$279,072Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Waukegan transforming
Waukegan sits between Chicago and Milwaukee along Lake Michigan and has over 89,000 residents. Starting in the mid-19th century, it became an industrial hub and stayed that way for over 100 years. During its industrial prime, Waukegan Harbor was busy with ships bringing in goods. Today, that industrial past is gone, and Waukegan is beginning to redefine itself. New mixed-use developments, including neighborhoods by the water and recreational space, are replacing the smokestacks on the lakefront. “The downtown area has improved over the past few years with a focus on art and making it more pedestrian-friendly,” says Niya Simone, public relations specialist for the City of Waukegan. “I live downtown, and I walk everywhere I need to go. It’s better for my mental health, and it’s better than sitting in traffic.”
Waukegan Harbor is minutes away from scenic lake views of the city of Waukegan.
Waukegan sits along Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee, with 89,000 residents.
Enjoy a day in the sun at Waukegan Municipal Beach, located on the waters of Lake Michigan.
Waukegan residents love to take walks around the pond at Bevier Park, near Lake Michigan.
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Downtown Waukegan focuses on the arts
Part of the renewed vibrancy in downtown Waukegan has been focused on the arts. In addition to murals on the sides of buildings, the third Saturday of every month highlights galleries and studios in the Arts & Entertainment District, located in the Genesee and Washington Streets area. At the monthly ArtWauk, galleries draw in visitors with complimentary refreshments and captivating art pieces. There are also companion events around special holidays, like ZombieWauk, an October version of the event celebrating the horror genre, and HolidayWauk in December. The Genesee Theater opened almost 100 years ago but was closed and left vacant for 15 years before the City of Waukegan purchased and renovated it. The reopening in 2004 led to more Broadway performances, concerts and movies. Next door to that is the much smaller, non-profit Three Brothers Theatre, showcasing local talent.
The historical Genesee Theatre hosts concerts, shows, events, and weddings in Waukegan.
Grab a quick bite to eat at the food trucks in Downtown Waukegan.
Art Park in downtown Waukegan, which was created in 1997, is maintained by local artists.
Target provides Waukegan residents with everyday items and great deals.
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Waukegan recreation by the water or on land
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Waukegan Municipal Beach is filled with people soaking up the sun and swimming in Lake Michigan. The beach is a mile long, and activities include sand volleyball, soccer and picnicking. There have even been some weddings that have been held in the sand. There’s free parking for locals with evidence of a city sticker. For those who like recreation away from the water, the Waukegan Park District manages about 35 parks and over 700 acres of land designed for recreation. Bowen Park is one of the largest on the city's north side and has a garden, modern playground equipment, a skate park and a splash pad. Aside from typical park amenities, the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, named after the comedian who grew up in Waukegan, is where art classes and programs are taught, and there are periodic performances by the Bowen Park Theatre for Youth. The Waukegan History Museum was in Bowen Park for many years but is moving to the renovated Carnegie Library downtown. It’s scheduled to open in late 2024. Other parks in the city have opportunities for pickleball, fitness exercise stations along walking paths and even a BMX track.
Walk the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park, a short drive from Waukegan.
People from all over the Waukegan area enjoy a day at the Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Bowen Park in Waukegan is a perfect place to take your dog for a romp.
The entrance sign to Bowen Park in Waukegan includes beautiful flowers.
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The first enclosed shopping mall in Lake County
Belvidere Discount Mall opened in 1965 as the first enclosed shopping center in Lake County. Except for The Home Depot, all tenants are locally-owned businesses, with 35 stores occupying the space. The mall has survived despite the opening of the much larger Gurnee Mills Mall, 7 miles west, in 1991. Gurnee Mills attracts 20 million visitors each year and has nearly 200 stores. Over the past few years, many locally owned restaurants have opened downtown, and more options are available on major roads like Washington Street and Grand Avenue. Mom-and-pop grocery stores populate downtown, while Jewel-Osco, Aldi and Tony’s Fresh Market are further north and west.
