Waukegan

Southwest Waukegan is where forest preserves and banks of the Des Plaines River are interwoven with interstates and major thoroughfares, making for a classic exurb experience. Downtown Waukegan is about 5 miles away, offering the most populous city in Lake County. But even though theaters, lakefront activities and cocktail bars are a straight shot down Washington Street, most homebuyers choose Southwest Waukegan for its relative peace and quiet. “This has become a hot area to invest in,” says Realtor Wendy Lee of EXIT Realty, who has decades of experience in the Chicago market. “You’re getting that suburban lifestyle, but it can be more affordable compared to similar homes you’ll find in Libertyville, which is just south of there.” Housing tends to be modern, even though the styles can vary. The most common styles seen are multistory brick and colonial homes from the 90s, with prices ranging from the mid $700,000s to upper $800,000s. Still, there are a few single-story ranchers in the south near North Jensen Lane. Homes in the western region of the neighborhood tend to feature lots of about one acre, while smaller lots can be found in the neighborhood’s eastern suburbs. Southwest Waukegan also contains townhouse complexes. Homebuyers will notice a lushness to the streetscapes, with many lawns populated by several tall mature trees. Houses tend to not be Houses tend to not be lined up close together, so there is a spaciousness to the views across lawns. Cul-de-sacs, long driveways and curving residential streets with gentle names like Daybreak Drive are the norm. Sidewalks aren’t always present, but streets are evenly paved and community lanterns can dot the way. Students are served by the highly ranked Woodland School District 50, and schools here can feature a short span of grades. For example, Woodland Elementary covers grades 1 to 3, and earns an A from Niche. Woodland Intermediate covers 3rd through 5th grade, and earns an A-minus. Woodland Middle earns the same, covering grades 6 through 8. Warren Township High presents a modernist face, and earns an A. Even this school is split across two campuses, one for freshmen and sophomores, the other for juniors and seniors. The school’s most recent addition is a three-story science wing, recognizable by bold blue tiles. Within the neighborhood, River Road and O’Plaine Road are the main local throughfares, and these run north-south. But regional corridors run through here, making Southwest Waukegan an attractive place for commuters. First, there’s Interstate 90, which runs through the center of the neighborhood. Route 21, also known as Milwaukee Avenue, courses along the west end in parallel to the Des Plaines River. Meanwhile, Routes 41 and 43 run along the east end. All of these are intersected by Route 120, the major east-west corridor that caps the neighborhood. An interchange is situated in the northeast corner, conveniently located near a retail cluster. The Fountain Square of Waukegan shopping district in the northeastern corner of the neighborhood offers a multitude of shopping and dining options. Cuisine tends to lean towards elevated comfort food. For example, Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar features house-made fried pickles, mac and cheese and a variety of choices from the pit, such as baby back ribs and beef brisket. Just down the road at Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge, locals can enjoy burgers, sandwiches and pizza while sipping draft beers and enjoying the game. The shopping district also features chain restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s and Denny’s. Groceries can be picked up at Aldi or the Walmart Supercenter. Esporta Fitness off Lakehurst Road provides members with fitness classes, personal training options and a selection of weight and cardio equipment. For entertainment, locals can stop by Bowlero Waukegan to hit the bowling lanes, play arcade games and enjoy beers, cocktails and snacks. Residents can catch some fresh air in one of the area’s neighborhood parks. Arbor Park features playgrounds, a basketball court and a paved walking trail through the trees. Heading south from here, Serenity Park offers a sand volleyball court, a tennis court and a walking path encircling the park’s 5 acres. The southwestern corner of the neighborhood, just east of the Des Plaines River, is home to Independence Grove Forest Preserve, where lakes, woodlands and sports facilities offer year-round enjoyment. Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented from the main marina and taken out on the central lake or to North Bay for a day of fishing or drifting in the open water. Fishers can also utilize the preserve's two fishing piers. For some exercise, locals have access to over 7 miles of walking trails stretching across the preserve, winding around the area's lakes and through the woods in the north to connect with the Des Plaines River Trail. Visitors also enjoy Independence Grove's sandy beach, outdoor volleyball court and playground.