$354,253Average Value$228Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Part of the Chain O’ Lakes area
While the name Palm Beach may conjure up images of swaying palm trees, this small community at the southern end of Pistakee Lake near the Wisconsin border, about 60 miles northwest of Chicago, is like the well-known Florida city in that it’s close to water. The East Palm Beach neighborhood is part of the expansive Chain O’ Lakes, comprising 15 lakes connected by the Fox River. Water is a way of life in this neighborhood. “The chain is probably the second largest boating area in the United States after Lake of The Ozarks,” says Michael Lescher, managing broker at RE/MAX Showcase with over 35 years of real estate experience. He lives in the Chain O’ Lakes area and has sold lakefront and off-water properties since 1986. “A boat is the primary mode of transportation there. I use a boat to do my banking.” This neighborhood and the Chain O’ Lakes area are slightly past suburbia on the northwest fringes of the Chicago suburbs.
Water is a way of life in East Palm Beach with hundreds of lakefront homes.
Most waterfront homes in East Palm Beach have a private lake access.
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Water and land recreation
The community of Palm Beach is on an island accessible by way of Bayview Lane from the west. Pistakee Lake surrounds the island to the north and Myers Bay to the south. While living in the Chain O’ Lakes area, water sports are essential, including fishing, swimming and boating. Some fish typically caught in the lakes include largemouth bass, walleye and various species of catfish. The Volo Bog State Natural Area was formed in an ancient glacial kettlehole lake, which forms when a glacier gets stuck in sand and gravel. It’s the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois, meaning the ground vibrates when walking close to it. The area also includes woodlands, marshes and a prairie restoration area.
Boating is a popular way to get around, and there are other forms of recreation well inland.
Residents of East Palm Beach are enjoying a fishing day on Lake Pistakee.
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Island homes are only accessible by boat
With homes on the water and surrounded by water, this is a unique neighborhood that people want to be a part of long term. “It’s a quiet area, and people tend to live there for a long time,” says Marilyn Durante, a broker with Lakes Realty Group with nearly 40 years of experience. “I know some people who have lived here for over 40 years. Homes don’t go on the market too often. When they do, they get snagged quickly.” There are houses on Cedar and Queens Islands where docks serve as garages and mid-20th century raised ranch houses priced between $150,000 to $350,000. More ranch-style, split-level and raised ranches on the mainland are between $200,000 and $400,000. Waterfront property on Myers Bay or Brandenburg Lake inland ranges from $300,000 to $700,000, with some being constructed within the past ten years. Sixty-eight percent of the people in East Palm Beach are homeowners. There is an increased risk of flooding for those who live close to the water. Raised ranches are popular among those living on Cedar or Queens Islands.
Located in East Palm Beach, homes on Cedar Island are only accessible by boat.
Located in East Palm Beach at Brandenburg Lake is a traditional style home.
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Meal with a water view
There are plenty of opportunities to eat on the water, especially at Docker’s Restaurant, in the neighborhood's northern end near the village of Fox Lake. “They may have more seating outside by the water than inside,” Lescher says. It’s accessible by road or water with plenty of dock parking. It’s a waterfront restaurant with seafood and turf options for those who want something different. The Bandits’ Smoke Shack serves smoked baby back ribs every Sunday, which can be preordered on Friday. They have burgers, barbecue sandwiches, and pizza the rest of the week. Lescher moved to the Chain O’ Lakes area in 1986 when you had to travel miles for shopping. Today, grocery stores like ALDI and Jewel-Osco and retail stores like The Home Depot and Menards are a short drive.
Famous Freddie's Roadhouse can be accessible by boat or car with spacious outdoor seating.
The Bandits’ Smoke Shack has smoked baby back ribs available every Sunday.
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Big Hollow schools
Schools in Big Hollow District 38, rated a B-minus on Niche, are the public option for kids in the neighborhood. Big Hollow Primary School gets a B-minus, has a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and has prekindergarten through first-grade students. Big Hollow Elementary School is the next step for second through fourth graders at the B-rated school. Big Hollow Middle School students can participate in extra-curricular after-school clubs, including jazz band or clubs like skiing and recycling. The school is rated a B-minus. Grant Community High School is rated a B-plus on Niche and has a 91% graduation rate.
Big Hollow Middle School has after-school clubs such as skiing and recycling.
Grant Community High School has a B-plus Niche score.
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More and more year-round residents
East Palm Beach and other areas around Chain O’ Lakes have been popular retirement communities, but with more people working from home than in the office, it has become more popular for those still working. “There is a Metra station close in nearby Fox Lake, which can get you to Union Station in an hour and 25 minutes,” Lescher adds. Interstate 94 is about a half-hour drive to the east, and Interstate 90 is about the same distance to the south.
Fox Lake Metra station is the available for the commuters to access Chicago downtown.
Route 12 borders the neighborhood to the east, allowing for easy travel to downtown Chicago.
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 East Palm Beach, Fox Lake sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in East Palm Beach, Fox Lake over the last 12 months is $319,500, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare find on the Chain O' Lakes! With tons of outdoor access on all levels, natural light throughout, and direct water access, this home is sure to amaze, and will go fast! Main level features a vaulted great room, natural stone fireplace, updated kitchen, and easy access to main level of expansive deck. Upstairs you will find the primary suite with attached bath and private balcony, perfect for
Escape the Ordinary. Embrace the View. Welcome to your dream lakefront retreat nestled on the tranquil shores of Pistakee Lake. Designed for comfort and panoramic water views, this expansive 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home blends timeless old-school charm with lakefront living. Property Highlights: Expansive Floor Plan with lots of windows and includes 2 living/family rooms Cozy Kitchen
Great opportunity to gut rehab or rebuild on 3 lot parcel in Glenarm Subdivision. Property consists of 3 Lots ( 40,41 & 42 ). Existing home damaged by fire sits on lots 40 & 41. No access entry to home is permitted. Property is being sold as one bundle inclusive of all 3 lots. Buyers will have to do their own due diligence and will be responsible for correcting any code violations and fines
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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.