Waukegan families can shop at chain stores like Aldi.
Walmart Supercenter in Fountain Square is one of the many retail options for residents.
Gurnee Mills, a quick drive from Gurnee, has great stores like Marshalls and Home Goods.
Waukegan residents can get all their home improvement needs from the local Home Depot.
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Waukegan High School has two campuses
Public school students attend classes in the Waukegan Public School District 60, with 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and one high school. The district is rated a C-minus overall on Niche and serves nearly 14,000 students. Waukegan High School students are housed on two campuses. The Brookside campus serves ninth and tenth graders, while juniors and seniors attend the Washington campus. Private school options within the city include Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, a private Catholic school rated a B. Most Blessed Trinity Academy provides a Catholic school education for K-8 students.
Waukegan High School is part of Waukegan Public School District 60.
Most Blessed Trinity Academy is a private school serving families of Waukegan.
Niche gives Waukegan Public School District 60 a C-minus rating.
The student population of Edith M Smith Middle School in Waukegan is just above 500.
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Older houses in Waukegan
Except for a few pockets of newer-style houses, most homes are from the early to mid-20th century in Waukegan in neighborhoods lined out in grid layouts. The median home price in Waukegan is $225,000, which is about $125,000 lower than the median in nearby Chicago. Condos in the northwest part of town in the Hickory Hills Subdivision are priced from $90,000 to $200,000. Townhouses throughout the city have prices from $110,000 to $320,000.
The Waukegan Police Department indicates that in 2023, the most recent year-end results available, instances of some violent crimes increased from 2022. Robbery and auto theft also increased.
Waukegan homes styles include ranch, split-level, and cottage.
Waukegan residential streets include mid-century, ranch, and cottage style homes.
Modest, affordable, single story homes are found throughout Waukegan.
Waukegan home styles include cottage and mid century modern.
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Superfund sites in Waukegan
The Environmental Protection Agency manages five Superfund sites in Waukegan, including three in the downtown area at the site of old industrial buildings near the lake. Concerns from the five sites include the presence of toxic emissions, wastewater sludge, asbestos and polluted runoff from an old landfill in the northwest part of the city.
Metra, Pace and the Waukegan National Airport
Since Waukegan is located about 10 miles south of the Wisconsin line, some people work in Wisconsin. Commuters can use the Metra commuter rail to access downtown Chicago or Kenosha. Pace buses lift passengers around Waukegan and the surrounding area. O’Hare International Airport is 33 miles south, while Waukegan National Airport is in the city and is a “reliever airport” for O’Hare. Other than that, it’s a general aviation facility that handles private, corporate, business and governmental aircraft.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Waukegan, IL sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Waukegan, IL over the last 12 months is $231,250, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Renown Genes mobile Park a 55+adult community! This 2 bedroom 2 bath mobile home is nestled in the heart of Genes. Enter into a large living room with easy maintenance wood laminate flooring throughout home except smaller bedroom, Two picture windows for natural light. Open concept kitchen with Island and laundry closet. Huge master with a wall of closets and a walking plus a master bath. Down on
**TWO SEPARATE HOMES. ONE PROPERTY. BOTH INCLUDED.** If you want a property with the potential to BUILD WEALTH instead of drain it, this rare TWO HOME SETUP on a .67 acre lot offers flexibility, long term value, & the kind of versatility buyers compete for in today's market. The main 2-bed/1-bath home feels fresh & easy to live in with new flooring, new paint, an updated kitchen & bath, & a full
Jim StarwaltBetter Homes and Garden Real Estate Star Homes
