Holiday Shores offers recreation and a strong sense of community
Holiday Shores is a lake community in Edwardsville known for its exclusive access to outdoor recreation. “Most people come to Holiday Shores for the lake,” says Carla Baugh, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors who has lived in the area for over 40 years. “A lot of people want to fish and ski.” All residents are required to be members of the Holishor Association, which allows them to use the three beaches, clubhouse and other amenities. “A lot of people buy lots just to have access to the lakes,” Baugh says. The association keeps the community connected through clubs, events and monthly newsletters.
One-story homes and lakefront lots offer varied pricing
Most houses in the area are one-story, typically Craftsman-inspired bungalows and ranch-style homes with oversized garages. Some properties are purchased as weekend homes, as Baugh notes that Holiday Shores is a less expensive alternative to other lake communities, such as the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. “Houses usually cost more on the main lake, a little less on the coves and even less off the water,” Baugh says. Single-family homes off the water often range from $160,000 to $390,000. Waterfront homes typically range from around $400,000 to $700,000. Annual fees and dues for the Holishor Association are about $800.
Schools in the area earn solid ratings and offer college credit
Students in kindergarten through second grade can attend Midway Elementary, which gets a B-plus grade from Niche. Worden Elementary earns an A-minus and serves kids in third through fifth grade. Lincoln Middle and Edwardsville High both have an A-minus rating. High schoolers can take dual-enrollment classes through Lewis & Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. The Edwardsville School District 7 Sports Complex has the Metro East's only Olympic-size pool.
Residents can enjoy pickleball, tennis and lake activities
Vortruba Beach is Holiday Shore's main beach, but the community can also visit Cedar and Tamarach beaches. None of the beaches has lifeguards, and swimming alone is not recommended. Holiday Lake is a no-wake lake, meaning that boats are required to go at a slower speed. Members of the Holishor Association have access to the boat ramp, but the marina is privately owned. The Holiday Shores Clubhouse has pickleball and tennis courts. There is also a baseball diamond on Jamaica Avenue.
Wigglers and The Vault offer casual eats and family fun
There are only a handful of restaurants in Holiday Shores. Wigglers Bar and Grill has a large television and game day specials on pizza and wings. They have a small stage for live music. The Vault Coffee and Ice Creamery features an outdoor bar with colorful stools, picnic benches and a small play area for kids. Behme's Market Holiday Shores is a small convenience store and gas station. Most residents go to Bethalto, around 7 miles west, or Edwardsville, about 10 miles south, for grocery shopping. Edwardsville has Joe's Market Basket and Green Earth Grocery.
Clubs and fitness classes offer ways to stay active and social
The Holishor Association has several clubs and committees, including a garden club, a pickleball club and a senior club. The ski club puts on an annual Fourth of July ski show, while the fishing committee puts on community fishing tournaments. They also have a welcoming committee that delivers baskets to new association members. There are free weekly events like yoga and walking aerobics offered in the ballroom, which members can request to rent for private events. "There are all kinds of things to do if you want to get involved,” Baugh says.
Holiday Shores is remote but near Edwardsville and Alton
Holiday Shores is a car-dependent area with no public transportation and very limited walkability. It's around 10 miles north of downtown Edwardsville, 15 miles east of Alton and 35 miles northeast of St. Louis. The drive to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is also about 35 miles. The airport offers direct flights to several cities, including Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Orlando. The area has a major heat risk, according to First Street.
