Why Live in Wonder Center
Wonder Center in Wonder Lake, Illinois, is a neighborhood characterized by its historical homes and lakefront access. The area features Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, and small traditional houses, with larger Tudor and Colonial Revival-influenced properties near the lake. Residents enjoy exclusive access to two parks maintained by the Wonder Center Property Owners Association, including Wonder Lake Main Beach and Center Park, which offers fishing piers, swing sets, and an annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Wonder Lake Marina provides services for boat owners, while the quieter Wonder Center North Beach and the nearby Harrison Benwell Conservation Area offer additional outdoor attractions. Shopping options within Wonder Lake are limited, but essentials can be found at local stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General, with larger retailers such as Meijer and Walmart located about 5 miles southeast in McHenry. Dining options include the popular Busy Bee Restaurant, Alibi Pub & Grub, and East End Pizza and Ice Cream. For nightlife, Horizontals Saloon offers a casual setting with dartboards, video slots, and a sand pit for volleyball. The Wonder Lake Water Show Ski Team, known for its acrobatic performances, is a local highlight during the summer. The neighborhood is connected to McHenry and other nearby communities via McCullom Lake Road, with additional travel facilitated by Wonder Lake Road and Lake Shore Drive. Commuters can access Chicago, located 65 miles southeast, via the Metra station in McHenry. For education, students attend the highly rated McHenry Community High School - Freshman Campus and McHenry Community High School - Upper Campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wonder Center a good place to live?
Wonder Center is a good place to live. Wonder Center is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Wonder Center has 6 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 41. The average household income is $72,967 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 20.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Wonder Center are home owners, with 23.7% of residents renting and 76.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Wonder Center can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Wonder Center neighborhood guide.
Is Wonder Center, IL a safe neighborhood?
Wonder Center, IL is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Wonder Center?
The median home price in Wonder Center is $709,950. If you put a 20% down payment of $142,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,670 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $157K a year to afford the median home price in Wonder Center. The average household income in Wonder Center is $73K.
What are the best public schools in Wonder Center?
The best public schools that serve Wonder Center are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Wonder Center, Wonder Lake, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Wonder Center, Wonder Lake, IL?
Home Trends in Wonder Center, IL
On average, homes in Wonder Center, Wonder Lake sell after 6 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Wonder Center, Wonder Lake over the last 12 months is $687,500, up 485% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$687,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$687,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$196
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$709,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
485%