Welcome to easy, low-maintenance living in this well-kept 1990 mobile home located in a desirable 55+ community. In renown Genes Mobile park. This 1,088 sq ft home features 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bath, highlighted by stunning wood-laminated flooring throughout. The open-concept kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area, creating a bright and inviting space perfect for everyday living
Set on a private 1.28-acre lot surrounded by towering oaks, this neo-French masterpiece is exquisitely finished and perfectly conceived, offering refined living and effortless entertaining at every turn. Inside, a kitchen that feels like a European escape awaits, featuring hand-crafted walnut cabinetry, French limestone counters and flooring, dual SubZero refrigerators, a Miele dishwasher, and a
Why rent when you can own! Beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1 bathroom condo in a prime location! Enjoy modern finishes, a functional layout, and the convenience of being just minutes from public transportation, major highways, and great dining options. Includes a coveted one-car garage for added comfort and ease. Perfect for commuters or anyone seeking low-maintenance living close to it all! This
2 unit, 1st floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 2nd floor unit with 1 bedroom, basement and 2 car detached garage. 1sr unit rented $1600 2nd unit rented $850
WELCOME TO YOUR DREAM HOME! This stunning 3,700 sq ft, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath beauty is nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood in the Gurnee School District and sits on a premium lot backing to a beautiful golf course and tranquil water views where fences are not allowed, preserving the open, picturesque scenery.Step into a grand two-story foyer with a dramatic double staircase and soaring
This 1.114-acre wooded residential site in Waukegan consists of two parcels under a single PIN and is an ideal opportunity for builders and developers. The property previously featured two residential homes which have since been removed, leaving a cleared footprint ready for new construction. Due to the prior residential use, access to gas and electric is presumed, and a private well and septic
Lot for sale. Build that dream home you always wanted. Residential zoned, Garage on site. Please have buyers do their due diligence, contact the City of Waukegan Building & Zoning for building requirements. Close proximity to shopping and restaurants. Utilities on site.
Completely updated and move-in ready, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,705 sq ft of comfortable living space and a layout perfect for today's lifestyle. The main level features an open-concept design that connects the living room, dining area, and beautifully updated kitchen, creating a welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen has been
Great location with partial view of Lake Michigan. Walking distance to the Lakefront and Bike Path. Just 3 blocks south of the downtown. NEW dimensions of Lot (approx. 66 x 109) per Survey. Wooden fence on west end of lot, will be moved 12 ft to the west, after ground thaws, to NEW western lot line. Copy of NEW Survey is in Photos.
Conveniently located near schools, shopping & major arteries of Central Waukegan sits this Completely Rehabbed, single family home. The Updated Exterior boasts new roof, windows, fully fenced rear yard & a large 2.5 Car Garage. Step inside to discover Hardwood floors in Living rm., serarate Dining rm., an updated kitchen w new cabinets & contertop, 3 bedrooms, all new full full bath, modern new
SIGNALIZED 1.41 ACRE NORTHEAST CORNER OF HEAVILY TRAVELED LEWIS AVE & BEACH RD IN FAR NORTH WAUKEGAN/BEACH PARK AREA ready for Development. B2 Community Shopping District zoning has a wide range of permitted and conditional uses. Municipal Water & Sewer in Right-of-Way of both streets.
Beach Park lot on a half acre close to all city conveniences. Just north of Walgreens on the east side with 90ft of frontage and running 250ft deep. Plenty of room to build your new home. Well and septic required, gas and electric at the street. Motivated sellers also have a 3/4 acre parcel (MLS #12064143) and a 1/3 acre parcel on Tyler Ave in WKGN listed for sale as well. Seller is willing to
Welcome to Reserve at Eagle Ridge Apartment Homes! Our community offers spacious studio, one and two-bedroom apartments for rent in Waukegan. When you tour one of our many floor plans, you will see that we have designed our apartments with your comfort in mind. Enjoy a private patio/balcony, walk-in closets, and other great amenities. Select homes are even equipped with in-home laundry!
