$278,780Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft78Homes For Sale
Wonder Lake was once a community of lakeside summer homes
In Wonder Lake, about 4,000 residents are part of a laid-back community with quiet roads, lakeside views and access to private beaches along the water. Though the village's population is small, it's growing rapidly and has tripled since 2000, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. New subdivisions and developments are expanding the village, which started as a vacation spot. "It was initially a place for second homes of wealthy people from Chicago," says Louise Berger, a Re/Max Plaza broker with over 30 years of experience selling in the area. "A lot of homes there started as summer cottages." Now, old and new homes attract permanent residents seeking family friendly living and waterfront recreation. "Wonder Lake, or Wonderful Lake as I call it, is a great place to live," Berger says. "It's especially wonderful for people who enjoy the water."
Wonder Lake is a growing community featuring a balanced blend of older and newer homes.
There are many fishing opportunities at South Park - Deep Spring Wood Country Club.
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Older homes are along the water, while newer homes are farther away
Cape Cods and workers' cottages are among the oldest and least expensive in the village, in waterside neighborhoods like Deep Spring Woods and Shore Hills. They range between $70,000 and $250,000. The area grew outward from the lake, and ranch-style and split-level homes from the middle of the 20th century are a mid-point, both in size and price. They often sell for between $200,000 and $350,000. New traditional styles from the past few decades are outside the lake's immediate boundaries and range from $310,000 to $700,000. Some lakeside houses, old and new, fetch prices as high as $900,000. The median price in Wonder Lake is $275,000, significantly below the national median of around $400,000. "A lot of people moving there are happy to have the use of the lake at a lower price than neighborhoods to the east," Berger says. "The farther east you go, the pricier the homes are, especially around lakes. So, Wonder Lake is affordable in comparison."
Workers' cottages and split-level homes dot the residential streets in Shore Hills.
Colorful, rustic ranches are found throughout Deep Spring Woods.
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Private beaches and parks for each subdivision or community
Wonder Lake is private, without public access to waterside parks, beaches or boat launches. Instead, "There are private beaches and boat launches all around the lake, each associated with different subdivisions and communities," Berger says. Lakeside beaches include those maintained by Indian Ridge, Lookout Point and Wonder Center. Residents fish, swim, kayak and race sailboats in the water and can enjoy a nationally award-winning ski show from the shore. Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team performs on Fridays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Performer events include jumps, acrobatics, dances and a four-tier human pyramid – all while on water skis. The team competes in tournaments and has won five National Show Ski Championship awards.
Wooded Shores Beach is one of Wonder Lake's many private beaches.
The Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team brings high-speed stunts to the lake every weekend.
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Children attend different school districts based on residency
As of the most recent United States census, nearly half the households in Wonder Lake have children under 18 living in them. "It's a very family oriented place," Berger says. Depending on which side of the lake they live on, children attend either Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200 or Harrison School District 36. Those on the west side attend Woodstock's Greenwood Elementary School, followed by Northwood Middle School. Both are rated B-plus by Niche. Woodstock North High School is rated A-minus. Children on the east side of the lake can begin learning at Harrison Elementary School, rated C-minus. The school is the only one in the district, teaching kindergarten through eighth grade, and feeds into McHenry Community High School, rated B-plus.
Northwood Middle School has 626 students in grades 6 through 8.
McHenry Community High School has 2,222 students and a student to teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
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An annual celebration of lights and boats
Wonder Lake Yacht Club holds a fireworks show and a parade of boats on Venetian Night, a local celebration for the Fourth of July. Boat owners decorate their boats with inflatables, lights and themed décor to cruise around the perimeter of the lake after sunset. Judges vote on a winning boat each year, keeping the decorations fresh and ever-growing.
The village participates in an all-village garage sale each spring. A farmers market is at the local city hall on Wednesdays from May through October.
The Wonder Lake Marina participates in the annual Venetian Night celebration.
The Wonder Lake Farmers Market meets every Wednesday evening from 5pm to 8pm.
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McHenry and Woodstock have employers and trains to Chicago
Wonder Lake is about 70 miles from downtown Chicago. Illinois Route 120 is south of the lake and leads to McHenry and Woodstock, the two nearest cities. "A lot of Wonder Lake residents work in and commute to McHenry," Berger says. "There are also train services in McHenry and in Woodstock that go to the city." Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 47 miles southeast, about an hour away. Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital are each within 15 miles of Wonder Lake.
The Woodstock Metra station connects Wonder Lake to Chicago in about 90 minutes.
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport takes about 15 million passengers in a year.
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Limited shopping keeps the village private and quiet
Limited pubs, grills and restaurants are around the lake, and Dollar General and Village Market are nearby for quick grocery trips. "There are no big shopping centers, but that's one of the nice things about the area that keeps it private and quiet," Berger says. National grocery stores, big-box retailers, chain restaurants and home improvement centers are in Woodstock and McHenry.
Residents shop for basic groceries at Dollar General located within Wonder Lake.
