside it, which offers scenic views of the river as it passes through the downtown scene. Next door, Festival Park is a hub for annual events. But most days of the year, visitors stroll along its shaded paths or head to the playground and splash pad, which opens in the summertime for the little ones. Elgin Sports Complex sits immediately south of Route 20. The facility hosts soccer, softball and t-ball leagues on its 407 acres of fields. Additional public amenities include a BMX track and sand volleyball courts, which will accompany new athletic fields and walking trails set for completion in 2025. Golfers gather at The Highlands of Elgin Golf Course next door. The 18-hole public course offers lessons, simulators and even a tavern onsite.
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School District U-46 is the second-largest district in Illinois
Students in Southwest Elgin attend School District U-46, the second-largest district in Illinois. Lowrie Elementary School occupies a city block between Oak and Washburn Street. The kindergarten through sixth-grade institution is walkable for many families and earns a C-minus on Niche. Abbott Middle School earns a C, enrolling seventh through eighth grade. With a C-plus, Larkin High School is home to the district’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Students can apply in eighth grade for four-year, performance-based programs in dance, drama, music or the visual arts. Additionally, select juniors and seniors at Larkin are eligible for the district’s Dual Credit program at Elgin Community College.
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Commuting throughout Elgin and into Downtown Chicago
Commuters in Southwest Elgin are primarily car-dependent. However, Pace Suburban bus stops remain available throughout the neighborhood, particularly along Orange and State Street. Downtown Elgin sits less than a mile north, while Ascension St. Joseph Hospital is 3 miles west. TIn addition to being the nearest emergency room, the medical center is also one of the area’s largest employers, according to local news sources. Chicago commuters can make the 41-mile trip downtown on Interstate 90 or opt for an hour’s ride on the Metra from National Street station. Out-of-state travelers typically fly out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 26 miles west on the same stretch.Downtown Elgin offers an array of locally-owned eateries
Randall Street is one of Elgin’s most popular thoroughfares, lined with big-box stores, retailers and chain restaurants, including Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club. Closer to the neighborhood, the Elgin Fresh Market in the Town and Country shopping center gives residents a local supermarket option. Other businesses in the shopping center include Starbucks, Family Dollar and Dulces Clara Elgin, a candy and party supply store specializing in Mexican sweets and treats. Locally owned eateries are also nearby throughout Downtown Elgin, on the other side of the Fox River less than a mile away. Residents can shop international food items at Butera Market or head to El Patio Mexican Restaurant Tequila & Mezcal, where colorful murals, flags and neon lights pair with authentic Mexican cuisine, cocktails and beer. Elgin Public House serves classic American bites, especially at its weekly Friday Fish Fry and during Chicago Bears games. Closer to home, Ray’s Diner is a go-to for brunch, serving homemade soups and all-day breakfast since 1969.
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Written By
Dana Chesser
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Matt Lysien
Matt Lysien
Suburban Life Realty, Ltd
(224) 315-8087
525 Total Sales
5 in Southwest Elgin
$155K - $256K Price Range
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Dawn Larsen
Dawn Larsen
ADAMS, CAMERON & CO., REALTORS
(386) 280-7057
179 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Elgin
$189,900 Price
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Cody Salter
Cody Salter
Responds QuicklyGreat Western Properties
(224) 970-2232
169 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Elgin
$222,000 Price
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Danna Curtis
Danna Curtis
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Plaza
(708) 554-4770
45 Total Sales
2 in Southwest Elgin
$203K - $238K Price Range
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Ayman El-Shafie
Ayman El-Shafie
Responds QuicklyeXp Realty
(224) 236-8853
50 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Elgin
$320,000 Price
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Frank Capasso
Frank Capasso
Responds QuicklyFathom Realty IL, LLC
(224) 501-9996
61 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Elgin
$147,500 Price
Schools
Source:
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 7th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 6th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Marie Grolich Park
Abbott Park
Riverside Drive Promenade
Advocate Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
36 min drive
Train
National Street Station
Bus
State St & Lord St
Bus
State St & Washburn St
Bus
Orange St & Billings St
Bus
Orange St & Gertrude St
Bus
Orange St & Wilcox Ave
Bus
Orange St & Moseley St
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Southwest Elgin | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwest Elgin Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Elgin, Elgin sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest Elgin, Elgin over the last 12 months is $260,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$260,000
Median Sale Price
$260,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$264,950
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$110,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$174
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
540
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,340
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
794
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,811
Median Age
36
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,226
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,865
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
64.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
17.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.5%
% Population in Labor Force
70.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
20''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
35
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Downtown Elgin
Live at the heart of Elgin culture, from restaurants and concerts to Fox River fun
Near West Elgin
Vintage homes near Fox River's western banks
Gifford Park
Elgin’s first neighborhood is now a historic district
Grant Park
This Elgin west side neighborhood is close to many recreation options
Lords Park
One of Elgin's most historic and robust parks makes up half the neighborhood
Southeast Elgin
A suburb with local eats and convenient commutes
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