$430,928Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes For Sale
Suburban convenience at Chicago’s door
In South Elgin, life flows as naturally as the Fox River running through it. About 40 miles northwest of Chicago, South Elgin combines suburban living with convenient access to nearby cities such as Elgin and Geneva. With a population of more than 24,000, the village has seen steady growth thanks to new home construction and an expanding economy, “but we’ve worked hard to maintain the close-knit, welcoming feel that makes this village special,” says Craig Pierce, a resident and the community engagement manager for South Elgin.
Guided by its initiative, “You Belong Here,” South Elgin emphasizes a sense of inclusion for all residents. “Our goal is to ensure everyone who calls South Elgin home feels connected,” Pierce says.
Thornwood is a scenic neighborhood in South Elgin.
Scenic ponds dot the landscape in Thornwood.
Residents can use the Metra located in Elgin to be in Chicago in an hour and a half.
Thornwood offers loads of local natural beauty to be enjoyed closeby for residents.
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Thornwood highlights South Elgin real estate
South Elgin’s real estate market offers home styles for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Homebuyers can find single-family homes, townhouses, and ranch-style residences. The median home price for South Elgin is $360,900. Thornwood, a planned community built in the early 2000s, features tree-lined streets and amenities such as a pool and clubhouse.
Whispering Trail, developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, offers a tranquil environment with proximity to parks, with home values ranging widely from $585,600 to $992,000.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, rates of reported violent crime and property crime are lower than national averages.
Downtown South Elgin features many recently constructed new traditional townhomes.
Expansive homes with classic styles are found in Whispering Trail.
Thornwood homes are almost entirely large, new traditional homes.
Large brick homes are the norm in Thornwood.
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Recreation along the Fox River Trail
The Fox River is a centerpiece for recreation in South Elgin. The Fox River Trail, a 40-mile paved path winding through the village, invites cyclists, joggers, and walkers throughout the year. Kayakers and anglers enjoy the water during spring and summer, while the trail offers scenic views of fall colors, drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Panton Mill Park’s riverfront stage hosts live music and craft fairs, while Blackhawk Park offers facilities for youth sports leagues and local tournaments. The river itself is a haven for swimming and paddleboarding, while its banks are a favorite for birdwatchers hoping to spot herons — or even bald eagles. “The riverfront is where so much of South Elgin’s personality shines,” Pierce says. “It’s where we connect with nature and each other.”
South Elgin on the Fox River is where Seba Park resides and families from all over have fun at.
Enjoy the serene surroundings at Panton Mill Park.
Nature is never far away in Whispering Trail, as residents keep an active outdoorsy lifestyle.
Thornwood residents have quick access to the Fox River Trail.
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Downtown links South Elgin to dining and retail
South Elgin is a hub of activity with a riverfront setting. Local businesses and restaurants like the Village Squire support the local economy. From Mexican and Italian to Thai, the dining options reflect the cultures that make up South Elgin’s diverse community. Community events and gatherings in the downtown area further strengthen its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Adding a touch of history and nostalgia, the Fox River Trolley Museum offers visitors a chance to ride vintage trolleys along scenic routes, blending recreation with a nod to the past.
Get some fresh produce at the Downtown South Elgin Market during the summer months.
Residents rave about the burgers from Wee-Dee's in Downtown South Elgin.
Sweet Berry Cafe in Downtown South Elgin is a great place to meet up for a quick meal.
The Village Squire offers fun appetizer items like OPA flaming shrimp.
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Route 31 and I-90 connect South Elgin to Chicago
Near Route 31, Route 20, and Interstate 90, South Elgin provides easy access to Chicago and surrounding areas. For public transit, Metra train stations in Elgin and Geneva offer service to downtown Chicago and other suburban destinations.
The village prioritizes walkability with paths and trails like the Fox River Trail, connecting neighborhoods to parks and community spaces. South Elgin is 30 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 45 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport.
