Riverfront village is a haven for outdoor lovers
Fox River Grove is a natural choice for people who love to be outdoors. It’s described as “a very homey and comfortable village” by local real estate agent Shirley Rochford with All Exclusive Realty. Since 1905, Chicago area skiers have been venturing here to explore the slopes of the Norge Ski Club. The village also hugs the banks of its namesake river, with a collection of waterfront homes and parks giving locals access to boating, kayaking and fishing.
Getting out on the water and a renowned ski club
Spending a day on Fox River’s smooth waters is made easy by the canoe launches at Picnic Grove Park and Lions Park. Each community green space also features waterfront playgrounds and open fields canopied by mature trees. Picnic tables and benches give locals a place to relax by the water. Lions Park is particularly popular among anglers who can cast their line into the river in hopes of making a catch. There’s also a Harbor Team for local boaters to join. Along with rides along the river, the club works to maintain and restore the shoreline within the village. Junior skiers and Olympic athletes alike practice their skills on one of the five jumps at The Norge Ski Club, which is open year-round. In February, the club hosts the Norge Annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament, a longstanding tradition dating back more than a century. Locals cheer on the skiers while enjoying food and drinks from local restaurants like Wild Onion Brewery and Miller Brewing.
Established homes with extra elbow room
The village has a trove of 20th-century homes with generous setbacks and views of the Fox River. Spacious yards, ranging from a quarter- to a half-acre, feature gardens and mature trees that add natural beauty and shade cover. Back decks and patios are also common features here. Quiet, sidewalk-lined subdivisions are filled with colonials, split-levels and ranch homes. New traditionals and custom builds have started to pop up over the last 20 years. “It’s a growing community, and they are currently in the process of building apartment and condo complexes, so folks have more options than just single-family homes,” Rochford says. Prices range from $143,000 to $730,000.
Parks serve as a hub for community events
Fireworks light up the sky above Picnic Grove Park on the Fourth of July. The event is one of several held in the village throughout the summer. Locals have been showcasing their creative side at the Arts & Crafts Festival for more than four decades at Lions Park. The event is sponsored by the local Lions Club and features food, drinks and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Brunch spots and big box grocers
Shopping and dining hubs cluster along Northwest Avenue, which runs through the heart of the village. Locals can make grocery runs to Jewel-Osco or pick up other essentials at the Walgreens nearby. Friends meet for mimosas at Brunch Café, where the menu features sweet and savory dishes, from cinnamon roll French toast to turkey avocado paninis. While Susie Sushi is newer to the area, opening its doors in 2022, it’s quickly become a local favorite for its variety of rolls packed with fresh fish.
High powered sports at highly rated schools
Highly rated schools are an added benefit for parents looking to move to Fox River Grove. Students begin their education at Algonquin Road School, which earns an A-minus from Niche. They’ll later filter into B-plus-rated Fox River Grove Middle School, where the average student-teacher ratio is 11-to-1. Each school is part of the Fox River Grove School District #3. For high school, students will transition to Crystal Lake School District #155 to attend Cary-Grove Community High. The school earns an A rating from Niche and is known for its championship-winning football team. Cary-Grove has won multiple Class 6A state titles as recently as 2021 and 2023.
Metra links locals to downtown Chicago
Access to freeways, including U.S. Route 14 and Interstate 90, allows locals to make the 42-mile drive to the heart of Chicago. The thoroughfare also connects to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, roughly 29 miles away. There are also public transit options available. “Locals like that the Metra train runs straight through town,” Rochford says. “It stops here from Crystal Lake and can take people all the way to downtown.” People can take solace in knowing medical care is nearby. Driving 3 miles west along State Route 22 will lead to Good Shepherd Hospital.
