Volo’s village layout balances between homes and businesses
The Volo community has been around for over 160 years. Since its creation, it has held a focus on its people through community events and support for local businesses. While this village is no longer dominated by the blacksmith shops and taverns of old, 40% of its space is dedicated to commercial use. The other 50% and 10% are designated for residential and open space, respectively.
Older homes near the core, while new builds expand into open land
Local homes are mostly Colonial Revivals, Bungalows with Craftsman influence or townhouses built in subdivisions. “The closer to the city, the older the homes get,” says Broker Sarah Leonard, Owner of Legacy Properties, a Sarah Leonard Company, and Realtor with over 15 years of experience. While some of these homes date back to the 1950s, Volo is seeing new construction further away from the city center, where there is more land to build. “With more land and opportunities to build, there are new homes for a reasonable price,” Leonard says. While list prices can range from $199,000 to $573,000, "The general price for this area is closer to $250,000 to $260,000," Leonard says. The homeowners association fees vary by subdivision and can cost between $40 to $335 monthly. Residents appreciate having their own driveways, attached garages and yard space for children to play fetch with their dogs. They can easily visit and walk with neighbors within these communities because of the paved cement sidewalks woven throughout their subdivisions.
Route 12’s commercial corridor has grocery and casual dining options
When checking off the shopping list for the week, locals have many options along Route 12. For groceries, they can go to Woodman’s, Jewel-Osco and Aldi. When they want to grab a bite to eat while they are out shopping, Fratellos Hot Dogs and Bobby’s Barrel are off the intersection of Route 12 and West Belvidere Road. Locals can take advantage of the specials they run at Bobby's Barrel, like all-you-can-eat cod.
Students progress through Big Hollow schools to Wauconda High
From kindergarten through first grade, students attend Big Hollow Primary School, which Niche gives a Grade of B-minus. In the second grade, students move to Big Hollow Elementary School, which holds a Grade of B from Niche. When they start attending Big Hollow Middle School in the fifth grade, students become eligible to take extracurricular activities like show choir, jazz band, ski club and STEM club. Niche gives this middle school a B-minus grade. Students can round out their studies at Wauconda High School, which Niche gives a Grade of B-plus. These students can register for Advanced Placement courses and, as a part of the school’s athletic program offerings, join the bowling team.
Residents enjoy skiing trails, nature tours and lake excursions
Locals can hop in their car, or if they live in the Lancaster Falls subdivision, bike or walk over to the Lancaster Falls Park and join their friends. They can try out the playset and shoot hoops on the basketball court. Nearby Volo Bog State Natural Area provides an entire day of outdoor adventure. At this National Natural Landmark, there are cross-country skiing loops that range in distance from 0.9 miles to 2.8 miles. The park also offers interpretative programs, including one for bird walks, where a tour guide will provide an overview and insight regarding the various species that call the Landmark home. Fox Lake is “A pretty popular place to be in the summer, where you’ll find people out pretty much every weekend,” Leonard says. She explains that the drive to the lake is around five miles, so it is convenient for Volo Residents who cannot live on the water but still want to enjoy it.
Residents celebrate festive traditions, like the annual Volo Fest
Residents enjoy the sense of community Volo nurtures with events like Volo Fest, where town members are granted admission into the Volo Auto Museum. Another big event in town is the Annual Tree Lighting held at the front of Village Hall, which is accompanied by caroling and entertainment for the kids.
![Brett Bulthuis]()
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Brett Bulthuis
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Video By
Samantha Houtchens
