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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Louise Berger
RE/MAX Plaza
(815) 923-3645
65 Total Sales
1 in Alden
$300,000 Price
Shannon Long
Baird & Warner Fox Valley - Geneva
(224) 313-4501
30 Total Sales
1 in Alden
$545,000 Price
Brian Labahn
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(833) 760-1441
28 Total Sales
1 in Alden
$2,200,000 Price
Marty Kampmeier
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
(815) 880-1594
126 Total Sales
1 in Alden
$460,000 Price
Arturo Flores
eXp Realty
(815) 860-2941
524 Total Sales
6 in Alden
$190K - $440K Price Range
Bob Wisdom
RE/MAX Horizon
(224) 276-5819
683 Total Sales
1 in Alden
$545,000 Price
On average, homes in Alden, Harvard sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Alden, Harvard over the last 12 months is $392,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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A rural community home to local businesses and a rich history
Neighborhood put on the map by an unlikely high school basketball title run
A rural oasis where large lots and natural areas are in abundance
Situated between Wonder Lake's shores and parks
Private Wonder Lake community with four parks and year-round boat amenities
Homes by the lake accentuate a peaceful lifestyle northwest of Chicago
