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Plato Center

Plato Center

Suburban Neighborhood in Elgin, Illinois

Kane County 60124, 60140

$626,763 Average Value
$194 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Quiet crop-lined roads and newly built subdivisions

Plato Center, a community of northern Illinois’ Kane County, combines the area’s agricultural past with the expanding suburban landscape of today. Founded in 1835 as a farming community, the turn of the 21st century welcomed several subdivisions branching out from South Randall Road, the area’s main corridor for retail and dining opportunities toward the east. Despite this change in tune, longtime residents retain a sense of nostalgia along walks through Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve and check-ins with friendly neighbors. “When you talk about Plato’s Center, it’s kind of something of the past,” says Jill Muirhead, owner of Rivendell Alpacas and longtime resident. “With the new developments, we aren’t connected as a community like we once were. However, from time to time, our neighbors will ask us to keep an eye on their home or make sure their kids get off the bus safely.”

The vastness of Plato Center blends residential and rural living perfectly.
The vastness of Plato Center blends residential and rural living perfectly.
Families enjoy newly built townhomes located in Plato Center in Elgin.
Families enjoy newly built townhomes located in Plato Center in Elgin.
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A variety of homes spanning over 150 years

Most of Plato Center’s recently built subdivisions are situated east of Muirhead Road. Here, brick-clad New Traditional and ranch-style homes and custom builds from the last 24 years line winding residential streets and sit atop plots averaging just over one acre. Most include unfenced backyards, well-manicured front yards and two-car driveways. Bounded by St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church off Plank Road in its northwest corner, expansive crop fields dominate the remaining community, which work as golden backdrops for occasional mid-20th century ranch-style homes. Meanwhile, homes from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s showcase a variety of styles and make up the centralmost portion of the community, where Rippburger and Russell Roads meet by Plato town hall, a community firehouse and a little league baseball park. Home prices range from $300,000 to $600,000, however, recently built homes on more significant acreage can reach up to $900,000. It’s also worth noting that Plato Center maintains a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Front porches and quaint living are  beautiful qualities of calling Plato Center home.
Front porches and quaint living are beautiful qualities of calling Plato Center home.
Solid brick homes and high end build quality are part of what make Plato Center a nice place.
Solid brick homes and high end build quality are part of what make Plato Center a nice place.
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Learning about local livestock and making trips to Plato Park and Depot

Learning about the area’s agricultural history can include stops at Rivendell Alpacas, where visitors feed and pet the alpacas as they learn about how their fleece is processed for hats, socks and other goods. Similarly, Goat Yoga Chicago invites folks to interact with hooved workout partners while twisting, turning and stretching to improve flexibility and well-being. Plato Park and Depot is where families and friends of Central District Baseball League players go to catch weekend games. The park is also home to a traditional playground and the Illinois Central R.R. Depot Museum. Muirhead Farmhouse in the northwestern portion of the neighborhood offers tours of the only farmhouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Directly north are the sprawling trails of Muirhead Spring Forest Preserve. “Much of the preserve was farmland for some time,” Muirhead says. “The park district has filled the preserve with heritage plants from the 1850s. Now it has wildflowers all over instead of corn and beans.”

Rivendell Alpacas hosts seniors in Plato Center to share their passion free of charge.
Rivendell Alpacas hosts seniors in Plato Center to share their passion free of charge.
Plato Center is a great place to enjoy and call home for many families in the Elgin area.
Plato Center is a great place to enjoy and call home for many families in the Elgin area.
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Shopping and dining along South Randall Road

Grocery stores like Sam’s Club and Meijer are situated along South Randall Road, 5 miles east. At the same time, retail stores like Target, T.J. Maxx and others at South Elgin Commons are along the same stretch. The commons are also home to The Village Squire, a casual restaurant where complimentary popcorn comes paired with live music on the patio and American eats. A trip 5 miles north leads to The Milk House Ice Cream, a local favorite for desserts in Kane County. The parlor serves unique flavors like coconut macaron and salty honey pie from a late 1800s dairy farmhouse.

The patio at The Village Squire is perfect for unwinding after work in Plato Center.
The patio at The Village Squire is perfect for unwinding after work in Plato Center.
Meijer Foods is perfect for fresh produce and more in Plato Center.
Meijer Foods is perfect for fresh produce and more in Plato Center.
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Exploring Central High School's Regional Career Pathways

Young students residing south of Plato Road and west of Crawford Road will attend Lily Lake Grade School, which maintains an A-minus rating on Niche. The remaining majority will enroll in classes at Howard B. Thomas Grade School, which holds a B-plus rating. Students will then merge for 6th and 7th grade at Prairie Knolls Middle School and 8th grade at Central Middle School, both of which have an A-minus rating. Meanwhile, Central High School welcomes the community’s oldest. The home of the Rockets maintains an A-minus rating and works in tandem with surrounding school districts to provide Regional Career Pathways. The program offers certifications upon completion for fields including welding, automotive technology and a handful of others.

Central High School is a top notch school kids feel safe at in Plato Center.
Central High School is a top notch school kids feel safe at in Plato Center.
Students are the highest priority at Prairie Knolls Middle School in Plato Center.
Students are the highest priority at Prairie Knolls Middle School in Plato Center.
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Catching shows at Kane County Fairgrounds

The Kane County Fair has been a summer staple of the area since 1958. Those making the 12-mile trip southeast to the fairgrounds in mid-July can grab a seat at the rodeo, cheer for their favorite swine at the pig race and explore other activities and shows throughout the fair. The grounds also host many events throughout the year, including the Annual Chicago Railroad Collectibles Show and the Kane County Flea Market.

Reaching Chicago via Interstate 90

Interstate 90 is located 7 miles north and links the community to Chicago O’Hare International Airport 36 miles east and downtown Chicago 21 miles farther. Students commuting to Elgin Community College can reach classes along an 8-mile trip northeast. Meanwhile, residents must travel to Elgin for medical care at Ascension Saint Joseph – Elgin, 7 miles northeast.

Matthew Simmons
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Anthony Tortoriello
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Tortoriello
Jonathan Bradley
Video By
Jonathan Bradley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Erin Koertgen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

51 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Plato Center US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$650,000
Median Single Family Price
$639,990
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Months of Supply
6.40
Median List Price
$659,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
226
Median Year Built
2001
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,173
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
225,640

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 1:30pm

    40W765 Stonecrest Dr, Elgin, IL 60124

    $625,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 40W765 Stonecrest Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome Home to 40W765 Stonecrest Drive! This ranch home is situated in the Stonecrest subdivision on approximately 1.67 acres! This home features 4 Bedrooms/3.1 Bathrooms, 3 car attached garage, and a finished, walkout basement! Property is owned by the US Department of HUD. Case #137-615442. Seller makes no representations or warranties as to property condition. Seller may contribute for

    Frank Rusin Four Seasons Realty, Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Erin Koertgen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,148
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$162,349
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$188,394

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.4%
College Graduates
52.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
29''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Plato Center