School District U-46 shapes education in South Elgin
School District U-46, Illinois’ second-largest, serves over 35,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school and has an overall B rating from Niche.com. South Elgin High School earned an A-minus rating, highlighting its strong Advanced Placement programs. Nearby, St. Charles East High School, rated A-plus, is recognized for its extracurricular opportunities.
Centennial and Spring Trail Elementary Schools hold B-plus ratings, emphasizing STEM and early literacy. Additionally, the district offers dual-language programs, gifted education, and special education services to students with disabilities.
South Elgin High School challenges and encourages children to learn.
Students of Thornwood attend the top rated St Charles North High school.
Thornwood provides amazing education options for our youth such as Kenyon Woods Middle School.
Otter Creek Elementary School places your children first.
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Written By
Lauren Seifert
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Kelley
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kim Suhanek,
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 South Elgin, IL sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in South Elgin, IL over the last 12 months is $369,990, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well-maintained 2-bedroom end-unit townhome in the desirable Sandhurst community, featuring a practical layout and inviting living spaces. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, with all major appliances recently replaced. The spacious primary bedroom offers vaulted ceilings, private bath access, a dressing area, and generous closet space. A fully finished basement provides additional
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom home in the desirable Wildmeadow subdivision! Featuring 2 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, including a convenient half bath in the finished English-style basement, this home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and functionality. The bright and inviting layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The finished English
MOVE IN THIS FALL!! Homesite #1265. Step inside and explore the Charlotte, a highly sought-after two-story traditional townhome featuring three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The first floor showcases an open-floor plan, creating a sense of spaciousness and unity that seamlessly blends entertainment and everyday comfort. It's easy to see why the kitchen is considered the heart of this home-complete with
This new two-story townhome is the largest design in the Traditional collection. The first floor features an open-concept floorplan among the Great Room, dining room and kitchen and a patio for outdoor living. Upstairs are two secondary bedrooms and an owner’s suite with a private bathroom and spacious walk-in closet.
This new two-story home is optimized for gracious living. The first floor features a family room for greatgatherings, a kitchen with a large pantry for adventurous cooks, a breakfast room for memorable meals and flex space for varied uses. Upstairs are a spacious loft and four bedrooms including the owner’s suite, which all have walk-in closets. Adding a fifth bedroom and full bathroom on the
Located in the highly sought-after St. Charles School District 303, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath Churchill model in Sugar Ridge offers a rare combination of premium pond views, no rear neighbors, and exceptional value. Situated on a desirable lot backing to a peaceful nature pond, the home features vaulted ceilings, a main-level bedroom or office, and an open-concept layout designed for both comfort
This new two-story townhome is the largest design in the Traditional collection. The first floor features an open-concept floorplan among the Great Room, dining room and kitchen and a patio for outdoor living. Upstairs are two secondary bedrooms and an owner’s suite with a private bathroom and spacious walk-in closet.
This new two-story home offers ample space for the whole family to thrive. The first floor features a formal dining room as well as a casual open-concept family room, kitchen and breakfast room, plus a secluded study. Upstairs are a loft that adds shared living space and three bedrooms including the owner’s suite, which all have walk-in closets.
