Wonder Woods
Neighborhood in Wonder Lake, Illinois
McHenry County 60097
Waterfront homes and year-round residences
Wonder Woods Drive and Lake Street Drive are the principal north-south roads in this subdivision, with other winding streets in between. Depending on the time of year, there may be more or less neighbors spotted by the docks. “It’s a mixed bag. There are a lot of people that live there year round, and a lot that are around for just the summer months,” Buczkiewicz says. Lawn clutter is reduced thanks to another community-wide measure. “One neat benefit that doesn't cost any money is there’s other land that you can put your trailer on in summer, and in winter your boat lift can go on that property for storage," Buczkiewicz says. “So you don’t have this big ugly lift in the backyard or taking up space on your driveway.” Homes were built throughout the 20th century, with walkout basements and attached or detached garages. Properties rarely go on sale here, and those that do usually need a few repairs. The two most recent sales went for $265,000 to $320,000.
/
Four beachfront parks and a marina
Four lakefront parks dot the shoreline in Wonder Woods, one of which is exclusively a marina. All homeowners in Wonder Woods have deeded lake rights. “If you have a waterfront home, you have your own lift and keep your boat in front of your house, right on the water,” Buczkiewicz says. “But if not, there are 22 slips available for the summer to rent, exclusively for residents. Otherwise you would have to bring it there and back each time. Some people bring their own lifts to keep their boat up out of the water at the marina, but it’s up to you. The regulars get priority, so if you had Slip 12, you get a chance to pay first the next year before it’s released to the public for grabs.” Once they’re out for an afternoon, boaters can sail to Wonder Lake Marina on the other side for gas, servicing or a hot dog from the concession stand. Anglers with fishing licenses adhere to limits on certain species. Parents can also sign kids on at the beginning of each season for youth soccer, baseball and softball leagues, which play home games south of the community at Jacobson Park and compete against other McHenry County leagues.
/
Heading to Woodstock for school each morning
Since they live on the west side of Wonder Lake, Wonder Woods kids are served by Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200. Buses travel out to take kids into town each morning, though the pickup location is often a topic of debate. “The roads are a little hilly, and folks think the kids would be safer on this corner or that corner,” Buczkiewicz says. Greenwood Elementary School and Northwood Middle School both score a B-plus from Niche. Woodstock North High School scores an A-minus, serving about 950 students from around the region. The Woodstock North Thunder Marching Band, other clubs and staff members throw candy to onlookers during the annual Homecoming Parade in their hometown. The school offers dual-credit courses and specialized STEM courses, ranging from engineering design to digital electronics, through a partnership with Project Lead the Way, an academic nonprofit.
/
Yacht club races, ski shows and events in nearby towns
The Wonder Lake Yacht Club races sailboats every Sunday in the warmer months, with membership at the Sailing and Social tiers granting access to annual events like the Pontoon Progressive Dinner Party. The Wonder Lake Water Show Ski Team hosts shows on Fridays and on the 4th of July at Wonder Center Beach before fireworks are set off over the lake from a floating barge in the evening. Woodstock and McHenry also both have public libraries that host occasional events like kids craft time and guest speakers.Getting from rural Wonder Lake to O’Hare, Chicago
Breaking through the tree cover of Wonder Woods leads to more farmland in the immediate vicinity. It's about 8 miles to McHenry and 12 miles to Woodstock, with Illinois Route 120 connecting them. Travelers head 48 miles to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 68 to downtown Chicago. Those making the occasional day trip to the Windy City can skip the drive by hoping on the platform at McHenry Station, one of the final stops on the Union Pacific Northwest line to Ogilvie Transportation Center. Wonder Lake is served by the Northwestern Medicine hospital system, with options in McHenry and outside of Woodstock, 11 and 14 miles away, respectively.Shopping and dining in nearby McHenry and Woodstock
The drive around the bend of Wonder Lake is sparse, with small businesses like Empire Corals bait shop and the single white spire of Wonder Lake Bible Church on the roadside. Locals can grab a quick slice at Napoli Pizza Place, which serves indoor and outdoor seating from its pink-and-purple cottage exterior. Wonder Lake is also flanked by the neighboring towns of Woodstock and McHenry. “McHenry is a little closer than Woodstock and has just about everything—big-box retailers, fast food, casual dining and nice restaurants,” Buczkiewicz says. From here shoppers head up Illinois Route 31 to Aldi, Meijer, and brands like DSW and T.J. Maxx. “For Italian you go to Bimbos, and for just casual dining the family favorite is Cullom Knoll in McCullom Lake,” Buczkiewicz says. The local haunt survived a fire and returned to business in its main dining area and a private room often booked for graduations and baby showers. Patio seating often comes with live music on the calendar.
/
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Video By
Charles Kennedy
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Stewart Ramirez
Stewart Ramirez
E- Signature Realty
(844) 338-5136
338 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$250,000 Price
-
Brian Labahn
Brian Labahn
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(833) 760-1441
27 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$600,000 Price
-
Louise Berger
Louise Berger
RE/MAX Plaza
(815) 923-3645
70 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$291,045 Price
-
Karen Streelman
Karen Streelman
Fathom Realty IL LLC
(815) 393-1156
39 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$397,000 Price
-
Jennifer Beltrame
Jennifer Beltrame
Responds QuicklyHomeSmart Connect LLC
(855) 797-0258
174 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$255,000 Price
-
Terri Mlyniec
Terri Mlyniec
Responds QuicklyBaird & Warner
(815) 887-6946
73 Total Sales
1 in Wonder Woods
$225,000 Price
Schools
Source:
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
- 8th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wonder Woods Park and Boat Launch #1
Wonder Woods Marina Park #3
Wonder Woods Park #2
Wonder Woods Park #4
Indian Ridge Park & Boat Launch
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Wonder Woods | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
| Larceny | 2 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Wonder Woods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wonder Woods, Wonder Lake sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Wonder Woods, Wonder Lake over the last 12 months is $287,500, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$310,000
Median Sale Price
$287,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$301,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$242
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
86
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,800
Below the national average
1,933
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
422
Median Age
45
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,263
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,111
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
32.8%
Advanced Degrees
11%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
31''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
14
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Hickory Falls
Homes by the lake accentuate a peaceful lifestyle northwest of Chicago
Lookout Point
A quiet lakeside community with its own private beach
White Oaks Bay
Waterfront and inland homes on private Wonder Lake near the yacht club
Deep Spring Woods
Private, quiet waterfront community on Wonder Lake’s east side
Parker's Highlands
A small subdivision just east of Wonder Lake's shores
Sunrise Ridge
Situated between Wonder Lake's shores and parks
Reviews
Are you familiar with the Wonder Woods neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Was this page helpful?