Why Live in Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake in Urbana, IL, is a neighborhood characterized by its diverse population, proximity to major destinations, and abundant green spaces. The area is home to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students, investors, and families, offering a mix of older homes built between the 1900s and 1960s, including ranch-style and minimal folk traditional properties. These homes often feature wood or brick exteriors, small porches, and free-standing garages, with options ranging from fixer-uppers to turnkey properties. Crystal Lake Park is a key attraction, offering a 144-acre facility with Busey Woods, the Anita Purves Nature Center, and various recreational amenities. Other parks include Chief Shemauger Park, Urbana Dog Park, and AMBUCS Park, which features an accessible playground. The neighborhood is zoned for Urbana School District 116, with Urbana High School being highly rated. Dining options along Cunningham and University Avenues include Shawarma Joint Mediterranean Kitchen, La Mixteca, and Panaderia San Miguel Mexican Bakery. Shopping is convenient with stores like El Progreso International Supermarket and Schnucks. Crystal Lake is well-connected via Interstate 74, University Avenue, and North Cunningham Avenue, with downtown Urbana less than 2 miles away and the University of Illinois campus about 2 miles away. Public transportation is accessible with MTD bus stops along major roads. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, though some areas near Crystal Lake Drive have higher flooding risks. Local events include the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair, AudioFeed Music Festival, Pygmalion Music Festival, and Boneyard Arts Festival, providing ample entertainment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crystal Lake a good place to live?
Crystal Lake is a good place to live. Crystal Lake is considered car-dependent and bikeable with good transit options. Crystal Lake has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 33. The average household income is $46,147 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 38.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Crystal Lake are renters, with 73.1% of residents renting and 26.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Crystal Lake can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Crystal Lake neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Crystal Lake?
The median home price in Crystal Lake is $380,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $76,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,970 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $84K a year to afford the median home price in Crystal Lake. The average household income in Crystal Lake is $46K.
What are the best public schools in Crystal Lake?
The best public schools that serve Crystal Lake are:
What are the best private schools in Crystal Lake?
The best private schools that serve Crystal Lake are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Crystal Lake, Urbana, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Crystal Lake, Urbana, IL?
Are home prices dropping in Crystal Lake?
Yes, home prices in Crystal Lake are down 6% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Crystal Lake, IL
On average, homes in Crystal Lake, Urbana sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Crystal Lake, Urbana over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$375,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$375,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$152
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$380,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%