$329,280Average Value$226Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
The northernmost lake in Illinois’ Chain O’Lakes
Located just south of the Wisconsin border, Channel Lake is the northernmost lake in Illinois’ famed Chain O’Lakes. With waterfront homes, marinas and a CAP Index crime score of 2 —compared to the national average of 4— this quiet, rural community takes lake life seriously. “In the summertime, there’s a higher population because everyone’s spending time at their vacation homes,” says Lauren Hopkins, a local Realtor with Lakes Realty Group. While the First Street Foundation says the area is susceptible to a minor flood risk, many homebuyers seeking lakefront access continue to purchase and build new homes by the water. Heavily wooded residential pockets may offer a rural feel, but the neighboring village of Antioch is packed with shops, eateries and entertainment just 3 miles east. Further, boaters can easily reach surrounding lakes for annual festivities and sandbar parties.
Channel Lake’s waterfront homes sell quickly
Channel Lake’s wooded residential streets and lakefront homes date back to the mid-20th century. “We’re definitely rural, but it’s still a hot market,” Hopkins says. “Waterfront properties, particularly, sell quickly since Chain O’Lakes draws people to the area.” Ranch-style homes, bi-levels, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals typically range in price from $100,000 to $450,000. Out front, gravel driveways and detached garages line most roads, alongside lawns that vary in size and style. Some are modest and manicured, while others brim with garden decorations and the occasional boat or RV. Newer estates with traditional and Craftsman architecture are more likely to feature attached garages and paved driveways. These properties typically exceed 2,000 square feet and range between $500,000 and $1 million. Additionally, undeveloped quarter-acre lots by the water range in price between $25,000 and $140,000.
Channel Lake offers a wide variety of homes styles on the water.
The neighborhood of Channel Lake is located at the northern tip of the Chain O’Lakes.
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From Turtle Beach Marina to Your Boat Club
“Channel Lake itself is so clean that they used to use its ice for meatpacking in Chicago,” says Marilyn Durante, a local Realtor with Lakes Realty Group. The 352-acre body of water conjoins with Lake Catherine to the east and Lake Marie to the south. While many coastal homes feature their own private docks, many residents head to the Turtle Beach Marina for quick access to the Chain O’Lakes. Your Boat Club even offers boat rentals on the waterway between Channel Lake and Lake Marie. “Overall, the neighborhood is out of the way, so you’ll always feel like you’re in the country and getting away from it all,” Durante says. Just west of the community, Gander Mountain Forest Preserve is home to Lake County’s highest natural elevation point. The preserve’s trails are popular year-round for birding, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Your Boat Club offers convenient boat rentals to Channel Lake residents.
Channel Lake residents may also launch a boat from Turtle Beach Marina.
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Boat parades & sandbar parties on the Chain O’Lakes
Chain O’Lakes hosts numerous annual events throughout the year, including boat rallies, water ski shows and ice fishing tournaments. Boaters can cruise south to Fox Lake for popular festivals like the Cardboard Boat Race & Youth Fishing Derby or Fox Lake Venetian Night. This themed water parade encourages participants to decorate their boats and dress accordingly. “Fox Lake hosts concerts in the summer, too,” Hopkins says regarding the Lakefront Park Friday Night Concert Series. From June to August, Chain O’Lakes residents flock to the park with lawn chairs and blankets for live music and food trucks. “There’s also a large nightlife scene on the Chain’s islands,” she continues. From Blarney Island’s Caribbean party bar on Grass Lake to Petite Lake’s sandbar, summertime boaters will find an array of lively stops throughout the Chain.
A Channel Lake resident enjoys time ice skating during winter.
There is no shortage of fun on the water in Channel Lake and surrounding areas.
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Shopping & dining on Antioch’s Lake Street
Most residents shop and dine in the neighboring village of Antioch, 3 miles east on Route 173. The thoroughfare branches into Lake Street, lined with locally owned restaurants and cafés. Little Bean Coffee Company sells lattes, smoothies, books and knickknacks from the gift shop next door. Across the street, Antioch Theatre is a historic, two-screen movie theater showing a range of new and old films. Residents can grab dinner to-go from Antioch Pizza Shop or dine in at Rivalry Alehouse, a classic American haunt with patio dining that overlooks the Lake Street strip. For groceries, folks can head to the Jewel-Osco in town or drive another mile east to Walmart, Aldi and Menards.
The Rivalry Alehouse is one of the many great restaurant options for Channel Lake residents.
Stop by The Vegas Cafe in Antioch for fantastic ambiance and a great meal.
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Antioch Central Consolidated School District 34
Students attend Antioch Central Consolidated School District 34, which serves the greater Northwest Lake County area. W.C. Petty Elementary School, located halfway between Channel Lake and Antioch, earns a B-minus on Niche. Antioch Upper Grade School shares the campus and earns the same Niche score. Middle-grade students can get a head start by joining the National Junior Honor Society or one of the school’s many athletic teams. Antioch Community High School earns an A-minus on Niche. Established in 1915, Antioch High remains a stronghold in the community with support from booster clubs and village sponsors. Students can expect numerous athletic opportunities and graduation prep through the school’s College and Career Center.
Antioch Upper Grade School is a well rated public school with about 918 students in grades 6-8.
Antioch Community High School is a highly rated public school with about 1,300 students.
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Channel Lake residents can expect longer commutes
Channel Lake's rural nature means residents are primarily car-dependent, particularly when traveling into neighboring Antioch. While the nearest emergency room, Lake Forest Hospital, is 15 miles south in Grayslake, residents will find a PromptMed Urgent Care just east in Antioch. Chicago commuters can expect a 60-mile drive to the Windy City on Interstate 94. Alternatively, Antioch's Metra typically takes riders an hour and a half to reach Chicago Union Station. Those traveling out-of-state can take the O'Hare Transfer stop on the Metra or drive 47 miles southeast to reach O'Hare International Airport. Milwaukee commuters head 50 miles north on I-94. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located 40 miles north on the same thoroughfare.
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.
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On average, homes in Channel Lake, Fox Lake sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Channel Lake, Fox Lake over the last 12 months is $284,750, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Beautiful ranch home on Lake Marie channel. Granite countertops, appliances included. Hardwood flooring, huge deck looking out over the channel and your pier. Plenty of parking with a huge shed as well. This home has it all. Cute as a button inside and out and ready to move in and enjoy the Chain O' Lakes. Hard to find a house even close to this gorgeous on the Chain and with a spectacular
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