Classic Urbana neighborhood with varied businesses and lush parks
A diverse local population, proximity to major destinations and lush green spaces define life in Crystal Lake, a neighborhood on the northeast end of Urbana. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students, investors and families can each find value in the area, with varied restaurants, a straightforward home market and entertainment options in both cities close at hand. “Crystal Lake’s a pretty stable neighborhood. The homes out there are older, and there typically isn’t too much for sale most of the time,” says Nick Taylor, the managing broker and co-owner at Taylor Realty Associates. Taylor has been in the Illinois real estate industry for more than four decades.
Crystal Lake is located in Urbana, IL and has wonderful houses in quiet neighborhoods.
The U of I football team plays its games at Memorial Stadium near the Crystal Lake area.
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Traditional homes and folk housing in Urbana-Champaign
Homes in Crystal Lake were generally built between the 1900s and the 1960s. Ranch-style properties and minimal folk traditional are common, with many properties sharing elements like wood or brick exteriors, small porches and entryways, and free-standing garages. Homes vary in updates, from fixer-uppers ready for renovations to fully overhauled turnkey properties. Prices range from about $75,000 to $230,000, with an average price of about $105,135. “I like to tell folks that Urbana is one of the most economically stable areas you can be in because the homes keep their value,” Taylor says. Other housing options in the area include multiple apartment and townhouse rental developments. According to the Risk Factor index, some areas in the neighborhood, particularly near Crystal Lake Drive, may have higher flooding risks due to their proximity to multiple waterways and generally low foundational structures.
Crystal Lake is a quiet close knit community with many charming homes.
Unique housing styles can be seen popping up around Crystal Lake.
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The great outdoors of Crystal Lake Park
Crystal Lake Park is one of Urbana’s key outdoor destinations. At the 144-acre facility, guests can explore the Busey Woods nature area, launch boats at the Lake House or learn more about the wildlife of Illinois at the Anita Purves Nature Center. The park also offers sand volleyball courts, a children’s park and an aquatic center. Chief Shemauger Park offers a smaller, traditional neighborhood park experience, with amenities such as a basketball court and a T-ball field, while the Urbana Dog Park offers a prime spot for four-legged friends to roam off-leash. To the west of the neighborhood on University Avenue, AMBUCS Park takes its name from a local community service organization and features an accessible playground designed for children of all mobility levels. Northeast of the neighborhood, members of the Urbana Country Club can enjoy a private 18-hole golf course, on-site dining and a spa facility.
Busey Woods near Crystal Lake has a great trail with a beautiful scenic view and nice wildlife.
Chief Shemauger Park near Crystal Lake was acquired in 1971 and is named for a Patowatomi Chief.
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Annual musicals at Urbana Middle School
Crystal Lake is zoned for Urbana School District 116. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and a C-plus grade on Niche. Urbana Middle School’s musical theater program, Broadway on Vine, produces an annual musical in the spring. The school earns a C grade on Niche. The A-minus-ranked Urbana High School offers more than 20 athletic programs.
Urbana Middle School near the Crystal Lake area is part of Urbana School District 116.
Urbana High School which is near the Crystal Lake area has over 1,200 students enrolled.
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Varied entertainment across the Champaign-Urbana area
Crystal Lake’s connections to Urbana and Champaign lend the neighborhood wide-ranging access to some of the twin cities’ premier entertainment options. Each summer, locals can visit the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair in the heart of the neighborhood. In early August, local painters, mixed-media artists, photographers and other artisans gather to offer their own genuine Urbana creations. Multiple venues across the Urbana and Champaign area host live music during the AudioFeed Music Festival in the summer and the Pygmalion Music Festival in the fall. In the springtime, the Boneyard Arts Festival provides another cultural celebration across the twin cities. The Rose Bowl Tavern is a year-round favorite in downtown Urbana for shows and trivia nights. Immediately west of the neighborhood in Champaign, the annual Champaign County Fair offers midway games, music and agricultural competitions at the county fairgrounds. University of Illinois fans can catch Fighting Illini athletics games at venues such as the State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium.
