$301,352Average Value$207Average Price per Sq Ft68Homes 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
Michelle Nunez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Wonder Lake, IL sell after 25 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 $317,990, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Envision yourself at 6445 Maple Glen Drive in Wonder Lake, Illinois, in the beautiful low maintenance Chandler Model Home at Stonewater. This ranch townhome is ready for a quick move-in! Corner homesite includes fully sodded yard and patio.The Chandler plan offers 1,375 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 9-foot ceilings. Enjoy the Chandler's open concept living
Welcome to 6433 Maple Glen Drive, sitting on a corner homesite with a fully sodded yard and private patio, this home gives you that extra breathing room-plus it's ready for a summer Move-In, so you can make your move sooner than expected. The Chandler floor plan offers 1,375 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 9' ceilings that make the entire home feel open and inviting. The layout is designed
Envision yourself at 6916 Walnut Ct, Wonder Lake, Illinois, a beautiful new home in our Stonewater Community. This two-story home is ready for a quick move-in! This large, scenic homesite is over 1/4 acre, and is fully sodded with beautiful trees behind! This Bellamy plan offers 2,051 square feet of living space with a flex room, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, & 9-foot ceilings on first floor.
Corner wooded lot with lake rights! Ownership entitles you access to the lake for swimming, kayaking, boating skiing, fishing, etc. on Wonder Lake. 840 acre lake. East side of the lake on the corner of Pinoak and Maplewood. Seller would consider removing trees with the right offer.
Plenty of space inside and out! This Ringwood home sits on 2.39 acres with no HOA and no restrictive covenants, giving you room to enjoy the property your way. Looking for space for a pole barn, detached workshop, extra storage, or a large garden? There's plenty of room here. The property also features an oversized 780 sq. ft. detached garage and a convenient circle driveway. The home is larger
Valarie Werderitch
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
Welcome home! This stunning Wonder Lake beauty offers gorgeous lake views throughout this fully renovated (2024) 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem, with a boat slip, park and beach located directly across the street. The bright, open main level features a fantastic kitchen with 42" stunning cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wood block countertops, hexagon tile backsplash, black hardware and fixtures, a
* Lot Size: 62 Acres* Current Zoning: R1-PD* Permitted Uses under Current Zoning: Single-Family Residential District Planned Development* Lake Frontage: Ample Frontage along Wonder Lake* Contact Broker for Pricing
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
Endless potential awaits with this fixer-upper in Wonder Lake! Located just blocks from the lake and offering valuable lake rights, this property is a fantastic opportunity for investors, rehabbers, or buyers ready to create their dream home. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a detached 2-car garage. Whether you're planning a full renovation, a weekend getaway, or your next
Envision yourself living in your New Home at 2271 Cobble Springs Dr., Wonder Lake, Illinois, a beautiful new home in our Stonewater community. This home is ready for a quick move-in! This homesite includes a fully sodded yard and beautiful open space behind!The Henley plan offers 2,600 square feet of living space with a flex room, 4 bedrooms, large loft, 2.5 baths, and a spacious 2-car
Step into the Haven, a featured plan in our Stonewater community in Wonder Lake, Illinois.This 2-story floor plan with 1,561 square feet of living space provides the perfect combination of modern, open concept living and functionality. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a 2-car garage, you’ll have all the space you need.The main level shows off a bright great room space open
DESIRABLE TWO-STORY HOME WITH AN ATTACHED 2-CAR GARAGE ~ PREMIUM LOT WITH NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND OR IN FRONT FOR ADDED PRIVACY ~ OPEN CONCEPT FLOORPLAN PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING AND EVERYDAY LIVING ~ FLEX ROOM OFF THE FOYER IDEAL FOR A HOME OFFICE, PLAYROOM, OR FORMAL LIVING SPACE ~ SPACIOUS FAMILY ROOM, DINING ROOM, AND KITCHEN FLOW SEAMLESSLY TOGETHER ~ BEAUTIFUL QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ~ STYLISH
Envision yourself at 6443 Maple Glen Drive in Wonder Lake, Illinois, in the beautiful Chandler model home at Stonewater. This ranch townhome is ready for a quick move-in! This corner homesite includes fully sodded yard and patio.The Chandler plan offers 1,375 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 9-foot ceilings. Enjoy the Chandler's open concept living room, kitchen,
Envision yourself at 6445 Maple Glen Drive in Wonder Lake, Illinois, in the beautiful low maintenance Chandler Model Home at Stonewater. This ranch townhome is ready for a quick move-in! Corner homesite includes fully sodded yard and patio.The Chandler plan offers 1,375 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 9-foot ceilings. Enjoy the Chandler's open concept living
The advertised rate of $4,725/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 1, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Popular McKinley model offers bright and cheery spaces, second floor laundry plus master bedroom with walk in closet and a private bath, semi private den and possible third bedroom on lower level with a closet. 2 car attached garage with opener, tankless water heater, spacious and open main living area with quartz countertops, stainless appliances, hard surface eat in area and generously sized
Experience serene waterfront living on this private channel front oasis overlooking the Nippersink creek. This attractive waterfront home sits on a spacious lot & features a brand new deck, perfect for enjoying peaceful views. Spend your days fishing, relaxing on the dock, or enjoying private beach access to the Sunrise Ridge Beach Park & Pavilion. Inside, the spacious upstairs primary suite
BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM & 2.1 BATHROOM RENTAL in DESIRABLE STONEWATER!! Welcome to 2241 Sassafrass Way #E in the desirable Stonewater subdivision of Wonder Lake. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath home offers comfortable, modern living with a thoughtful open-concept design and plenty of space to call home. The main level features a bright and inviting living area that flows seamlessly into the dining
Now available for rent! This stunning two-story townhome offers 3 spacious bedrooms, a versatile loft, 2.5 bathrooms, and a bright open-concept floor plan designed for comfortable modern living. The main level features engineered hardwood flooring, an elegant oak staircase with metal balusters, white cabinetry, quartz countertops, GE Profile stainless steel appliances, and a spacious owner's
Discover the opportunity to make this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home your own in the desirable Highland Shores area. Offering approximately 980 square feet of living space, this home provides a comfortable layout! Private Lake Access! Enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that Wonder Lake has to offer, with a community atmosphere and convenient access to local recreation, shopping, dining, and everyday
Very Cute home with 2 bedrooms/1 Bathroom located in Wonder Lake! This home has nice wood flooring in living space, updated bathroom, stackable washer/dryer! Large Fenced Yard!
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