$281,512Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes 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.
Written By
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Mike Dunleavy
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Waukegan, IL sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Waukegan, IL over the last 12 months is $242,250, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and well-maintained 2-unit property offering incredible flexibility for both owner-occupants and investors, top unit can rent out for more than $1500! This oversized duplex/2flat features 5bedrooms and 4bathrooms with separate utilities and entrances. Perfect to live in one unit and rent out bottom unit with rental income, or add a solid cash-flowing asset to your portfolio!
Spacious and beautifully updated, this exceptional home offers 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an abundance of versatile living space designed to fit a variety of lifestyles. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the impressive curb appeal featuring a concrete driveway and oversized 3-car garage with plenty of room for parking, storage, and hobbies. Inside, the bright and inviting floor
Welcome Home to this gorgeous, newly updated ranch home that perfectly blends modern style with everyday comfort! Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an abundance of thoughtful upgrades throughout, this home is truly move-in ready and designed for today's lifestyle. Step inside and you are immediately greeted by beautiful luxury vinyl flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the main
Incredible 2-Unit Opportunity in the Heart of Waukegan! Welcome to this spacious and versatile multi-generational property offering endless possibilities for homeowners and investors alike! Situated on a generous lot in an established Waukegan neighborhood, this property features over 1,900 square feet of living space and is conveniently located near schools, parks, shopping, dining, and major
Welcome Home to this stunning, beautifully updated home that is truly move-in ready from top to bottom! Perfectly situated on a fantastic lot with a fully fenced backyard, this incredible property offers the ideal combination of style, comfort, and functionality. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by gorgeous luxury vinyl flooring, loads of natural light, and a warm, inviting
Welcome to this stunning 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom home with a full finished English basement, ideally located in the highly sought-after Creekside community, surrounded by beautiful and picturesque neighborhoods. A grand two-story foyer with elegant tray ceilings welcomes you into the home, creating an immediate sense of sophistication. The formal living room sits to the right, while the dining room
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the desirable subdivision of Bonnie Brook Golf Course, offering a wonderful combination of comfort, convenience, and curb appeal. Enjoy a great location close to walking trails, providing easy access to outdoor recreation and scenic neighborhood strolls. Main bathroom has been completely remodeled, while the second has been thoughtfully
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom home where comfort meets character - and the possibilities are truly yours to write. Whether you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, looking to simplify your lifestyle, or adding a smart investment to your portfolio, this home checks all the right boxes. Step inside and feel the warmth this home has to offer, then head out back to a backyard made
Welcome to this beautiful 3,800-square-foot two-story home in the sought-after Lancaster subdivision. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the professionally landscaped yard and inviting front porch that create exceptional curb appeal. Step inside to a dramatic two-story foyer, flanked by a private home office and formal living room. The living room flows seamlessly into the dining room,
Jackson SandersonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Discover this expansive 1923 vintage home featuring over 2,800 square feet of living space and numerous modern updates. Key improvements include a 2016 roof, 2024 windows, 2025 dual furnaces, 2016 dual central air units, a 2025 water heater, and a new 2024 deck. The home boasts an updated kitchen and two full bathrooms, including one that was recently modernized (2021-2023). The property retains
Welcome to this bright and spacious 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home in the highly desirable Midlane Club community, tucked away on a private lot overlooking the 9th fairway. Enjoy maintenance-free living with lawn care, including in-ground sprinklers, and snow removal included. Open concept layout with kitchen features including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and a
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
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Waukegan, perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot! This inviting property offers a functional layout with two generously sized bedrooms on the main floor, perfect for convenience and accessibility, and two large bedrooms on the second floor, providing ample space and privacy for everyone. Finished basement ready for your personal touch-ideal
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
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
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!
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!
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.
The Landings at Amhurst Lake Apartments, prominently located off Route 43 (Waukegan Road) in Waukegan, just west of Hwy 41 and minutes from I-94 and I-294, features one- and two-bedroom and two-bedroom with den apartment homes. The property's close proximity to both the Waukegan and Great Lakes Metra stations provides numerous options to downtown Chicago. Visit the shores of Lake Michigan,
Live lavishly at The Lakes at Fountain Square in Waukegan, IL. Where upscale design meets copious convenience, that's where you'll find our gorgeous one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments complete with private patios and updated fixtures. As an exclusive community perk, you'll also enjoy access to detached garages, two resort-style swimming pools, as well as a nature trail. Discover a place to
Southwest of the intersection of Belvidere Road and Green Bay Road sits the treelined quaint community of Beechwood at thePreserve in Waukegan, IL. The Greenbelt Forest Preserve, Pulaski Lake, and Skokie River are mere blocks away in addition to conveniently located dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Beechwood at the Preserve offers the best of convenience and relaxation. Elevators,
Enjoy stress free living , at our community most of your utilities are paid. At Brookside Knoll, our elevator and handicapped accessible building offers one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments feature private balconies, laundry room facilities, extra storage room, underground parking garage, numerous exits in hallways and individually controlled heat and air conditioning. Located in
Amenities abound at the Chateau Royale Apartments - 625 S. Dilger Avenue in Waukegan. Nestled along the northern fringe of the Green Belt Forest Reserve, the Chateau offers convenience, luxury, and practicality. Walking distance to restaurants. 100 feet to bus stop. Heat, hot & cold water, wireless internet, local tv programming and gas for your stove all included in your monthly rental.
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.
