$353,468Average Value$247Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Emerald Park is a gateway to the Chain O’Lakes
Emerald Park is a quiet community settled between the Fox River and the scenic Moraine Hills State Park. Though McHenry is often nicknamed the “Gateway to the Chain O’Lakes,” Emerald Park’s private docks and public marina embody the meaning. Residents have premier access to the Fox River, implying a 6-mile boat ride to Pistakee Lake and its surrounding parks, preserves and attractions. In the neighborhood itself, homebuyers can expect spacious yards and old-growth trees, with eateries and amenities just a 3-mile commute northwest in the heart of McHenry.
Gardens, brush and private docks on the Fox River
Emerald Park’s homes branch off River Road, a residential thoroughfare aptly named for its proximity to the Fox River. The neighborhood is mostly quiet, with a CAP Index crime score of 1, compared to the national average of 4. Homebuyers won’t find sidewalks or road verges here. Instead, spacious yards sprout gardens, trees, and brush growing up to the street line. Split levels, ranch-style homes and modest bungalows make up a majority of the market, priced between $300,000 and $600,000. Occasionally, properties with less than 1,000 feet are priced below $200,000. On the contrary, those with more than 3,000 square feet can reach $850,000. Their detached garages line narrow avenues, though attached garages and parking pads are just as common. Riverfront homes even include private docks and back porches overlooking the water.
Water recreation is part of McHenry’s culture
While some residents have access to private docks for launching and fishing, plenty utilize the community marina on Laguna Drive. “Proximity to the Fox River is a big deal for boaters here,” says Jackie Nelson, a local agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Folks can head north on the river to Johnsburg and the Chain O’ Lakes.” The Chain itself comprises 15 lakes, all connected by the Fox River. Those seeking fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and swimming opportunities need only travel about 6 miles north to reach Pistakee Lake and its surrounding preserves.
On land, Moraine Hills State Park borders Emerald Park to the east. The 2,200-acre natural area offers lakes, wetlands, woodlands and open fields. Park visitors can fish or boat on Lake Defiance or hike along its 10 miles of scenic trails. Moraine Hills is also a popular spot for birders, as the park is home to over 200 unique species.
From picnic supplies to dinner on the waterfront
Emerald Park residents typically run their errands in McHenry. Riverside Bakery is on the way, a locally owned bake shop serving everything from fresh bread loaves to homemade donut holes and hot coffee. Jewel-Osco and Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market sit side-by-side on Elm Street, 3 miles north. Across the road, Adam’s Sandwich Shop sells snacks, picnic supplies, fresh salads and subs. Retailers like Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Old Navy are just north along Route 31, Richmond Avenue.
Closer to home on the river’s east side, Snuggery River Roadhouse serves classic American bites on the waterfront. Patrons can watch the game inside or the sunset outside. Both experiences come paired with cocktails, pizza and barbeque sandwiches. Evenings might include a visit to the McHenry Outdoor Theater, a drive-in showing new and old cinema classics throughout the year.
RISE UP Music Festival brings big names to McHenry
In the summertime, Peterson Park hosts the RISE UP Music Festival on McCollum Lake. Organized by the Rise Up Foundation, a nonprofit raising funds for improvement projects in McHenry, the festival features prominent musicians each year. Past lineups have included bands like Dirty Heads and Old Dominion. The Red, White & Booze Fest overlaps in July. This Independence Day celebration takes place at the Courthouse Tavern, featuring live music, food trucks and drink specials.
McHenry Central Consolidated School District 15
Students attend McHenry Central Consolidated School District 15, which enrolls the entirety of McHenry and parts of the surrounding suburbs. Edgebrook Elementary School earns a B on Niche, enrolling prekindergarten through fourth grade. Next door, C-plus-rated Chauncey H. Duker School enrolls third through fifth grade. With a B-minus on Niche, McHenry Middle School provides extracurricular clubs and athletics in preparation for McHenry High School. There, ninth-graders will attend the high school’s freshman campus, while the rest attend the main campus 2 miles west. Regional news stations have credited the school’s journalism program, while the state-of-the-art STEM building offers courses in automotive and robotics. Altogether, McHenry High earns a B-plus on Niche.
Bike lanes and Metra lines traversing the Fox River
Emerald Park’s cyclists will find bike lanes on Charles J. Miller Memorial Highway and Green Street, which connect to a handful of McHenry’s restaurants and shops. Otherwise, residents are primarily car-dependent. Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, a regional employer and the nearest emergency room, is located 2 miles west across the river. Chicago commuters can expect a 55-mile drive southeast on Interstate 94. Those preferring the Metra will find the nearest station in McHenry, 3 miles northwest. From there, riders can expect an hour-long trip to the Windy City. Out-of-state travelers typically fly commercially from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 35 miles south.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Bill Dafnis,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Weber's Park
Boating
Fishing
Multi-Purpose Field
Knox Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Pool
Moraine Hills State Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
Creekside Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
McHenry Shores Beach Park
Basketball
River
McHenry Dam
Fishing
Lake
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
60 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Emerald Park
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Emerald Park, Crystal Lake sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Emerald Park, Crystal Lake over the last 12 months is $341,357, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
RIVER LIVIN' WITH NOTHING ELSE TO DO!!! Completely rehabbed ranch with the Fox River and your pier right outside your front door! Every single thing brand new here, including kitchens, bathrooms, oak floors, paint, appliances, doors, trim, fixtures, furnace, & A/C!!! All you need is your boat! Just north of the dam with a straight shot to the chain. And just a short drive to town, restaurants, &
Enjoy WATERFRONT living at its best in this luxurious property located on the Fox River in McHenry IL. This custom-built home allows you to enjoy WATERFRONT views without WATERFRONT TAXES and gives you direct access to the Fox River and the coveted Chain of Lakes with over 40 restaurant and bars you can navigate to with you boat. The home features state of the art kitchen with massive island,
Karen Conley SabellaBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
This well maintained two story on 3 lots in Fair Oaks Subdivision is the solution for space! Do you need to park work vehicles, a motor home, boats and big toys??? The extra garage and huge lot can make this your dream come true! Large office space on the second floor let's you run your home business with ease. The family room has an incredible bar that couldn't get much more fun and leads out to
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Bill Dafnis,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
667
Median Age
43
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$94,207
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$122,390
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.4%
College Graduates
27.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12%
% Population in Labor Force
70.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
27''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
