$309,082Average Value$229Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
The northernmost lake in Illinois’ Chain O’Lakes
Located just south of the Wisconsin border, Channel Lake is the northernmost lake in Illinois’ famed Chain O’Lakes. With waterfront homes, marinas and a CAP Index crime score of 2 —compared to the national average of 4— this quiet, rural community takes lake life seriously. “In the summertime, there’s a higher population because everyone’s spending time at their vacation homes,” says Lauren Hopkins, a local Realtor with Lakes Realty Group. While the First Street Foundation says the area is susceptible to a minor flood risk, many homebuyers seeking lakefront access continue to purchase and build new homes by the water. Heavily wooded residential pockets may offer a rural feel, but the neighboring village of Antioch is packed with shops, eateries and entertainment just 3 miles east. Further, boaters can easily reach surrounding lakes for annual festivities and sandbar parties.
Channel Lake’s waterfront homes sell quickly
Channel Lake’s wooded residential streets and lakefront homes date back to the mid-20th century. “We’re definitely rural, but it’s still a hot market,” Hopkins says. “Waterfront properties, particularly, sell quickly since Chain O’Lakes draws people to the area.” Ranch-style homes, bi-levels, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals typically range in price from $100,000 to $450,000. Out front, gravel driveways and detached garages line most roads, alongside lawns that vary in size and style. Some are modest and manicured, while others brim with garden decorations and the occasional boat or RV. Newer estates with traditional and Craftsman architecture are more likely to feature attached garages and paved driveways. These properties typically exceed 2,000 square feet and range between $500,000 and $1 million. Additionally, undeveloped quarter-acre lots by the water range in price between $25,000 and $140,000.
Channel Lake offers a wide variety of homes styles on the water.
The neighborhood of Channel Lake is located at the northern tip of the Chain O’Lakes.
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From Turtle Beach Marina to Your Boat Club
“Channel Lake itself is so clean that they used to use its ice for meatpacking in Chicago,” says Marilyn Durante, a local Realtor with Lakes Realty Group. The 352-acre body of water conjoins with Lake Catherine to the east and Lake Marie to the south. While many coastal homes feature their own private docks, many residents head to the Turtle Beach Marina for quick access to the Chain O’Lakes. Your Boat Club even offers boat rentals on the waterway between Channel Lake and Lake Marie. “Overall, the neighborhood is out of the way, so you’ll always feel like you’re in the country and getting away from it all,” Durante says. Just west of the community, Gander Mountain Forest Preserve is home to Lake County’s highest natural elevation point. The preserve’s trails are popular year-round for birding, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Your Boat Club offers convenient boat rentals to Channel Lake residents.
Channel Lake residents may also launch a boat from Turtle Beach Marina.
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Boat parades & sandbar parties on the Chain O’Lakes
Chain O’Lakes hosts numerous annual events throughout the year, including boat rallies, water ski shows and ice fishing tournaments. Boaters can cruise south to Fox Lake for popular festivals like the Cardboard Boat Race & Youth Fishing Derby or Fox Lake Venetian Night. This themed water parade encourages participants to decorate their boats and dress accordingly. “Fox Lake hosts concerts in the summer, too,” Hopkins says regarding the Lakefront Park Friday Night Concert Series. From June to August, Chain O’Lakes residents flock to the park with lawn chairs and blankets for live music and food trucks. “There’s also a large nightlife scene on the Chain’s islands,” she continues. From Blarney Island’s Caribbean party bar on Grass Lake to Petite Lake’s sandbar, summertime boaters will find an array of lively stops throughout the Chain.
A Channel Lake resident enjoys time ice skating during winter.
There is no shortage of fun on the water in Channel Lake and surrounding areas.
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Shopping & dining on Antioch’s Lake Street
Most residents shop and dine in the neighboring village of Antioch, 3 miles east on Route 173. The thoroughfare branches into Lake Street, lined with locally owned restaurants and cafés. Little Bean Coffee Company sells lattes, smoothies, books and knickknacks from the gift shop next door. Across the street, Antioch Theatre is a historic, two-screen movie theater showing a range of new and old films. Residents can grab dinner to-go from Antioch Pizza Shop or dine in at Rivalry Alehouse, a classic American haunt with patio dining that overlooks the Lake Street strip. For groceries, folks can head to the Jewel-Osco in town or drive another mile east to Walmart, Aldi and Menards.
The Rivalry Alehouse is one of the many great restaurant options for Channel Lake residents.
Stop by The Vegas Cafe in Antioch for fantastic ambiance and a great meal.
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Antioch Central Consolidated School District 34
Students attend Antioch Central Consolidated School District 34, which serves the greater Northwest Lake County area. W.C. Petty Elementary School, located halfway between Channel Lake and Antioch, earns a B-minus on Niche. Antioch Upper Grade School shares the campus and earns the same Niche score. Middle-grade students can get a head start by joining the National Junior Honor Society or one of the school’s many athletic teams. Antioch Community High School earns an A-minus on Niche. Established in 1915, Antioch High remains a stronghold in the community with support from booster clubs and village sponsors. Students can expect numerous athletic opportunities and graduation prep through the school’s College and Career Center.
Antioch Upper Grade School is a well rated public school with about 918 students in grades 6-8.
Antioch Community High School is a highly rated public school with about 1,300 students.
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Channel Lake residents can expect longer commutes
Channel Lake's rural nature means residents are primarily car-dependent, particularly when traveling into neighboring Antioch. While the nearest emergency room, Lake Forest Hospital, is 15 miles south in Grayslake, residents will find a PromptMed Urgent Care just east in Antioch. Chicago commuters can expect a 60-mile drive to the Windy City on Interstate 94. Alternatively, Antioch's Metra typically takes riders an hour and a half to reach Chicago Union Station. Those traveling out-of-state can take the O'Hare Transfer stop on the Metra or drive 47 miles southeast to reach O'Hare International Airport. Milwaukee commuters head 50 miles north on I-94. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located 40 miles north on the same thoroughfare.
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
Stewart Ramirez,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Centennial Park
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Gander Mountain Forest Preserve
Lake Marie Forest Reserve
Lake
Trails
Trevor Creek Park
Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Channel Lake
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Channel Lake, Fox Lake sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Channel Lake, Fox Lake over the last 12 months is $367,271, up 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Vacant lot zoned Residential. Utilities nearby. Near Channel Lake & Lake Marie Seller does not provide survey. Title policy to be split equally between Buyer & Seller. Buyer to do his/her due diligence.
Adorable channel front home leading to Lake Marie and Channel Lake with a private boat launch! This home is the perfect jumping-off point for a fun-filled time on the Chain O'Lakes. Minutes from Antioch and nestled directly on a canal with a private yard and excellent water access. The home is outfitted in neutral tones and welcoming decor inspiring lake life living. You will feel at home in
Vacation style living in this water front property! This 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath home features amazing views of Lake Marie. Situated on the end of a channel, you are just steps away from the lake. As you walk through the front door, you will enter the dining/kitchen combo with a huge skylight keeping the area light and bright. Granite countertops with breakfast bar with plenty of space for cooking
Channel Lake Waterfront!! Two bedroom, bath and a half plus office and cozy fireplace. Built-in, custom made cabinets and closets. Waterview from family room, bedroom, and basement bonus room. Large garage for water toys. Partially finished basement walks out to patio/deck. Amazing views! Great fishing. Pier space included! Central air. Antioch Schools. Enjoy year round Chain living!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Stewart Ramirez,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,882
Median Age
47
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,599
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,878
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
20%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
25''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 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.