Residents with more extensive grocery lists shop at the nearby Walmart.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sandra Giron,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Wonder Lake, IL sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Wonder Lake, IL over the last 12 months is $306,050, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
No need to wait for a new build, this beautiful and spacious Mckinley model with sleek ss appliances in place this townhome is ready for you to move in. Featuring stylish wood laminate flooring with cozy carpet in select rooms. The main level offers an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area-perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is a standout with an eat-in island, and plenty of workspace.
Experience lakeside living at its finest in this meticulously crafted home, where timeless woodwork meets cutting-edge smart-home technology with an opportunity for multi-family living. Every inch of this residence reflects exceptional attention to detail with customized Amish cabinetry, built-in shelving that reflects true craftsmanship as each piece was thoughtfully designed and every corner
Luxury lakefront opportunities like this are rare-offering an unmatched blend of serenity, recreation, and refined living. Perfectly positioned on a private 840-acre lake, this exceptional home invites you to experience breathtaking water views, stunning hardscape, and vibrant designed landscaping. Step outside and immerse yourself in the ultimate lake lifestyle-morning coffee by the water,
Welcome to easy, one-level living in the desirable Stonewater subdivision of Wonder Lake! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-full bath ranch townhome offers 1,332 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with over $20,000 in recent updates-making it truly move-in ready. The open and functional floor plan is perfect for everyday living and entertaining, featuring spacious bedrooms, two
**Embrace Lakeside Serenity at 7712 Cedar Rd, Wonder Lake, Illinois** Welcome to your tranquil retreat at 7712 Cedar Rd, nestled in the heart of the enchanting Wonder Lake community. This exquisite ranch-style home offers an idyllic blend of comfort and elegance, designed to captivate your senses and provide an unparalleled living experience. **A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Comfort** As you
Joy Baez
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
No need to wait for a new build, this beautiful and spacious Mckinley model with sleek ss appliances in place this townhome is ready for you to move in. Featuring stylish wood laminate flooring with cozy carpet in select rooms. The main level offers an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area-perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is a standout with an eat-in island, and plenty of workspace.
Welcome home to this inviting, sprawling ranch set on over 1/3 acre in the desirable Indian Trails neighborhood! This spacious property features 3 bedrooms with the option for a 4th, along with 2 beautifully updated full bathrooms. You'll love the updated laminate wood flooring throughout most of the main level and the modern kitchen complete with refreshed cabinets, counters, and a newer Samsung
This adorable, move-in-ready home has everything done for you-just unpack and enjoy! All NEW: roof, siding, windows, doors, flooring, appliances & more Generously sized garage Huge lot with endless possibilities Private access to Wonder Lake! Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to downsize, or searching for a smart investment opportunity, this home checks all the boxes. Enjoy a simple,
Experience serene living on this stunning property, perfectly blending comfort, space, and natural beauty. If you love nature, this definitely the one you have been waiting for. Set on approximately 5 acres with Nippersink Creek running along the edge-ideal for fishing, kayaking, hunting, on your own property and a river running through it. This home includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms arranged
WOW, what a beautiful townhome and the location is absolutely amazing! Features include a desireable end-unit, a bright and open layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen showcases elegant quartz countertops, a convenient breakfast bar, and a dedicated dining space that flows seamlessly into the main living area. The home offers three bedrooms, two and a half baths, plus a
Welcome home to 6510 Linden Trail – Unit E, a beautiful end-unit Garfield townhome in Wonder Lake’s Stonewater community. This home offers the ease of a fully sodded and landscaped yard with year-round maintenance and winter snow removal. With 1,758 sq. ft. of living space, this home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a finished bonus room. From the two-car garage, step into your versatile flex
If location is important, this spot is perfect for living in a quiet locale, with easy access to Rt. 120 and WATER RIGHTS! This 60 x 120 foot lot is large enough for your new home and in an area that's pleasing to drive through! No soil tests or backup information at this time, Seller purchased the lot in order to enjoy the PRIVATE Wonder Lake for boating, swimming, fishing and FUN! Survey
Nicely updated home on double lot with a heated/air conditioned detached garage! This is an excellent home for those desiring a studio living space with a large walk in closet room or small office. (The actual bedroom is small and houses the washer and dryer.) With this sweet property, you can realize your gardening/sustainable lifestyle dreams, work from home or from the detached garage, or have
Step into the Elliot, a featured plan in our Stonewater Ranch Townhomes community in Wonder Lake, Illinois. This ranch style townhome plan provides the perfect combination of low maintenance living and functionality. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, offers 1,332 square feet of living space. The open concept great room, dining room, and kitchen are just off of the foyer, creating a
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,500 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
This beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in the highly sought-after Meadows of West Bay offers the feel of new construction. Also comes with access to the Meadows of West Bay boat launch to Wonder Lake! Built less than five years ago and well maintained, this home is truly move-in ready and loaded with improvements you won't get in a base-model build. Step inside to a bright and
Move right in to this beautifully maintained, fully furnished 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located in a desirable lake community just steps from Wonder Lake. This turnkey rental offers comfort, convenience, and a relaxed lifestyle in a peaceful setting. The home features a bright and inviting living area filled with natural light, a functional kitchen with ample cabinet space, and three generously
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