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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Darren Allen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Welcome to 17976 W Big Oaks Rd, a charming 4 bed, 2.5 bath home nestled in a peaceful setting in desirable Grayslake! Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Step inside to find a bright and inviting interior featuring spacious living areas, abundant natural light, and a functional layout ideal for both everyday living and
Quiet cul-de-sac living with everything Gurnee has to offer just minutes away! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is located in the desirable Southridge subdivision and offers a spacious layout with plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining. The main floor features multiple living spaces, including a comfortable living room and a separate family room with beautiful vaulted ceilings,
Move right into this beautiful 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with tons of updates throughout! Warm hardwood floors flow through much of the home, beginning with the inviting living room featuring a stylish fireplace surrounded by shiplap and built-in cabinetry. A versatile first-floor bedroom is perfect for guests, a home office, or playroom, with a full bathroom conveniently located nearby. The
Welcome to 17976 W Big Oaks Rd, a charming 4 bed, 2.5 bath home nestled in a peaceful setting in desirable Grayslake! Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Step inside to find a bright and inviting interior featuring spacious living areas, abundant natural light, and a functional layout ideal for both everyday living and
Absolutely gorgeous home located in the desirable Wildwood II Subdivision. Impressive right from the Start with a beautifully landscaped yard, New Drive complete with additional Brick Parking Pad for Your Boat or RV. This completely remodeled home comes with lake rights to GAGES LAKE. Inside, You Are greeted with New Hardwood Flooring throughout, freshly painted. Move in and enjoy: new door and
Sunsets, lake breezes, and endless potential! Welcome to this charming ranch just steps from Gages Lake, where you'll love being only a short walk to the beach for swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the spectacular sunsets. The main level offers easy single-level living with an open kitchen overlooking the living and dining rooms, a spacious primary suite with generous closet space
Prime Mixed GC and R4 Zoning on this 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
Welcome to the beautiful Timber woods community! This stunning modern-style home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an amazing professionally landscaped backyard designed for both comfort and entertaining. A soaring ceiling welcomes you into the bright foyer and spacious living room featuring a cozy fireplace. The formal dining room flows seamlessly into the large updated kitchen with stainless
Exceptional Gages Lake Waterfront Opportunity! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic lake views and direct waterfront access from this beautifully updated home situated on one of the most desirable locations on Gages Lake. Whether you're looking for a year-round residence, weekend getaway, or investment opportunity, this property offers the ultimate lake lifestyle. The interior features a remodeled
Welcome home to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch offering comfortable one-level living and plenty of outdoor space. The home features a bright and spacious living area with plenty of natural light, a functional kitchen with granite countertops, ample cabinet space, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the convenience of an attached garage and an extra-long driveway providing plenty
Live the Lake Lifestyle Right Out Your Front Door in Grayslake! Beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering views of Gages Lake and Willow Point Park from the front of the home! An amazing park system at your fingertips - and no HOA! Enjoy Wildwood Park District parks, playgrounds, and beaches, and take advantage of Gages Lake, which is great for paddling, swimming, and motor boating!
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in desirable Meadowbrook Estates, ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining, the open floor plan features a spacious great room with soaring volume ceilings and a stunning floor-to-ceiling fireplace, creating a warm and inviting gathering space. The adjoining dining area
Welcome to this beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home in Woodland Hills! This inviting residence features a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The home also includes a convenient one-car attached garage and is surrounded by the open green spaces that make Woodland Hills such a desirable community. Ideally located near excellent schools, including
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.
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
Welcome home to The Willows of Grayslake, the perfect place for those looking for a world of convenience and a life of comfort. Located in the quaint town of Grayslake, Illinois, our lovely community is close to everything you love. Our ideal location places you just north of the intersection of Route 45 and Route 120, in close proximity to all Woodland Schools (K-12-District 50) and Warren High
Welcome to the quaint and charming community of Savanna Ridge Apartments in the heart of Grayslake, Illinois, where the allure of small-town living meets the beauty of nature. Nestled in a serene setting, our apartment community offers a unique blend of tranquility and modern comforts. Choose from our thoughtfully designed 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes, where modern conveniences seamlessly
Newly redecorated two bedroom, 1-1/2 baths townhome in Woodland HillsSubdivision in Gurnee. Newly painted in a soft blue, new kitchen counter and newdouble sink plus new faucet. This townhome has a dining room area with newchandler. Dining area is hardwood planking and connects to a living room withnew carpeting. The stairs leading to second floor are newly carpeted
Spacious 3BR + Loft Home | 2,340 Sq Ft, Finished Basement & 3-Car Garage Spacious 3BR + loft single-family home with 2,340 sq ft, finished basement, and rare 3-car garage in a quiet Gurnee neighborhood. Updated kitchen with granite & stainless steel, open layout, dining room, and private backyard with deck. Primary suite with large closets, double vanity & whirlpool tub. Available Sept 1 (
Welcome home to this bright, freshly updated corner-unit rental offering one of the largest floor plans in the community. Freshly painted and move-in ready, this well-maintained home features a spacious, open layout filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.Enjoy generously sized living spaces, a functional floor plan, and numerous updates, including newer
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