This new two-story home is ready for modern lifestyles. An open-concept floorplan on the first level blends the kitchen, breakfast room and family room, with a formal dining room for hosting home-cooked meals and celebrations off the foyer. A flex space at the back of the home provides the ideal spot for an office. A versatile loft is located at the top of the stairs near four bedrooms, including
Well-maintained 2-bedroom end-unit townhome in the desirable Sandhurst community, featuring a practical layout and inviting living spaces. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, with all major appliances recently replaced. The spacious primary bedroom offers vaulted ceilings, private bath access, a dressing area, and generous closet space. A fully finished basement provides additional
There is no way to "sugar-coat" this but to say you can live in the middle of it all! That's right.... across the street from grade school; across the street from a park with playground equipment; fenced yard for privacy; restaurants, shopping, houses of worship extremely near!! why wait... Take a quick look then make your offer to own this lovely three bedroom home!! Quick close is possible with
Frank CelarekBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
Exceptional custom-built, one-owner residence showcasing timeless craftsmanship, exquisite millwork, and uncompromising quality throughout. Designed with both everyday living and elegant entertaining in mind, this distinctive home offers a thoughtfully crafted floor plan and luxurious finishes at every turn. The grand two-story foyer opens to a dramatic two-story living room, while the sunken
Welcome to Park Pointe living! Desirable location? Check. Built in 2023? Check. Gorgeous oversized kitchen Island? You got it! This beautifully maintained townhome offers an open concept layout, stylish finishes, abundant natural lighting, and a flex living space to turn into a home office, playroom or a third bedroom. It was thoughtfully upgraded beyond builder standards, including enhanced
Springs at South Elgin is a gated, garden-style apartment community in South Elgin, Illinois, near Elgin along the Randall Road corridor. Residents enjoy private entry living with an in-home washer/dryer, a private balcony or patio, and a professional onsite team. Springs at South Elgin offers studio, one, two, and three bedroom floor plans. Pricing varies by floor plan, lease length, and
Authentix South Elgin is a garden-style apartment community in South Elgin, Illinois, near Elgin and the Randall Road corridor with access to I-90. The community offers ground-floor, direct-entry homes with an in-home washer/dryer, a private balcony or patio, and a professional onsite team. Authentix South Elgin offers studio, one, two, and three bedroom floor plans. Pricing varies by floor plan,
Luxury Apartmentswith Modern Amenities in the heart of South Elgin, ILWelcome to Panton Mill Station. Our community of 100 apartment homes is available now. Located across from Panton Mill Park in the heart of South Elgin, residents will enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, outdoor kitchen and professional business center. The one and two bedroom apartments feature large layouts,
Property Id: 1988406 Welcome to this stunning 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse in South Elgin! Enjoy modern amenities such as a dishwasher, washer/dryer in unit, and a 2-car garage. Pets allowed! Don't miss out on this gem, available July 1st for $2900/month. Contact us today!
Fully Renovated Luxury Home with Fox River ViewsExperience modern luxury in this beautifully renovated home featuring high-end finishes throughout. The spacious first-floor primary suite offers a private retreat with a stunning, fully updated en-suite bathroom.The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace and sliding glass doors that open to a deck perfect for relaxing or
Nothing to do but move in! Comfortable and spacious townhome offering 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and lower level space for a home office. The main floor has an open layout with a modern kitchen with quartz countertops and plenty of natural light. Close to parks, walking trails, and major highways, making daily commuting simple. Easy to love, make your appointment today!
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.1-bath home offering the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. Step inside to a spacious living room filled with natural light, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The home features new vinyl flooring in all three bedrooms, creating a fresh and modern feel throughout the upper level. The generous primary bedroom includes a walk-in
Check out this beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom Amherst Model! This 2-year-old three-story townhome is designed for comfort, with a lower level providing a versatile finished space. The first floor showcases an open floorplan among the family room, kitchen and dining room that opens out to a deck. Three upstairs bedrooms including the spacious owner's suite provide private retreats. Park
Hugging the banks of the Fox River about an hour east of Chicago, Whispering Trail offers large homes and a residential lifestyle. Located in South Elgin, less than half an hour from the historic area, the neighborhood is close to parks while also sitting just across Randall Road from two major shopping centers. Residents are never far from taking care of general shopping needs, grabbing a bite to eat or embracing the history of the Elgin community. “There’s an abundance of growth in South Elgin, including a lot of newer homes,” says Courtney Caraway, a real estate expert with Gallery Realty, Inc. “The community also has theaters and museums nearby. Residents don’t have to travel far to experience all that is offered there.”