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE IN ONAN SUITES Suites - 55+ LIVING. UNIT IS UPDATED WITH WOOD LAMINATED FLOOR. KITCHEN INCLUDES REFRIGERATOR, STOVE AND MICROWAVE. AMENITIES IN THE BUILDING INCLUDES PARTY ROOM, EXERCISE ROOM, INDOOR POOL, LOBBY WITH POOL TABLE AND PIANO, ELEVATOR AND COIN LAUNDRY. STORAGE IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDED IN THE RENT. GARAGE PARKING AVAILABLE IN UNDERGROUND GARAGE FOR $90
Welcome to Kings Court Apartments, where quality and comfort meet. Enjoy such amenities as elevators, double entry doors with intercom access foyer, a heated outdoor pool, a sundeck, and a barbecue area, ample guest parking, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Our management will meet your needs in a friendly and efficient manner. Let Kings Court Apartments be your new home. Income guidelines
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE IN ONAN SUITES Suites - 55+ LIVING. UNIT IS UPDATED WITH WOOD LAMINATED FLOOR. KITCHEN INCLUDES REFRIGERATOR, STOVE AND MICROWAVE. AMENITIES IN THE BUILDING INCLUDES PARTY ROOM, EXERCISE ROOM, INDOOR POOL, LOBBY WITH POOL TABLE AND PIANO, ELEVATOR AND COIN LAUNDRY. STORAGE IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDED IN THE RENT. GARAGE PARKING AVAILABLE IN UNDERGROUND GARAGE FOR $90
Welcome home to Harbor Lake Apartments in Waukegan, IL! We have Studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments. Take a stroll on the winding path that surrounds our private lake, unwind by the pool, or relax in the comfort of your generous apartment home. We are the home for you if you are in the mood for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Harbor Lake Apartments is also close to major roads, public
Bright & fresh 1-bedroom & 1-bath apartment offering approximately 500 sq ft of comfortable living space. This well-maintained unit features newer flooring throughout and has been freshly painted, creating a clean and inviting feel. The efficient layout provides a cozy living area, functional kitchen, and nicely sized bedroom. Convenient 1st-floor coin laundry is located just down the hall,
Located on 13 acres of beautiful grounds in Waukegan, IL, our community offers a variety of 1 & 2-bedroom apartments with floor plan options that are sure to meet your needs. In addition to great in-home and community amenities, our apartment community is conveniently located in Waukegan, IL. Living at Fox Crest Apartments gives you easy access to local shops, schools, and restaurants.
For RENT ONLY Updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath single-family ranch home located on Waukegan's north side. This home offers convenient single-level living with all bedrooms on the main floor, along with a washer and dryer on the main level. Recent improvements include fresh interior paint and the removal of previous carpeting to reveal hardwood flooring. Just to let you know, some listing photos were
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE IN ONAN SUITES Suites - 55+ LIVING. UNIT IS UPDATED WITH WOOD LAMINATED FLOOR. KITCHEN INCLUDES REFRIGERATOR, STOVE AND MICROWAVE. AMENITIES IN THE BUILDING INCLUDES PARTY ROOM, EXERCISE ROOM, INDOOR POOL, LOBBY WITH POOL TABLE AND PIANO, ELEVATOR AND COIN LAUNDRY. STORAGE IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDED IN THE RENT. GARAGE PARKING AVAILABLE IN UNDERGROUND GARAGE FOR $90
Come and take a walk through meandering pathways and be surrounded by the beautiful, lush landscaping that adorns Northgate Apartments. With its scenic atmosphere and short distance to major highways, local schools, restaurants and entertainment attractions, Northgate Apartments in North Waukegan is the ideal place to call home!Our residents are offered highly desirable first-class amenities!
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE IN ONAN SUITES Suites - 55+ LIVING. UNIT IS UPDATED WITH WOOD LAMINATED FLOOR. KITCHEN INCLUDES REFRIGERATOR, STOVE AND MICROWAVE. AMENITIES IN THE BUILDING INCLUDES PARTY ROOM, EXERCISE ROOM, INDOOR POOL, LOBBY WITH POOL TABLE AND PIANO, ELEVATOR AND COIN LAUNDRY. STORAGE IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDED IN THE RENT. GARAGE PARKING AVAILABLE IN UNDERGROUND GARAGE FOR $90
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.”<br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.
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.
