West Dundee is a Fox River Valley community in northern Kane County
The Village of West Dundee is a far northwest suburb in the Fox Valley. Located about 45 miles from downtown Chicago , it is separated from East Dundee via the Fox River, though still connected in more ways than one. "We have the Main Street vehicular bridge, which you can walk across comfortably, as it includes a sidewalk, and there's also a pedestrian bridge," says Timothy J. Scott, the director of economic development, planning, zoning and urban design for West Dundee. "It is truly a quaint and charming place, and the crown jewel is the historic downtown, with the surrounding Old Town neighborhood."
Dundee history from Scottish influences to the Pinkerton connection
According to Larry Hines, a Realtor with Re/Max Horizons, one of the primary differences between the two sides of Dundee is connected to the heritage of settlers who moved here in the 1800s. "The west end, they always say, was brought up by the Scottish — the name comes from Dundee, Scotland. And then the east side was the Germans."
The Dundee Township Historical District includes both sides of the river. Bricks from the Dundee Brick Company, which was also known as Haeger Potteries, were used to construct many of Dundee's early buildings. Scott says the bricks are identifiable by their distinctive buff-like color. One notable 19th century building is the Duff House, which some historians believe was a station on the Underground Railroad; the home of Allan Pinkerton is another. "He was a fascinating person: a famous detective, a cooper and a bodyguard for president-elect Lincoln. That home is still in great shape," Scott says.
Shopping and dining downtown or elsewhere in West Dundee
Among downtown West Dundee's businesses and eateries is Elder + Oat for baked goods and artisanal coffee. Bleuroot has a riverside patio with views and offers a farm-to-table experience. The Village Squire, an English-style pub, also has an outdoor dining space. The West Dundee French Market is a Parisian-style outdoor market held at the riverfront Pump House on Fridays from late May through late August. Entertainment venues include Rookies RocHaus for music shows and the Underground Retrocade for vintage-style gaming.
Grocery options in the area include Jewel-Osco and Aldi. Century Plaza is a shopping center outside of downtown, and the former Spring Hill Mall site is ripe for redevelopment. "We will seek out like-minded development partners who share our aspiration to create a vibrant new mixed-use area. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get it right," Scott says. Movie night is still on at Cinemark West Dundee, a remaining mall anchor.
Historical architecture, subdivision homes and newly built townhomes
Vintage homes include Victorians, American Foursquares and some Sears Catalog kit bungalows. "The Old Town is a beautiful neighborhood that has amazing housing stock. It has compact, walkable blocks, and each home is different," Scott says. Later, West Dundee's modern subdivisions added ranch-style and split-level homes and contemporaries. Single-family home prices range from about $200,000 to $870,000, with age, condition and square footage as factors. Condos are about $130,000 to $180,000. Townhomes are generally about $180,000 to $340,000, though brand-new ones have been listed in the $400,000s.
West Dundee's population has increased by about 7% since 2020. According to a special census undertaken by the village in 2025, close to 8,400 people now call West Dundee home. Scott says someone born in West Dundee could live their entire life here, with housing to fit each stage along the way. "We've diversified the housing stock and consciously sought development that fits various areas within the village." Recent or upcoming developments include garden-style apartments, affordable independent senior rental buildings, an assisted living memory care community and townhome communities.
Big area events include the Heritage Fest and Dickens in Dundee
The West Dundee River Challenge, held in mid-July, is one of 10 stops of the Chicago Grit Racing Series. Professional and amateur cyclists from around the world race on West Dundee's uphill course called the Leg Breaker. Heritage Fest, a three-day September celebration, has an art and craft fair, a car show and carnival games for kids.
The multiday, December festival Dickens in Dundee has been held for close to 40 years. Named after the 19th century British author Charles Dickens, the event features programs inspired by "A Christmas Carol,” the Winter Wonderland at Grafelman Park and the Riverside Parade of Lights, which starts in West Dundee and ends in East Dundee. People from both sides of the river as well as neighboring communities visit the year-round attraction Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park in East Dundee. The children-focused park has rides, areas with animals, the Polar Dome Ice Rink and the seasonal Santa Springs for fun in the water.
Fox River recreation, community parks and forest preserves
Fishing is allowed along some areas of the West Dundee River Walk, and there's the occasional geese crossing. On the east side, the multiuse Fox River Trail connects area communities along portions of the 200-mile-long river. "At various times during the year, you see bald eagles. To be this close to Chicago and see them is a special surprise," Scott says. "In the warmer months, folks are out kayaking and canoeing." Areas closest to the river and Jelkes Creek are susceptible to flooding.
Other outdoor highlights include Huffman Park, which has a playground, skate plaza, splash pad and assorted athletic amenities. To the northwest, Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve has an environmental center, oak forests and marshes. Randall Oaks Park offers a petting zoo, recreation center and baseball complex. The Randall Oaks Golf Club is a public 18-hole course.
High grades from Niche in Community Unit School District 300
Students may attend Dundee Highlands Elementary School or Sleepy Hollow Elementary, both of which earn an A-minus grade from Niche. Dundee Middle School receives a B-plus, and Dundee-Crown High School has a B. The high school has about 30 clubs or extracurricular groups, such as Science Olympiad, a poetry club and an auto club.
Walkable streets, bus service and access to several highways
Many of West Dundee's streets are in a grid pattern, with short blocks and sidewalks. Paved pathways used by cyclists and walkers cut through open grassy areas between some streets, while running parallel to others, like Tartans Drive. Pace Bus provides service to East Dundee and Carpentersville, and another route goes to the Pace Elgin Transportation Center and the Elgin Metra Station. West Dundee has the Advocate Outpatient Center, and the Advocate Sherman Hospital is in Elgin , about 5 miles away. State Routes 72 and 31 intersect the area, with the latter meeting Interstate 90 several miles to the south. The trip to Chicago O'Hare International Airport is roughly 27 miles.
Written By
Robin Silberman
