Amusement parks, suburban charm and proximity to Chicago
Living in Gurnee offers residents the charm of suburban life with adventures right at their doorstep. The village, known for its amusement parks and entertainment venues, is conveniently located less than an hour north of Chicago's Metropolitan Area and just 5 miles from Lake Michigan. With ample green spaces and a population of over 30,000 residents, Gurnee features premier shopping options, including one of the largest malls in Lake County, and the village is surrounded by several small lakes to the west. Additionally, Gurnee has the lowest property taxes in Lake County and receives an overall A rating from Niche, making it one of the best places to live in the area. Niche also ranks it as the 58th best suburb for young professionals and the 58th most diverse suburb in Illinois.
The name "Gurnee" is said to have originated from Louis J. Gurnee, who surveyed the railroad, although other sources suggest it was named after Walter S. Gurnee, one of the area's earliest settlers and a former Mayor of Chicago. Regardless of its namesake, Gurnee is now a peaceful suburban retreat with easy access to amenities and entertainment options, providing residents with the best of both worlds.
Folks come from all over the greater Chicago area to visit Gurnee for its amusement parks.
The Gurnee area includes an abundance of greenery and beautiful scenery.
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Getting out in nature and roller coaster fun
Life in Gurnee is characterized by its amusement parks and abundant green spaces. Situated right off Interstate 94, Six Flags Great America offers residents an adrenaline-filled day with its 15 coasters, water rides, kids' attractions and live entertainment. Nearby, Great Wolf Lodge provides a perfect staycation destination with its waterpark, indoor mini-golf and arcade. Indoor adventures await at Gurnee Mills Mall, home to Launch Trampoline Park, 60 to Escape and Extreme Flight Simulation, where residents can also launch into fun on trampolines, test their wits in escape rooms or experience a virtual reality flight in a Boeing 737.
Gurnee Park District showcases over 30 green spaces, including Betty Russell Community Park, featuring sports courts and fields for year-round activities and a trail system for walkers and runners. Nature lovers can explore the conservation area for wildlife observation. Surrounded by vast green areas, Gurnee is home to seven nature preserves, including Lake County Forest Preserve and Almond Marsh Forest Preserve. Residents can enjoy biking, hiking or birdwatching amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Hutchins Athletic Field in Gurnee even has some shade if you want to have a rest.
Gurnee Mills shopping mall houses large retailers and attracts thousands to the indoor mall.
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Retail therapy, dining and entertainment at Gurnee Mills Mall
While Gurnee lacks a traditional city center, Gurnee Mills Mall stands out as a bustling retail and dining destination. As Illinois' largest outlet and shopping center, it caters to the Chicago Metropolitan Area with anchor stores like Under Armour, Levi’s, Floor and Décor and Nike. The mall also features entertainment options such as a bowling alley, theater and FunFlatables bouncing venue.
For dining, Gurnee Mills Mall also offers a variety of culinary options, making it a convenient stop for satisfying local cuisine. Additionally, Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue serve as dining hubs, housing a mix of local eateries and chain restaurants. Local favorites like Gurnee Donuts and Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Gurnee can be found along these major thoroughfares.
For those seeking a broader shopping and dining experience, downtown Chicago is just a 45-minute drive away.
Stevens’ on Riverside Drive in Gurnee is a great place for locals to stop for a drink.
The wild looking Rainforest Cafe at Gurnee Mills is a fun restaurant stop.
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Planned communities, a variety of home styles and a bit of breathing room,
In Gurnee, homes typically sell swiftly, with an average time on the market of 18 days compared to the national average of 41 days. The average sale price for homes is nearly $346,000.
Various housing options are available, including homes in planned communities like Fairway Ridge and The Oaks, as well as in subdivision neighborhoods such as Pembrook and The Pines. Additionally, Emerald Greens at the Merrit Club offers gated community living with homes situated on 1-acre sites overlooking the golf course and ponds, with custom home lots available starting from the $900,000s.
Prices vary based on size and type of home. Well-maintained homes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet typically cost between $340,000 and $415,000. Condos and townhouses start from $160,000 and up to $400,000 for units with high-end appliances, finishes and multiple bedrooms and baths. Larger homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, with square footage of nearly 3,000 square feet or more, can range from $600,000 to $850,000.
Architectural styles in the area include Colonial Revivals, modest ranch-style houses, elegant modern traditional, split-levels and charming Cape Cods with Victorian adornments. Most homes feature attached, front-facing garages, while higher-end properties often occupy double lots or larger parcels of land, giving residents a bit of breathing room and privacy.
There are many home styles in Gurnee including Modern Traditional.
One home style commonly found in Gurnee includes Colonial Revival.
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High marks for pre-K to K-12 and post-secondary opportunities
Gurnee School District No. 56 serves approximately 1,900 students from pre-K to K-12, boasting a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. State test scores indicate 11% proficiency in math and 14% in reading. With an overall Niche rating of C-plus, the district excels in several areas, notably diversity, teachers, and administration. Notable schools within the district, such as Warran Township High School and Spaulding Elementary School, receive A or B ratings. Residents can further their education with programs and classes at the Warren-Newport Public Library.
Spaulding Elementary School is a public school located in Gurnee serving grades PK, K-2.
Viking School in Gurnee has a beautiful campus with lots of green surroundings.
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Getting around town
In addition to relying on personal vehicles, Gurnee residents have convenient access to public transportation through the Pace Bus, offering daily routes to nearby Metra Stations in Waukegan and the Union Pacific North Line, providing easy connections to Chicago and other areas beyond the community.
For air travel, the closest full-service airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, serving numerous airlines such as United, JetBlue, Delta, and American.
Crime reports and ratings
Gurnee has an overall crime score of B-plus from CrimeGrade, suggesting a lower crime rate than the national average. It also ranks in the 76th percentile for safety, with approximately 17.90 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
Living in Gurnee offers residents a community with a myriad of amenities and attractions. From its amusement parks and shopping centers to its beautiful green spaces and top-rated schools, Gurnee provides a high quality of life for its residents. Whether seeking family-friendly entertainment, outdoor recreation or commendable educational opportunities, Gurnee is an ideal place to consider.
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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.
