$309,339Average Value$184Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
A rural community home to local businesses and a rich history
The community of Harvard is home to a charming historic downtown strip full of local storefronts and restaurants to explore alongside expansive nature preserves, which adds to its somewhat pastoral feel. “Harvard is a small town with a homey and rural feel,” says Jose Rey, a local Realtor with Compass. The history and feeling of hometown pride in the self-proclaimed Milk Capital of the World is felt at annual celebrations, like Harvard Milk Days, one of Illinois’ longest-running festivals.
Downtown Harvard will take you past numerous locally owned shops and restaurants.
Harvard is the home of Milk Day, the oldest continuous hometown festival in Illinois.
1/2
The businesses of West Front Street
Strolling through downtown Harvard will take visitors past numerous locally owned shops and restaurants, like Starline Excursion Market, an antique and local art shop along West Front Street. A stop into Bopp’s Bar and Grill can satisfy the appetite with a specialty burger and cold beer after a day out and about. Meanwhile, dessert is found at By the Dozen Bakery, a community favorite known for its donuts and coffee cake. When it’s time to pick up groceries, residents head to the Walmart Supercenter just south of downtown.
Harvard, Illinois was established in 1856 and most of the building still have their charm.
By The Dozen Bakery in
Harvard offers scones, macarons and more for a little snack on the run.
1/2
Seasonal adventures at Rush Creek Conservation Area
Sitting right across from the local library is Lion Park, where locals go to use the playground, practice their pitch atop the softball fields, and splash about in the community pool to cool off on a hot day. Dog owners can head to the west side of town to Harvard Dog Park, where four-legged friends can enjoy some off-leash exercise. Local wildlife can be appreciated at Rush Creek Conservation Area through its 700 acres of protected woodlands, meadows and wetlands. Here, folks enjoy hikes, cross-country skiing and horseback riding along the preserve’s seven miles of trails.
Lion's park is a great place in Harvard to ride bikes and walk.
Cast a line from the shores of the pond at Rush Creek Conservation Area to catch some fish.
1/2
The homes of Harvard
A drive through the community is guided by long rural roads and sprawling open fields, which carry residents from house one to the next. These streets lead to Harvard’s mainline roads, West Brink Street and US Highway 14, intersecting at the town’s center. The area surrounding downtown showcases a tighter residential landscape, where residents can expect to run into neighbors regularly. Most of these quiet streets feature a modest sidewalk and mature white and bur oak trees found throughout. Most of the ranch, Victorian-influenced farmhouses and bungalow-style homes were built throughout the 20th century, with some dating back to the 1800s. Since the early 2000s, new traditional-style homes have been popping up throughout the community alongside custom-built houses thanks to ample land for sale. Depending on size and condition, those looking to purchase a home in the community can expect a price range from $180,000 to $700,000.
Harvard includes many different home styles including Farmhouses and Ranch homes.
Harvard includes many different home styles including Cape Cod and smaller options.
1/2
Harvard Milk Days
For the last 82 years, residents have gathered downtown for the Harvard Milk Days. The event celebrates the community’s milk contributions during WWII and is a staple of the area. Those in attendance enjoy a two-hour parade, tons of carnival rides and activities like a petting zoo, antique trailer show and live entertainment. However, its cause for celebration is appreciated year-round thanks to Harmilda, a 5-foot-tall cow statue in downtown's center.
With small-town charm, Harvard provides its residents with both downtown and a nature preserve.
Harvard is the home of Milk Day, the oldest continuous hometown festival in Illinois.
1/2
Online updates at Harvard High School
At summer’s end, young students attend classes at Crosby Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, both of which maintain a C-minus rating on Niche. Older students will head to Harvard Junior High School, which has also been given a C-minus from Niche, before attending Harvard High School. The high school maintains a C-plus score on Niche and has a very active presence on social media, allowing curious parents an inside look into the school week.
Harvard High School is about 4 miles south of Wisconsin and 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
Crosby Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of Harvard.
1/2
Commuting from Harvard
“It's a great place to live for people who like to travel but are still looking for a quieter lifestyle,” explains Rey. “The Metra station is right in town and can take folks all the way to Chicago, and Rockford International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away." However, those driving into Chicago can reach the area along a 75-mile drive east via Interstate 90. Closer to home is the Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center, which sits 15.2 miles away, off US-14 West.
The Harvard Metra Station offers residents a convenient way to get to Downtown Chicago.
The Harvard Metra Station is conveniently located in the Downtown area of Harvard.
