The community of Cornelia Manor rests in central Waukegan, Lake County’s most populous city. “I was born and raised here, but I left for 10 years traveling all over the place. Coming back, I have so much more admiration and care for this city’s identity,” says Niya Simone, public relations specialist with the City of Waukegan. Residents of Cornelia Manor, in particular, are within a mile of various businesses working to embrace the city’s history and invoke positive change. From fresh produce grown at the local community college to authentic Mexican cuisine and a justice-oriented market up the road, Simone notes how greatly the area has evolved. “It’s super culturally diverse, and that’s celebrated in so many ways. We’re on the brink of becoming an up-and-coming city. I feel comfortable saying that because I’ve seen it happening.”
Cornelia Manor’s homes have unique identities
Spanning only three blocks, Cornelia Manor features a slate of densely arranged homes with huge character on small lots. Each home has a unique identity, inspired by myriad architectural styles ranging from contemporary bungalows, brick Cape Cods, symmetrical American Foursquares and colorful Tudors with long sloped roofs. Ranch-style homes and cottages sit on neighboring streets, accented with rounded doorways, shingle siding or the occasional veranda. Altogether, prices vary between $200,000 and $270,000—below average for the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Sidewalks out front flank chain-link and picket fences, while front entryways marked by decorative shrubs and modest gardens complement old-growth trees in the front yard. Most of the homes have a driveway, garage or carport, but a few properties require residents to park on the street.
Tudor homes in Cornelia Manor are part of the architectural diversity of the neighborhood.
This salt shed style home features wood and brick exterior elements.
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Supermercado Gonzalez is for the community
Tacos, aguas frescas, enchiladas and tortas make up a fraction of the authentic Mexican plates at Toluca’s Restaurant, located within walking distance on Washington Street. Down the road, Rubi’s Bakery supplies cakes and treats for all kinds of events. Cases of pastries line the bakery’s walls, touting single slices of Tres Leches cake soaked in sweetened milk. “Outside of Mexico City, Waukegan has the best Mexican food I’ve ever had,” Simone says. “And there’s this grocery store, Supermercado Gonzalez—it’s amazing. They do tons of work with the forest preserves to make natural, high-quality food more accessible. Waukegan has some negative stigmas, but this couple is spearheading breaking those stigmas. They really have their boots on the ground.” From prime deli cuts to fresh produce and a signature coffee shop—Drip and Culture—Gonzalez aims to provide accessibly-priced ingredients to the community it serves.
Supermercado Gonzalez is a local grocery store that is a staple of the community.
Drip and Culture is a signature coffee shop located near Cornelia Manor.
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Outdoor recreation along the Waukegan River
The Waukegan River flows through the heart of Yeoman Park, accessible from a walking path on Lydia Street less than a mile north. The green space is shaded by old-growth trees surrounding a central playground, fenced-in to shield children at play from the residential street nearby. Residents can follow the river southeast into Powell Park, popular for its paved walking paths. Blossoming flower beds complement the gazebo at Washington Park, located farther downstream and home to Veterans Memorial Plaza, a walkway lined with monuments where Waukegan’s Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony takes place each year. The Greenbelt Forest Preserve offers more immersive outdoor recreation with 5 miles of hiking and biking trails through woods and wetlands. The preserve’s pond and lake are both hubs for shoreline fishing.
Powell Park is a large park in Waukegan, IL.
Watch the autumn leaves fall at Yeoman Park.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Pan de Muerto
Each year, the Waukegan Park District celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with programming and events throughout September and October. Taste of Hispanic Heritage takes place at the Belvidere Recreation Center, featuring cooking demonstrations and samples for guests and chefs alike. Pan de Muerto, decorated altars and live music performances fill the halls of the Jack Benny Center for the Arts during Dia de Muertos. Sugar Skull decorating workshops, Family Lotería Nights and even virtual history exhibits are scattered throughout the city for residents of all cultural backgrounds to enjoy for free. In the off-season, the College of Lake County Farmer’s Market takes place on Thursday evenings from June through October. There, the college’s horticulture department offers berries, herbs and vegetables grown on the campus farm.
Bilingual and multicultural studies at Waukegan Community schools
Students in Cornelia Manor attend the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, which houses a bilingual and multicultural department in every school. The program even partners with the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee to ensure families play a part in their child’s English education. Primary students begin at Hyde Park Elementary, which earns a C-minus on Niche, less than a mile north of the neighborhood. Named after the city’s first Hispanic police chief, Miguel Juarez Middle School earns a D-plus and sits within walking distance of families along Butrick Street. As one of the largest high schools in the state, Waukegan High spans two campuses, splitting freshmen and sophomores from their upperclassman counterparts. The city’s cultural diversity is often celebrated at both, notably during Hispanic Heritage Month, culminating during Spirit Week when students dress up as their favorite Hispanic celebrity or athlete. With a C-minus on Niche, Waukegan High promotes postsecondary education through dual enrollment opportunities.
Hyde Park Elementary School is a public school located in Waukegan.
Waukegan High School is a public school located in Waukegan, IL.
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A Metra ride away from Downtown Chicago
Residents of Cornelia Manor are mostly car-dependent, but those seeking public transit will find Pace Suburban bus stops along both Washington and North Jackson Streets. From there, the nearest emergency room is 2 miles north at Vista Medical Center. Additionally, the Robert McClory Bike Path stretches 25 miles south from the Wisconsin border to Highland Park, accessible from Edison Court just east of Cornelia Manor. Chicago commuters typically take the Metra from Waukegan station, where residents can exchange the 45-mile drive for a 90-minute train ride into the city. The station provides daily parking at four separate lots. Waukegan National Airport is mainly used for charter flights and personal aircraft. Those traveling out of state typically fly out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport instead, 30 miles south on Interstate 94.
Cornelia Manor is just a short drive from Lake Michigan and Waukegan Beach.
The Waukegan Metra allows for easy transport to downtown Chicago.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teddie Stiltner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Corrine J. Rose Park
Larsen Nature Preserve Park
Greenbelt Forest Preserve
Bike Trails
Fishing
Lake
Dugdale Park
Yeoman Park
Powell Park
Park in the Glenn
Plonien Park
Waukegan Municipal Beach
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
44 min drive
Bus
Washington St & Dorchester Ct
Bus
Washington St & Butrick St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cornelia Manor
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
92
Median Year Built
1928
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teddie Stiltner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
375
Median Age
34
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,194
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,982
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
53.1%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
75.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 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.