The southern half of Whispering Trail is almost entirely residential and consists of Silver Glen Estates, where most of the homes here are located. Whispering Trail and Bristol Road make up the encircling thoroughfare, with cozy residential streets winding in and around each other and numerous cul-de-sacs branching outward. Stately, modern custom homes can be found here, with large, traditional styles the most common architecture. These large homes can also feature elements of Queen Anne or Cape Cod designs, as well as brick or stone detailing and wraparound porches. Well-manicured lawns are complemented by long driveways and multi-car garages, and prices typically begin in the $600,000s range and can span as high as over $1 million. The Becketts Landing community, in the northeastern corner of Whispering Trail, is currently in progress and there are also homes available there, some that have yet to be constructed.
Education for Whispering Trail neighborhood residents can begin at Corron Elementary School, which scores an A with Niche, and continues at Thompson Middle School. Thompson Middle also receives an A grade from Niche and is rated in the top 50 middle schools statewide. St. Charles North High School completes the schooling arc for students here, garnering a grade of A-plus from Niche and rated highly for its athletic and STEM programs. Its sports programs include football, lacrosse, cheer and dance, and all three schools are located outside of the neighborhood boundaries.
The Blackhawk County Forest Preserve makes up the southeastern corner of the neighborhood, encircling the bend of the Fox River that loops upward against Whispering Trail. Along its trails, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of flowing streams and rushing waterfalls, and the River Bend Bike Trail also meanders its way through the park. In the northeastern section of the neighborhood, the McLean Fen Forest Preserve is dotted with prairie flowers and other foliage, though public access is prohibited. Several other parks, including Jim Hansen Park, Mulberry Grove Park and Ralph E. Tredup Park West, are all located in the surrounding area.
Directly across the western boundary of Whispering Trail, comprised of Randall Road, sit South Elgin Crossing and South Elgin Commons. “South Randall Road has everything: grocery stores, restaurants and shops,” Caraway says. At the Crossing, stop in to Best Buy, PetSmart or the Home Depot for big-box needs, while restaurant chains include Red Robin, Starbucks and Buffalo Wild Wings. Supplies are available at the Home Depot. The Village Tavern & Grill and Coffee Haus provide local flavor. At the Commons, various shopping needs can be fulfilled at the Ross Dress for Less or Target, residents can break a sweat at LA Fitness and a medieval dining atmosphere can be found at the Village Squire. Just south of the shopping centers sit Encourage, which offers shakes, tea and more, and F45 of South Elgin, where residents can sign up for planned workouts and programs. Fresh groceries can be picked up at Aldi, to the north, or Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, situated close to the shopping centers.
Just under half an hour northeast is the historic Elgin area, where older buildings, churches and homes can be found. Both St. Mary’s Church and the First Universalist Church were built in the late 19th century and, respectively, in the gothic and Romanesque styles; the latter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several museums are located in Elgin as well, including the Fox River Trolley Museum, Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum and the Elgin History Museum. The trolley museum showcases railway relics of the past, while the fire barn was one of the first of its kind in the area. At the Elgin History Museum, find overviews of the city’s past, interactive exhibits for a truly hands-on experience or a scavenger hunt for all ages.
Illinois Route 31 and Stearns Road are the primary thoroughfares in and around the Whispering Trail area. Route 31, which takes motorists from Elgin to such areas in Illinois as Montgomery and Crystal Lake, aligns with the curvature of the Fox River and borders the Blackhawk County Forest Preserve. Stearns Road cuts through the northern half of the neighborhood and connects with areas such as Wayne and Bartlett, crossing the river just east of Whispering Trail. Downtown Chicago is about an hour east of the neighborhood, and the Pace Suburban Bus system has one line that makes its way to Whispering Trail along Randall Road.
Property Mix - Square Feet
South Elgin Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
6
Median Rent
$2,875
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,350
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,800
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,800
Median Condo Rent
$1,900
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,900
Demographics
Total Population
25,304
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$114,292
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$134,604
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.3%
College Graduates
36.7%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.2%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
50/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
