$189,088Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Well-built older homes in northwest Waukegan
Within a couple of miles of an up-and-coming downtown area and Lake Michigan, the Waukegan Gardens neighborhood is a mile-and-a-half from the central part of Waukegan, about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago. “I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers who buy here,” says Ruben Marin, a Realtor at Century 21 Circle and lifelong resident. “The homes were built 70 to 100 years ago but have good bones. They’re well-built.” Waukegan is close to the Wisconsin border, meaning it’s also a bedroom community for those working in Kenosha or Milwaukee.
Multi-generations living in Waukegan Gardens
The median single-family home price of about $175,000 makes Waukegan Gardens appealing for first-time homebuyers. “There’s also a sense of loyalty in this neighborhood,” Marin says. “I’ve seen multiple generations living here, sometimes in the same household.” Modestly-sized Cape Cods and ranch-style houses are priced between $125,000 and $250,000. Renovated homes are over $200,000. Lots are small, and the neighbors are close. Because of that, some homes don’t have garages. Those that do are primarily detached. The First Street website, which tracks various environmental hazards, indicates that some houses in the southern part of the neighborhood are in moderate to significant flood zones due to the proximity of the Waukegan River.
Ranch homes with on smaller plots remain affordable in Waukegan Gardens.
Brick Cape Cod homes add a charming touch to Waukegan Gardens.
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C-minus rated schools in Waukegan District 60
The elementary and middle schools are close to the neighborhood and are part of the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60. Depending on where kids live, some could attend Whittier Elementary, while others, primarily on the neighborhood’s north side, may go to Glen Flora Elementary. Edith Smith Middle School is on New York Street on the neighborhood’s western edge, while high school students go to two different campuses while attending Waukegan High School. The Brookside campus serves ninth and tenth graders, while high school juniors and seniors go to classes at the Washington Street campus. Waukegan High School collaborates on a dual-credit program with the College of Lake County, an area community college. All schools get C-minus grades from Niche.
Edith Smith Middle School is a public school in Waukegan with a student teacher ratio of 10-1.
Whittier Elementary is a public school in Waukegan teaching grades K-5.
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A neighborhood park and Lake Michigan
On the south side of Grand Avenue is a shady park with a small playground with colorful equipment. In addition to an abundance of trees, walking paths lead to a bridge that spans the Waukegan River. The neighborhood is just three miles from Waukegan Municipal Beach, where there is an effort to improve and clean up the area that was close to industrial plants on the lakefront for a long time. “There’s been measures taken by the city and community activists to improve the beach,” Marin says. The 25-mile Robert McClory Bike Path, also used by walkers and joggers, is on the neighborhood’s eastern border.
Waukegan Gardens pet owners can take their dogs to the dog park at Waukegan Savanna.
The Waukegan Municipal Beach features sandy beaches and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
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Latino food influence on Grand Avenue
According to the 2020 census, most people in Waukegan are of Hispanic or Latino descent. That influence is visible along Grand Avenue with the restaurant and grocery options. Antojitos Hondurenos is on the corner of Yeoman Street and Grand Avenue and specializes in Honduran food, like carne asada, marinated beef and chuletas, or pork chops. Juan’s Chuck Wagon is a breakfast and brunch spot. Mas Por Menos Grocery has an assortment of Hispanic foods emphasizing Honduran products. Aldi and Tony’s Fresh Market are about a mile north on Lewis Avenue.
Waukegan Gardens residents can get drinks downtown at Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing.
Waukegan Gardens is close to many local businesses and retail shops along Grand Avenue.
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Art emphasis in downtown Waukegan
Downtown Waukegan is transitioning, and art is a priority. Many buildings have murals on the sides, and several art galleries showcase artists during ArtWauk on the third Saturday of every month. Arts & Entertainment District businesses on Genesee and Washington streets stay open late during the event, and art lovers can purchase paintings and sculptures.
Buses run on Grand and Glen Flora avenues
Public Pace buses run on Grand and Glen Flora avenues, and the Waukegan Metra station is downtown, about 2 miles away. Waukegan National Airport is about 4 miles north and primarily handles private, corporate and business aircraft. For commercial flights, O’Hare International Airport is about 33 miles to the south.
The nearest hospital is Vista Medical Center East on Sheridan Road, about a mile east of the neighborhood.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Alan Berlow,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Waukegan Municipal Beach
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
46 min drive
Bus
Grand Ave & Yeoman St
Bus
Grand Ave & Pine St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Waukegan Gardens
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waukegan Gardens, Waukegan sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Waukegan Gardens, Waukegan over the last 12 months is $190,050, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cute & Cozy home on a corner lot. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home features spacious living room with dining area space. 3 large bedrooms. Plenty of space in fenced yard with patio area. Plus extra storage available in 2 car garage. Low property taxes makes this a Great Opportunity to Own!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Alan Berlow,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
759
Median Age
34
Population under 18
28.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,189
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$76,009
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
48.3%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
3.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.4%
% Population in Labor Force
75.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
67/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 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.
