Brothers John and George Gage sold plots of land around an unnamed lake in the 1840s, attracting residents from Chicago looking for a waterside summer home. The lake and neighborhood around it were named Gages Lake, honoring the brothers' initial development. The area has changed substantially since its earliest days, with almost all its land developed with houses, schools and parks. "There are older homes, newer homes and million-dollar homes in Gages Lake now," says Stacy Johnson, a broker associate at Baird & Warner and longtime resident of Chicago's Lake County. Gages Lake is now home to about 10,000 permanent residents who enjoy being close to well-rated schools, shopping and entertainment. The biggest draw, however, is still the lake. "There are beautiful homes alongside it, community beach parks and neighborhood events," Johnson says.
An American flag waves beside lakefront homes and docks along the shoreline of Gages Lake.
Gages Lake residents enjoy the proximity to well-rated schools, shopping and entertainment.
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Original cottages, modern styles and million-dollar homes
Subdivisions in Gages Lake are densely lined with homes and streets that wind around one another. Styles range from Cape Cods from the 1920s to bi-level and split-level homes from the mid-1900s to recently built new traditional and modern Craftsman mansions. "Many homes in the area were originally vacation cottages that have since been remodeled or have had additions," Johnson says. "There are also some teardowns, where people buy a lake cottage and build a million-dollar home in its place." Except for those few homes that sell at around $1 million, houses sell between $190,000 and $650,000. Townhouses and condos sell between $200,000 and $450,000. The median price is $315,000, and, according to Johnson, taxes tend to be cheaper because the area is unincorporated.
New traditional two-story homes line a quiet cul-de-sac in Gages Lake.
Neatly kept split-level and ranch homes line a sunny residential street in Gages Lake.
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Boating, fishing and neighborhood events at Gages Lake
Waterside parks along the lake include Pebble Beach, Willow Point and Sunset Beach. Wildwood Park District oversees the lake and its parks, and the Gages Lake Conservation Committee controls weed, algae and lily pad levels. The committee also restocks fish and tests water quality levels. Events at parks along the water include Harvest Fest, an ice fishing derby and an ice golf tournament. Warren Township Park has sports courts and fields, a big playground, a skate park and a designated hill for sledding in the snowy winter months. Golfers have many nearby options in courses, with four courses within a mile drive of the lake.
Golfers line up their shots under blooming trees at Brae Loch Golf Club in Gages Lake.
A family of turtles does some sun bathing on a rock at Willow Point Park in Gages Lake.
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More than 200 stores and restaurants are at Gurnee Mills
There are a few local restaurants, bars and shops near Gages Lake, and Jewel-Osco is a short drive west. Large shopping plazas with national retailers, grocers and a big mall are along West Grand Avenue, 4 miles northeast, next to Interstate 94. Gurnee Mills is one of the largest retail shopping destinations in the state. The mall has over 200 restaurants, shops and department stores, not including the additional stores and restaurants around its perimeter.
Gurnee Mills shopping mall houses large retailers and attracts thousands to the indoor mall.
The wild looking Rainforest Cafe at Gurnee Mills is a fun restaurant stop.
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Fall Craft and Vendor Market takes place at Gurnee Mills Mall during a November weekend.
Millions of people visit the area each year, but it's not a nuisance
Six Flags Great America is on the other side of Interstate 94 from the mall and an even closer drive to the neighborhood. The amusement park attracts between 2 million and 3 million residents yearly. Six Flags has concerts, family rides, Hurricane Harbor water park and 16 rollercoasters. The park is less than 3 miles from the neighborhood, but "It's far enough away that it doesn't cause any problems at all," Johnson says. "The interstate does a great job of keeping traffic away from the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. I've lived here for 25 years and have only been stuck in Great American traffic twice."
Attending six different school campuses before graduation
Woodland Primary School teaches prekindergarten and kindergarten students and is rated B-plus by Niche. Woodland Elementary School teaches first through third-grade kids and is rated A-minus. Woodland Intermediate School is a B-plus school for fourth and fifth graders. Woodland Middle School is rated B. Warren Township High School divides students between two campuses for lower and higher grades. The two schools receive a collective grade of A.
Woodland Primary School is part of Woodland School District 50 and receives a B-plus from Niche.
Warren Township High School - O'Plaine Campus primarily houses 9th and 10th graders.
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Interstate 94 is a main connective highway nearby
Pace bus route 572 goes through Gages Lake, and other routes stop nearby. Downtown Chicago is 42 miles southeast, and while some residents commute to the city, "The neighborhood is close to Interstate 94, and there are so many businesses and companies along the throughway where people work," Johnson says. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 30 miles south. Advocate Condell Medical Center and Lovell Federal Health Care Center are each about 9 miles away.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Holly Connors,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Prime 17+ Acre Development Opportunity. Gages Lake, Illinois Residential - Commercial - Institutional - Luxury Estate Potential. Tucked in the heart of Lake County, this rare 17+ acre property offers the feeling of the North Woods without the long commute. Mature trees, wooded walking trails, and a stocked pond with a sandy beach create a peaceful natural setting rarely found this close to town.