Crystal Lake Art Fair is held every year and is attended by many in the community.
The University of Illinois has great athletic activities located near the Crystal Lake area.
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Connected to Downtown Urbana via Cunningham Avenue
Interstate 74 and University Avenue act as Crystal Lake’s primary east-west connections to the greater Urbana area, while North Cunningham Avenue is the main north-south thoroughfare. Most residents are less than 2 miles away from downtown Urbana, about 3 miles away from the heart of Champaign and 2 miles away from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Locals can get around without a car with MTD bus stops along major roads, including Broadway Avenue, Kerr Avenue and County Road 1700. Carle Foundation Hospital is immediately west of the neighborhood on University Avenue and is a major employer in the area. For travel beyond the Urbana-Champaign area, the University of Illinois Willard Airport is about 8 miles south of the neighborhood. Residents near the area’s major thoroughfares may experience higher noise levels.
Interstate 74 acts as Crystal Lake’s primary east-west connections to other areas.
The University of Illinois is a public university located near the Crystal Lake area.
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Eclectic dining options in northeast Urbana
Many of Crystal Lake’s primary businesses are situated along Cunningham Avenue and University Avenue. Shawarma Joint Mediterranean Kitchen offers generous portions for chicken, hummus and falafel meals, while La Mixteca is a staple for tacos and burritos. Panaderia San Miguel Mexican Bakery and El Oasis Ice Cream & More are go-to stops for dessert. Major fast food and casual options are also plentiful, including McDonald’s, Cracker Barrel and Culver’s. For home chefs, El Progreso International Supermarket and Ashar African Market each specialize in food supplies from around the world, while Schnucks and Common Ground Food Co-op offer supermarket staples to the neighborhood’s south. Dollar General, Harbor Freight Tools and Gopher Games are other local shopping stops, and more shopping options are available to the south in downtown Urbana.
Panaderia San Miguel Mexican Bakery in Crystal Lake serves over 100 kinds of Mexican pastries.
Ashar African Market located in Crystal Lake has a variety of African produce and pantry items.
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
Russ Taylor,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Chief Shemauger Park
Dodds Park
Crystal Lake Park
Busey Park
Transit
Airport
University of Illinois/Willard
28 min drive
Bus
Kerr & Division (Ne Corner)
Bus
Park & Mccullough (Nw Corner)
Bus
Kenyon & Steak & Shake (Sw Corner)
Bus
Broadway & Country Club (Sw Far Side)
Bus
University & Sycamore (Ne Corner)
Bus
Independent Living (North Side)
Bus
University & Race (Ne Corner)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Crystal Lake
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Crystal Lake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Crystal Lake, Urbana sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Crystal Lake, Urbana over the last 12 months is $119,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
111-121 W Park St is a multifamily investment opportunity that offers 21 units within 2 buildings. The breakdown includes (11) 2 bedroom units (1) 1 bedroom unit and (9) studios. The property is currently fully leased for the 2024-25 lease term and only has one vacant studio apartment for the upcoming 2025-26 lease term. This property boasts a strong rental history and has been meticulously
Eastland Apartments offer smartly designed and stylishly conceived studio or spacious, traditional one and two bedroom apartments. Eastland Apartments has easy access to I-74 and are conveniently located minutes from the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital, area shopping and downtown Urbana events.•Utilities Included in Rent: Garbage•Pets: Yes – Dog and Cat – 40 Lbs. and Under
Great location, just off University and next to Crystal Lake Park. 2nd and 3rd floor units have a balcony. Lots of closet space. Central AC, and on-site laundry for every building! Water, trash, sewer, and parking included, tenant only pays electric. Pet friendly under 20 lbs. Call now for a showing!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Russ Taylor,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,561
Median Age
33
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$35,666
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,147
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.3%
Advanced Degrees
19.4%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 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.
