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Southwest Elgin

Southwest Elgin

Neighborhood in Elgin, Illinois

Kane County 60123

$257,625 Average Value
$187 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Southwest Elgin is less than a mile from downtown

Southwest Elgin sits less than a mile from the downtown scene, where locally owned eateries pair with annual festivities, seasonal markets and popular parks. The residential enclave itself is lined with historic homes dating back to the early 1900s, including pre-war Sears Kit Craftsmen. Though walkability is sometimes limited, homebuyers can expect short commutes to nearby schools and some of the city’s largest employers. Additionally, Chicago commuters are well-positioned to take the National Street Metra rail station to the city.

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.

Colonial Revivals can be found in the Southwest Elgin neighborhood.
Colonial Revivals can be found in the Southwest Elgin neighborhood.
Southwest Elgin features a variety of Craftsman style homes.
Southwest Elgin features a variety of Craftsman style homes.
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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.

Elgin Public House offers elevated pub grub and draft beers near Southwest Elgin.
Elgin Public House offers elevated pub grub and draft beers near Southwest Elgin.
Sam’s club is a convenient shopping option for residents of Southwest Elgin.
Sam’s club is a convenient shopping option for residents of Southwest Elgin.
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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.

Stop and talk with a friend along the Riverside Drive Promenade near Southwest Elgin.
Stop and talk with a friend along the Riverside Drive Promenade near Southwest Elgin.
A short drive from Southwest Elgin, Elgin Sports Complex features The Hill BMX track.
A short drive from Southwest Elgin, Elgin Sports Complex features The Hill BMX track.
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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.

Abbott Middle School fosters a learning environment for students from Southwest Elgin.
Abbott Middle School fosters a learning environment for students from Southwest Elgin.
Lowrie Elementary School provides students from Southwest Elgin a great place to learn.
Lowrie Elementary School provides students from Southwest Elgin a great place to learn.
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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.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Marcus Rosendoll
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Larry Hines, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

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

Bus

State St & Harding 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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$270,000
Median Single Family Price
$276,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$110,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$187
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Months of Supply
1.60
Median List Price
$264,250
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
537
Median Year Built
1920
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,340
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
794

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 3pm

    721 Adams St, Elgin, IL 60123

    $375,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,478 Sq Ft
    • 721 Adams St
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to Your Dream Home at 721 Adams - A Fully Renovated Ranch in the Heart of Elgin - Recently Crowned the #1 Safest & Most Affordable City in the United States! Meticulously Updated From Top to Bottom Showcasing Pride of Ownership w/ High End Finishes & Thoughtful Upgrades - Step Inside to Admire & Fully Appreciate ALL of the Recent Improvements! As You Enter, You're Greeted by a Freshly

    Ryan Widerberg eXp Realty, LLC - Chicago North Ave

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Larry Hines, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

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®

42 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Southwest Elgin