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
Elizabeth Goodchild,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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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
Jodi Cinq-Mars
Keller Williams North Shore West
(224) 308-1264
Saturday, May 23
Open Sat 1PM - 3PM
$470,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,389 Sq Ft
Welcome to this beautifully well maintained and move-in-ready 4-bedroom 2.1 bath home . From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the tall ceilings, fresh carpet, and lasting finishes throughout. The bright, open-concept kitchen and family room are the heart of the home-featuring a spacious island, Stainless steel appliances, and a large eating area. The family room offers a cozy gas log
Bright, refreshed, and move-in ready, this well-maintained corner unit offers a comfortable layout with a natural, easy flow. Featuring one of the more spacious floor plan in the building, the home provides an open and inviting feel throughout. Recently updated with fresh paint, the space feels clean, welcoming, and ready for its next owner. The home features generously sized rooms, abundant
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
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.
Chris Foss
Coldwell Banker Realty
(224) 215-4550
$470,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,389 Sq Ft
Welcome to this beautifully well maintained and move-in-ready 4-bedroom 2.1 bath home . From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the tall ceilings, fresh carpet, and lasting finishes throughout. The bright, open-concept kitchen and family room are the heart of the home-featuring a spacious island, Stainless steel appliances, and a large eating area. The family room offers a cozy gas log
Bright, refreshed, and move-in ready, this well-maintained corner unit offers a comfortable layout with a natural, easy flow. Featuring one of the more spacious floor plan in the building, the home provides an open and inviting feel throughout. Recently updated with fresh paint, the space feels clean, welcoming, and ready for its next owner. The home features generously sized rooms, abundant
NEED VIEWS, SPACE, AND A 1ST FLOOR SUITE? HERE IT IS FOLKS! LOCATED IN THE HIGHLY DESIRABLE ASTERS ON ALMOND TOWNHOME SUBDIVISION, THIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED END UNIT HOME OFFERS A PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED YARD AND A PRIVATE BACKYARD OVERLOOKING A SCENIC CONSERVANCY WITH STUNNING VIEWS. INSIDE, YOU'LL FIND COUNTLESS UPGRADES THROUGHOUT, INCLUDING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD FLOORS,
Enjoy living in beautiful Woodland Hills which is a very open community of attached homes with rolling hills, ponds and ample space to roam! The owner has recently put $10K in new carpeting, new vinyl flooring, some new fixtures and freshly painted throughout! The HVAC was replaced within the last five years, new stainless steel sink and faucet, newer refrigerator and brand new dishwasher. It has
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 this wonderfully appointed two-bedroom, 1.1-bath end-unit townhome in Gurnee - offering an exceptional floor plan, desirable features throughout, and an unbeatable price point for a two-car garage townhome in today's market. Don't wait on this one! The main level impresses with a bright and open living and dining room combination - perfect for entertaining and everyday living alike.
Beautiful Brookdale model in Oakwood subdivision situated on a spacious interior corner lot! Perfect open floor plan with super bright natural lighting. Features hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen with oak cabinets and a center island, and a large family room with a a fireplace. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, soaking tub, and separate shower, plus a skylight for added natural light.
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,
Beautiful brick front home in highly sought after Timberwoods subdivision. The seller spared no expense putting over $200,000 in updates into the property. Full list of updates is available at the property in hard copy, and is attached to this listing under "Additional Information" for agents to access and send to their buyers. Main level updates/improvements include, but are not limited to true
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
$4,500 per month
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.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath home located in the desirable Ravinia Woods community. Nestled on a private, fully fenced lot with mature trees and a spacious wood deck, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality for everyday living and entertaining. A dramatic two-story living room welcomes you into the home, complemented by gleaming
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