A natural Prairie Grove oasis on the banks of the Fox River's western shores
Hugging the western banks of the scenic Fox River, Colby Point is a laid-back Prairie Grove community known for its peaceful vibes and natural beauty. “It’s a quiet area with an almost-rural atmosphere,” says Cornelia Wismer, a local real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Though close to the amenities of downtown McHenry, residents get to enjoy a tucked-away life on the river, with access to outdoor opportunities like Stickney Run Conservation Area and fresh produce grown by neighbors. “The lakes and natural areas are a big draw for homebuyers,” Wismer says.
Colby Point is a laid-back Prairie Grove community near the western banks of the Fox River.
Boating on the Fox River is readily enjoyed by Colby Point residents and visitors.
1/2
The trails of Stickney Run Conservation Area
The 629 acres of Stickney Run Conservation Area sit in the northwestern part of the neighborhood. Many come here to take in nature through its 1.25 miles of wooded trails and planned outdoor activities. “We offer a variety of programming out there throughout the year and for all ages,” says Bri Roeser, a McHenry County Conservation District representative. This programming includes gritty restoration days and the Awesome Art For Families program, which guides the attendees through the process of creating art. Boating on the Fox River is another popular activity thanks to private backyard docks and Fish Tales Concessions on McHenry Dam Road, which provides bait for fishing bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish. They also offer rowboat, kayak and canoe rentals for those who don’t own their own.
Colby Point's Stickney Run has miles of paths ideal for hiking & horseback riding.
Colby Point residents love to fish in the river at McHenry Dam.
1/2
The homes of Colby Point
Narrow, one-lane roads lined with thick forestry make up the bulk of Colby Point. Where there aren’t trees, patches of wild grass carpet the landscape, offering a pastoral feel on the drive to and from home. Houses in its residential pockets, located closer to the waterfront, sit just far enough apart to allow for quick glimpses of Fox River and offer plenty of room to store watercraft in driveways and side sheds. Homes here were built over the last 120 years, showcasing ranch and new traditional-style homes. Prices start at $165,000 and reach up to $320,000 for a waterfront property.
Many of Colby Point residents enjoy waterfront living with their own personal boat docks.
Colby Point offers housing options to accommodate a range of buyers, from modest to high-end.
1/2
Chicken wings and riverside views at Kief's Reef
Residents can enjoy locally grown produce thanks to residential farms like Garden Thyme off South Justen Road, which offers produce and goods like essential oils. Similarly, a roadside farm along South Green Street directly north of Creekside Park provides neighbors with farm-fresh eggs. Brunch Café-McHenry is a mile farther north off State Route 31 and is a local brunch spot appreciated for its inviting atmosphere and staff. Two miles farther in the same direction leads to The Shops at Fox River retailers, while a Jewel-Osco sits 4 miles away off Oak Drive. After a day out and about, residents can enjoy the best chicken wings in McHenry County, according to McHenry County Living Magazine in 2019, at Kief’s Reef, a popular riverside hangout.
Stop at Kief's Reef in Colby Point for drinks and try their award winning chicken wings.
Be sure to swing over to Brunch Cafe-McHenry near Colby Point for a tasty breakfast.
1/2
Student broadcasting at McHenry High School
The community is served by two different school districts, Prairie Grove Central School District No. 46 and McHenry Community High School District No. 156, which most homes fall within. Young students can attend Edgebrook Elementary School, which has a B rating on Niche, before heading to Chauncey H. Duker School, which maintains a B-minus grade. Following this, older students can head to McHenry Middle School, a B-minus-rated school, before finishing off at McHenry High School. The freshman campus, off North Green Street, serves grades ninth and tenth, while its upper campus, off West Crystal Lake Road, teaches eleventh and twelfth. The home of the Warriors maintains an A-minus rating and welcomed a broadcasting course in 2022, where students create regular broadcasts for the “Warrior Weekly,” a source for campus-related news.
Chauncey H. Duker School is a public school located near Colby Point serving grades 3-5.
McHenry Community High School - Freshman Campus is a well rated school near Colby Point.
1/2
Commuting from Colby Point
State Route 31 sits a mile west, allowing for 60-mile drives into Chicago and 44-mile trips to Chicago O’Hare International Airport with the help of Interstate 90. The throughway also provides residents access to downtown McHenry, 4 miles north. Even closer to home is Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, a 2-mile trip via Barrelville Road.
Colby Point residents can go north along the Fox River to reach the impressive Chain O’ Lakes.
Colby Point commuters can easily take the train to downtown Chicago from Mchenry Metra Station.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matt Lysien,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Prairie Grove Village Park
Moraine Hills State Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
McHenry Zone Skate & Bike Park
Skateboard
Creekside Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
McHenry Shores Beach Park
Basketball
River
Stickney Run Conservation Area
McHenry Dam
Fishing
Lake
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
56 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Colby Point
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Colby Point, Prairie Grove sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Colby Point, Prairie Grove over the last 12 months is $471,450, up 85% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The possibilities are endless here - whether you choose to design and build your ideal home or convert the sturdy barn into a unique living space, the choice is yours. This sprawling 4.6 acre property includes an oversized septic system and a new well. Enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful area overlooking the conservation and you will find yourself immersed in nature and hear nothing but birds
Jayne PettyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matt Lysien,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
474
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$87,828
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,981
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.7%
College Graduates
9.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
29''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
