Johnsburg

East Johnsburg is a peninsula within the Chain O’Lakes or “The Chain.” A tight-knit community that holds a mixture of full-time and part-time residents. Nevertheless, residents in this neighborhood enjoy the amenities of Fox River and Pistakee Lake. Homes in East Johnsburg are a mixture of different ages. Smaller homes are usually on the older side, being built between the early to mid-20th century. Newer homes tend to be built after the 70s until the early 2000s. Regardless of the area, residents have access to the nearby lakes. “If you’re on the Chain, there are more affluent homes that go over $1 million,” says market center administrator at Keller Williams Success Realty Karin Haubold. “People pulled down older homes and built larger ones. There are homes that aren’t directly on the water, but you can get to the water through the channels that can get you to main lakes.” For $150,000 to $350,000, homebuyers can snag a cozy ranch or Cape Cod-style home. These homes can have serene water views or private lake access. Homes over $400,000 tend to be contemporary, custom-built or carry over 2,500 square feet. Residents typically don’t have to use street parking as many homes have attached or detached garages. One of the biggest draws to East Johnsburg is the outdoor recreation and the lakes. “In the winter, the lake freezes over, and people snowmobile on it,” Haubold says. “There’s a lot of hiking in that area too. There’s a lot of natural formations and kettles.” During warmer months, residents can be found along the lake participating in activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking or canoeing. Aside from snowmobiling, residents may also find joy during colder months: ice skating, snowshoeing or ice fishing. Hiking opportunities can be found at Volo Bog State Natural Area, which includes 5 miles of walking trails. Get competitive with the family at the athletic fields and sports courts located at Adams Park, 3 miles west. Kids can also enjoy the playground. Students can attend schools within the Johnsburg Community Unit School District, which holds a B on Niche. Ringwood School Primary Center takes care of kindergarten through second grade. This school holds a B-minus on Niche and has a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Afterward, students segway to Johnsburg Elementary School. 74% of their students participate in an extracurricular activity. Johnsburg Junior High School holds a B-minus on Niche. Nearly half their student population is enrolled in extracurriculars, including student council, ski club or robotics. The B Niche-rated Johnsburg High School is where students earn their diplomas. The Lake House on Pistakee is located right on the water, and it was voted the best water dining spot in McHenry County for three years. Bring your boat or car and enjoy fresh seafood dishes and American favorites. Oak Park Lounge is the oldest bar on the Chain, opening its doors in 1895. The neighborhood dive bar is a true gem for its chill vibes, beer and pizza. This place also has a great fireworks display during the Fourth of July. Residents have some grocery options, including Jewel Osco, 3 miles east and Meijer, 5 miles west. Big box retailers such as Walmart Supercenter, TJ Maxx and Kohl’s can be found 5 miles west along Highway 31. Johnsburg has many opportunities to meet your neighbors through seasonal events and gatherings. Celebration in the Park is the village’s fall festival. Families and residents can come out for an evening of food, live music, games and fireworks. Saufen und Spiel is an annual neighborhood parade. Spend the afternoon enjoying the floats, live music, games, and food. The Vixen is a popular event space. Residents can spend weekends vibing to the different events, whether it's a concert, comedy show or DJ. Those who need to head into Chicago can catch the Ingleside Metra Station, 5 miles east. Otherwise, it’s a 60-mile drive. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about 45 miles southeast, offering destinations to dozens of locations.

From its lakeside edge to its cozy wooded streets, West Palm Beach neighbors agree they live in a nature lovers’ paradise. “The Palm Beach area has a resort-like atmosphere,” says Marilyn Durante, a local real estate broker with Lakes Realty Group. “I go through the subdivisions on my morning walks, and I’ll pass four lakes within an hour. It’s a desirable area with a quiet atmosphere.” The community’s pillar is Pistakee Lake, which is lined with homes that provide private water and docking access. With Pistakee Lake serving as a backyard for many residents, boating, kayaking, and fishing are popular pastimes in West Palm Beach. “Being right on Pistakee Lake is a big perk of living here,” Durante says. “Boat launches and beaches are common, and there are a number of marinas that can be used by locals who don’t live right on the water.” Harmony Marina is 3 miles away, and Light House Marina sits 5.5 miles outside the neighborhood in Fox Lake. Boaters can dock there or fill up on gas after a long ride on the lake. Along with the reservoir, nature preserves surround this small community. Pistakee Bog spans more than 200 acres and connects to the Tamarack View Trail and the Volo Bog Nature Preserve, where locals can traverse expansive marshes and meadows. Equestrians of West Palm Beach need not travel far to find boarding and riding facilities. Pistakee Bay Stable is home to both indoor and outdoor arenas, along with a 30-stall barn. Pistakee Country Club’s 9-hole course is also nearby for golfers. Homebuyers can expect higher prices here compared to some neighboring communities. The average listing price sits around $550,000, though some homes sell for more than $1.5 million. In nearby Johnsburg, the average home value is around $358,000. According to Durante, homes don’t hit the market very often in West Palm Beach, and when they do, they’re sold within a few days. The properties situated along the banks of the waterway often feature in-ground pools and large lots of an acre or more. Further inland, there is a selection of ranch-style houses and split-levels surrounded by foliage for less than $300,000. Waterfront living extends to the dining scene around West Palm Beach. Formerly known as The Lake House on Pistakee Lake, The Backyard Bar & Marina opens seasonally and, for three years in a row, was voted one of the best waterfront dining spots in McHenry County by the Northwest Herald readers. Locals eat fresh fish while enjoying lake views from the outdoor patio. Inside, there are slots for gamers and a bar lined with TVs. On Friday nights, stop by Dockers for the all-you-can-eat fish fry. Groceries can be picked up at the Aldi or Jewel-Osco within 2 miles of the neighborhood. Students are zoned for McHenry School District 15 and begin their education at Hilltop Elementary. The school serves students in prekindergarten through third grades and earns a B-minus from Niche. Each of the other schools in the district, Chauncey H. Duker School and McHenry Middle School receive the same rating. Once students filter into A-minus-rated McHenry Community High School, they will transition into McHenry Community High School District 156. The high school is divided across two campuses, one for freshmen and one for upperclassmen. Students here will find a range of career and technology courses to consider, including business management, graphics and manufacturing. West Palm Beach provides a sense of seclusion but is within driving distance of several townships and villages. Less than 5 miles away are the amenities of McHenry and Fox Lake. Each of those areas also provides access to the Metra. Hop on the Orange Line in McHenry or the Yellow Line in Fox Lake to reach downtown Chicago. Those who prefer driving to the city center travel along U.S. Route 12 and Interstate 290 for roughly 60 miles. A shorter commute along U.S. Route 12, about 40 miles, will lead to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.