Crystal Lake

Population: 38,000
Average Home Value: $320,227

Village Hall: 815-459-2020

Crystal Lake , 49 miles northwest of the Loop, is a community which combines the convenience of a city with a rural locale. This ‘little big town’ enjoys a healthy local economy. Through 70 percent is residential, it is home to a number of manufacturing firms.

Crystal Lake is the retail hub of McHenry County. Numerous specialty shops and national retailers as well as a nice mix of restaurants add to the thriving, active downtown area.

City officials are proud of their growth management accomplishments. Since the late 1970’s, Crystal Lake has been an area leader with respect to impact fees for schools, parks, and utilities. An aggressive commercial/industrial annexation program has spread tax burden out, resulting in lower taxes for everyone.

There are two public beaches, a multi-million dollar indoor/outdoor tennis complex, a nature center and four newer softball diamonds. The park district offers more than 400 recreational programs for people of all ages and is affiliated with the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association. All park facilities are handicap-accessible.

Housing:

Crystal Lake is in the midst of a residential construction boom. New homes come in a variety of styles including Colonials, two-stories and ranches and sell in the $200,000 to $275,000 range. Most homes in the 15-20 year old bracket are two-story or split levels. All have mature landscaping. Prices range from as low as $100,000 to more than $800,000. The average 2006 sale price was $320,227. There are a huge variety of architectural styles to be found, this including town homes and condominiums.

Schools:

The majority of elementary children attend school in Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47, while others go to the small Prairie Grove Consolidated School District 46. High Schoolers attend Community High School District 155. The composite score for the All State Tests for District 47 was 78.5. The composite ACT score for District 155 in 2006 was 22.2.

Transportation:

The Northwest Tollway (I-90) is 10 miles south of the city. Drive time to the Loop is 70 minutes. O’Hare Airport and Midway are 45– and 60– minute trips, respectively. Trains reach the Loop in one hour express, 83 minutes local. Bus service is available.