1/2
Downtown's passing trains
Harvard has its own train stop at the center of the community, where residents can hop on and ride into downtown Chicago for a day of fun or a weekend visit. As a result, periodic noise from passing trains is expected for those near its tracks. Though many consider this background noise, it is worth considering for those who may be sensitive to this type of sound.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Beth Bellantuono,
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
On average, homes in Harvard, IL sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Harvard, IL over the last 12 months is $260,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious home offers a fantastic layout with a bright kitchen, an enclosed back porch, a generous living area, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom on the main floor. Upstairs, you'll find two large rooms along with a hallway/loft area that features a huge closet. The main level boasts wood floors, while the upstairs is finished with tile flooring. While some updates have been made to the
Opportunity abounds for the equestrian enthusiast on this 64 acre farm!! Currently operated as an equestrian boarding facility & a luxury single family home, the gently rolling topography of this farm, located very near to the Wisconsin border, is an ideal backdrop for your country estate! The 4-bedroom & 3.5-bathroom home with a walk-out lower level offers ample room for your family and for
Clancy GreenBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
Charming 3-Bedroom Ranch! Lovely 3-bedroom ranch home with many recent updates, including a newer roof, furnace, and flooring. The open-concept floor plan creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The gracious primary bedroom features a newer step-in shower and a walk-in closet. Enjoy the enclosed 3-season porch overlooking a fenced yard filled with beautiful perennials. The basement offers a
This spacious home offers a fantastic layout with a bright kitchen, an enclosed back porch, a generous living area, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom on the main floor. Upstairs, you'll find two large rooms along with a hallway/loft area that features a huge closet. The main level boasts wood floors, while the upstairs is finished with tile flooring. While some updates have been made to the
Out in the country with keypad entry. Free heat. You'll fall in love with this property. Experience hospitality and small town living in the quiet town of Harvard. Just minutes from dining and shopping, this newer two bedroom apartment community provides the peaceful setting needed after a long day. Located on the edge of town this contemporary community offers both luxury and charm.
Brand new construction duplex . FULLY FENCED IN BACKYARD. Available Sept. 15th. New construction units will be through the end of the year. There will be a new unit available every 2 weeks starting August 15th, September 1st, September 15th, October 1st, October 15th, November 1st, November 15th. 1900 square feet, 3 bedroom 2.5 bath contemporary home with 2 car attached garage. LVL
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Disclaimer: Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease, limited to the first 500 executed leases. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and
Just south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, Alden Township is a sparsely populated, rural community where residents can take a step back from the fast pace found in Chicago and Milwaukee. Woodlands and agricultural fields make up the area, with small residential pockets sprinkled throughout. <br><br>Large properties are a big draw for homebuyers to the township. The smallest lots are around half an acre, while some reach sizes of 50 acres and above. A wide range of architectural styles line the streets of Alden, with development dates spanning from the early 1900s to the early 2000s. Large modern traditional houses can be found among Cape Cods, bi-levels and modest farmhouses, with prices ranging from $70,000 for a one-bedroom condo to $1.6 million for modern, five-bedroom homes with 4,500 square feet and 55 acres of land. Those looking to build their own rural escape can get a 40-acre lot for around $550,000 or a 5-acre lot for $80,000. <br><br>Local students are served by Alden-Hebron School District 19, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. It’s a small district, with only 400 students spread across the schools, which has allowed for a low average student-teacher ratio of 9-1. Alden-Hebron Elementary earns a B-plus grade from Niche on its teachers. Alden-Hebron's middle and high school share a campus just across the street from the elementary school, where learners can partake in extracurricular programs, including clubs centered around chess, drama, robotics and STEM. Students in grades 10 through 12 can take courses through McHenry Community College to earn high school and college credits before graduation. <br><br>Alden’s roots lie in agriculture, which is still seen in the farms and orchards that dot the township. Royal Oak Farm is home to 160 acres of apple trees, with 30 varieties grown across the property, including Gala, Honeycrisp and Red Delicious. You can pick your own apples in the fall, visit the country store to select pre-picked fruit, or buy homemade jams, cider, or fresh baked goods. At the corner of Alden Road and Route 173 is Alden Resale, which has been serving the community since it opened in 1995. Whether you’re looking for a gift, or something to add to your own home, stop in to peruse antiques, second-hand furniture, jewelry and other unique finds. <br><br>For groceries and other household essentials, take the 10-minute drive to Harvard’s Walmart Supercenter. Harvard is also where township locals can find a wide selection of local restaurants and shops, including Bopp’s Bar and Grill. Order the Hawaiian burger, topped with queso, pineapple and ham, which you can savor alongside a refreshing pint of beer from the tap or a handcrafted cocktail. <br><br>The High Point Conservation Area is a centrally located, 250-acre preserve with a one-mile trail that guides visitors through peaceful woodlands and meadows. Two miles east is the Oak Grove Golf Course, a public, 18-hole course, which earns an impressive four-and-a-half star rating from Golf Digest. After an afternoon on the course, return home along Alden's quiet country lanes to relax and recharge.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
27''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
36/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
