Strong schools and community in Chicago's Fox River Valley
Geneva sits roughly 40 miles west of Chicago in the Fox River Valley, where the flowing waters provide scenic views and recreation. Along with St. Charles and Batavia, Geneva is part of the Tri-Cities area. It’s a regional draw with shops and restaurants in the historic storefronts of a walkable downtown. Geneva got its name from the city in New York, not the city in Switzerland; however, the addition of the railroad brought an influx of Swedish and Irish immigrants in the 19th century, many of whom came to work in the factories and mills. Locals still celebrate their heritage at the Swedish Days festival, one of many well-attended annual celebrations. "You often hear Geneva described as quaint," says Lisa Schutz, Realtor with Baird & Warner Fox Valley. "People are drawn here for the school system and stay for the community."
The Fabyan Windmill in Southwest Central Geneva is an art to see near the water view.
People wait for the Metra at the Geneva station, just down the road from Southeast Geneva.
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Condos, historic homes and spacious estates
Geneva's homes are pricier than the area's average. Single-family homes have a median price of $500,000, about $20,000 more than neighboring Batavia. Styles range from townhouses and condos to country club estates. Just west of the river, the Geneva Historic District includes Downtown Geneva and surrounding residential blocks, with Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne and Prairie-style houses — styles common in the Midwest from the 1840s to the early 1900s. Further from the downtown area are tree-lined neighborhoods with midcentury ranch and Colonial Revival-style properties. On the south side, the Eagle Brook neighborhood features large contemporary estates from the '80s and '90s at the Eagle Brook Country Club.
Historic home with a large patio and black window shutters located in Downtown Geneva.
Colonial Revival home style with white stucco exterior located in Downtown Geneva.
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Canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing on the Fox River
Since 1953, the Geneva Park District has grown from four parks to 50, and many residents today are a short distance from their neighborhood green space. Besides the typical playgrounds and sports facilities, the district offers a swimming pool, skate park, an ice skating rink and miniature and disc golf courses. Parks sit along the Fox River, and there are many places to fish and launch a kayak or canoe. The Fox River Bike Trail, spanning 30 miles in Kane County, is a popular way to experience the river throughout the year, from jogging and biking to cross-country skiing. Along the river, Fabyan Forest Preserve features a Japanese garden and the Fabyan Windmill, a five-story Dutch windmill. Peck Farm Park is notable for its 385 acres of space, which includes nature trails, a lake and a butterfly house. Baseball is another popular Geneva pastime. In east Geneva, Northwestern Medicine Field can accommodate roughly 11,000 fans, home to the Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball.
Fox Valley River Walk is the perfect place for an afternoon hike.
There’s plenty to explore in Downtown Geneva – just a short walk away.
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School District 304 is number three in Kane County
Schools are a selling point for many Geneva transplants. Geneva Community Unit School District 304 has an A grade from Niche, which ranks it the number three district in the county. The district oversees one early learning program, six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Most earn either an A or an A-minus grade from Niche.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Education named Geneva High School a Blue Ribbon School — an award recognizing exceptional academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps. Niche gives it an A and ranks it the fifth-best public high school in the county. Tech-minded students get hands-on experience in the Technology Support Internship program. Students take an introductory course and can then begin working shifts at the school Tech Support Help Desk.
Williamsburg Elementary School maintains A-minus rating on Niche.
Geneva Community High School nurtures student growth and academic development.
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Scandinavian celebrations at Swedish Days
An active Chamber of Commerce brings several special events throughout the year, many along Third Street. Swedish Days is one such festival, which originated in 1949 to promote and build local businesses and quickly evolved into a cultural celebration. Seventy-five years later, Swedish food, dress and entertainment are on display over five days in June. It features a craft beer tent, carnival, nightly entertainment and a parade. "The festival is a big draw to the residents," Schutz says. "It's always a great opportunity to run into neighbors and local musical talent that you've seen at the local establishments."
Geneva French Market occurs seasonally from April until November.
Food trucks and other food vendors are also participating in the market.
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Public transportation into Chicago
Geneva is well connected to the greater Chicago area. The Union Pacific West Line runs to Chicago from Geneva's Third Street Station. Pace Suburban Bus routes also connect to Elgin and Aurora. "We are an easy one-hour drive or train ride to two great locations: downtown Chicago and Lake Geneva," Schutz says. Drivers rely on thoroughfares, including State Routes 25, 31 and 38, with Interstate 88 roughly 9 miles south in Aurora. About 31 miles east, O'Hare Airport has service to cities across the United States and international destinations. Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is the city's biggest employer, with over 600 physicians on staff.
Small businesses in Geneva's walkable downtown
Sidewalks and flowerbeds line Geneva's brick-paved downtown area. Third Street and State Street host specialty stores, breweries, restaurants and boutiques. Cuisine options include everything from barbecue to Italian and New American. Stockholm's Restaurant and Brewery nods to Geneva's roots with Scandinavian-inspired decor. It specializes in handcrafted beers and Italian eats. Randall Road in Geneva’s west is the destination for chain stores and big-box options, with Geneva Commons providing over 80 shops and restaurants.
Geneva Commons is a home to Pottery Barn and other retailers.
Residents can stop by for lunch and dinner at one of the restaurants along South 3rd Street.
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Low crime, snowy winters
According to FBI data, crime is generally low in Geneva, with violent and property crime rates significantly below state and national averages over the past five years. The Geneva Police Department hosts a Citizen Police Academy, a weekly class that allows participants to connect with officers and learn how they do their jobs. Snowy winters are a reality in Geneva, with an annual average of 31 inches. However, this can come in bursts, as cold air moves over warmer Lake Michigan waters, causing lake-effect snows.
On average, homes in Geneva, IL sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Geneva, IL over the last 12 months is $499,499, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Since beginning her real estate career in 2001, Managing Broker Erica Cuneen has been a top-producing agent and consistently sells at the multi-million dollar level. With primary markets in Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest, Erica has experience with varied markets and a diverse group of clients. Above all, Erica recognizes the timeless value of finding the ideal home and community for each of her clients. Exceptional service and the desire to exceed clients’ expectations is Erica’s hallmark.
Erica strives to ensure her clients find the home they want and invest in properties that meet their business needs. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she can help you realize the value of your property and handle transactions smoothly. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, educator of deaf students in Ecuador, and bilingual (Spanish) educator in Chicago public schools, Erica appreciates the value of community. In today’s active market, sellers need to set themselves apart. As an environmentally conscious professional, Erica is a certified EcoBroker. Her ability to highlight green features puts sellers’ property at the forefront, and buyers benefit from the energy savings and peace of mind.
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.