SCENIC VIEWS, METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED, AND OVER $250K IN UPGRADES DURING THE SELLERS' OWNERSHIP, ALL CAPPED OFF BY AN OUTDOOR OASIS THAT STEALS THE SHOW! Perfectly positioned on one of the most coveted lots in Woodland Meadows, this 4 BEDROOM | 2.1 BATH Woodland model offers a sense of privacy and peaceful scenic views that instantly make you feel at home. Set on just under a 1/2 acre and
Incredibly spacious, bright NEWLY painted 2-bedroom condo with many wonderful updates is truly ready for you to just move right in! One of the largest 2-bedroom floorplans in this complex it also boasts many fantastic, new upgrades include Pella Impervia Fiberglass sliding door and windows with added soundproofing (double pane) 9/2024, brand new Frigidaire refrigerator & Whirlpool dishwasher,
Juliet SkuldtBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
Beautifully maintained home in a desirable Grayslake location, just steps from a neighborhood playground. This spacious home offers a functional and inviting layout with high ceilings and abundant natural light throughout. The main level features a bright living room with soaring ceilings, a separate dining room with bay windows, and a sunny breakfast nook filled with natural light. The cozy
This one is a must see !! Beautifully maintained 2-story brick home situated on a spacious double lot with desirable lake rights! This 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home offers a perfect blend of character, space, and modern updates. Step inside to a bright and inviting main level featuring freshly painted interiors, refinished flooring, and an open, flowing layout with a spacious living and dining
Spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath home on a generous lot in the desirable Wildwood area of Grayslake. This property offers an excellent opportunity to own a large home in a well-established neighborhood at an attractive price point. The home provides ample living space with room for everyone and features several important updates, including a newer roof and water heater, with major mechanical systems
Four lots on Gages Lake totaling about .86 acres. Discover an exceptional opportunity with this spacious land property located at 33211 N Island Ave, Grayslake, IL. Nestled in a serene and picturesque setting on Gages Lake, this parcel is a blank canvas to build your dream home or investment property. Surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility, it provides ample space for creative development.
Beautiful brick front home in highly sought after Timberwoods subdivision with 3 car tandem garage. Every aspect of this home feels open and airy. Enter the property into the two story foyer that leads to the large family room complete with vaulted ceiling, gorgeous gas fireplace and high end travertine tile flooring. On your way don't look past the spacious living room and dining room with
Outstanding 28-acre parcel strategically located along highly traveled Route 120, offering excellent visibility, access, and frontage in the heart of Lake County's growth corridor. Zoned General Business (GB) and Shopping Center Business (SCB), this property allows for a wide variety of commercial and mixed-use development opportunities including retail centers, restaurants, medical offices,
THIS CUSTOM REDWOOD MODEL SITS ON A PREMIUM CORNER LOT IN THE HIGHLY DESIRED KINGSPORT WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD AND BACKS UP TO A BEAUTIFUL HORSE FARM FOR UNMATCHED PRIVACY AND VIEWS. THE OPEN-CONCEPT MAIN LEVEL FEATURES CATHEDRAL CEILINGS,A COZY FIREPLACE WITH BUILT-INS, AND A FIRST FLOOR BEDROOM WITH A FULL BATHROOM NEARBY PERFECT FOR GUEST OR RELATED LIVING, ENJOY A LARGE THREE- SEASON ROOM,A
Welcome to Grays Pointe Apartments, the premier rental community in the Lake County area! Our one and two-bedroom garden-style apartments come in four different layouts to fit your every need. With wood-like plank flooring, updated kitchens, balcony and fireplace, these apartments are exceptionally comfortable. Recently renovated with the latest amenities and stylish finishes, you'll feel right
AVAILABLE 6/1! Gorgeous 3 bed + loft, 2.5 bath Cape Cod with full rights to motorized Gages Lake NOW AVAILABLE for rent! This home is one you won't want to miss, featuring Water views from your living room, hardwood flooring on the main level, full finished basement w/ half bath, large fenced-yard & a spacious 2 1/2 car garage for your cars, toys & more! Main level features a spacious kitchen w/
Welcome to this beautifully home in the highly sought-after Oakwood Subdivision, where comfort, style, and thoughtful design come together effortlessly. The main level features rich hardwood flooring and an abundance of natural light that fills the home with warmth. The bright, open kitchen offers generous workspace and cabinetry while flowing seamlessly into the inviting family room anchored by
Immaculate updated townhome that lives like a single-family home. Ideally situated on a quiet interior lot, it offers an upgraded location backing to acres of greenbelt. Walkable to Gurnee schools. The entire interior has been newly renovated, including a stunning kitchen and modern bathrooms. Upgrades include new flooring, fresh paint throughout, new cabinets, granite countertops, stylish
Swinden Homes Te Larry & Laura SwindenRE/MAX Suburban
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4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,598 Sq Ft
Fully furnished rental home. Gurnee Schools. Steps to Lake and Sandy Beach area. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished basement, detached garage.
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