Grayslake, a charming village located approximately 40 miles north of Chicago, is known for its namesake scenic Grays Lake, spanning nearly 80 acres and resting at the heart of the community, which offers over 20 miles of interconnected trails and paths. The village center provides ample recreational opportunities, complemented by parks with ponds and a nearby golf course. Residents enjoy easy access to secondary and post-secondary institutions, as well as the Lake County Fairgrounds.
Despite its growing population of nearly 21,000, Grayslake maintains a quaint, small-town atmosphere, where local businesses blend seamlessly into residential neighborhoods. The Metra Station facilitates convenient commuting to Chicago Union Station, making it possible for residents to enjoy the benefits of city life while residing in this suburb.
With an outstanding overall ranking of A-plus by Niche and a position as the 16th best place to live in Lake County, Grayslake offers a desirable blend of community charm and modern amenities.
Community fairs, golfing opportunities and wooded trails
Central Park, considered the crown jewel of Grayslake Parks District, spans over 60 acres and offers a variety of amenities including a splash pad and disc golf. The park hosts the Color Aloft Balloon Festival each August, featuring a balloon launch, night glow, music and family activities. Nearby, Jones Island Park provides a serene setting for picnics and swimming in Grays Lake, along with beach volleyball courts and a fishing pier. For outdoor enthusiasts, the West Trail offers a paved path through wooded areas, connecting to the Grayslake bike trail.
Grayslake’s Village Center serves as a hub for community gatherings, offering opportunities to relax by the fountain or participate in events like the Community Art Fair, Tuesday Trivia and the year-round Grayslake Farmers Market—one of Lake County's longest evening markets.
Grayslake Millennium Court, situated at the northeast corner of Center Street and Seymour Avenue, features outdoor exhibits by the Grayslake Heritage Center and Grayslake Historical Society, showcasing the area's rich history. Adjacent to the court, the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum showcases three galleries dedicated to permanent and rotating exhibitions.
The Lake County Fairgrounds serves as a prime outdoor venue for community celebrations, hosting the annual county fair in July, which features classic rides and attractions. Other events include the Craft Beer Festival in June, supporting scholarships for local students, RV shows, antique markets and boat shows.
For golf enthusiasts, Brae Loch Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole, par-70 course amidst mature trees and scenic vistas suitable for all skill levels. The Esper A. Petersen Foundation Family Aquatic Center also provides indoor fun and fitness opportunities, including a climbing wall and lap lanes.
Dining along East Belvidere Road and a quaint downtown
Most of Grayslake's retail shopping and dining options are clustered along East Belvidere Road (Illinois Route 120), U.S. Route 45, and South Barron Boulevard (Illinois Route 83). Notably, East Belvidere Road is home to the Country Faire Plaza, a bustling shopping center featuring eateries, a bank, a nail salon and various small businesses. Antique enthusiasts will find several shops offering pre-loved and vintage items along these main thoroughfares.
Grayslake has a diverse culinary scene with an abundance of restaurants to explore. When exploring downtown Grayslake, it's hard to miss the antique lighting and historic storefronts, which add to this retail area's charm and quaint vibe. There are lots of locally owned businesses such as The Vine, which stands out as a popular martini and wine bar, hosting an annual Bourbon and Beer festival every September.
An array of homebuying options and quick home sales
On average, homes in Grayslake sell quickly, typically spending only 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 41 days. The average sale price for homes in the area is nearly $324,000.
Grayslake features a mix of traditional housing architecture with modern amenities, including single-family homes and townhouses. Common home styles include modern traditional, ranch-style and split-level, with occasional Colonial-inspired homes.
Specialty communities like Saddlebrook Farms cater to residents aged 55 and older, offering a fitness center and lakes for fishing and boating. Newly built homes in the northeast of Grayslake offer views of Fourth Lake and can range up to nearly $700,000, featuring three bedrooms, multiple baths and high-end appliances.
Townhouses in the Towne Square Collection, located near the Prairie Crossing Metra Station in the southern portion of the community, are priced between the low $300,000s and over $390,000. They typically offer around 2,000 square feet of living space with multiple bedrooms and baths.
Several cul-de-sac communities in Grayslake offer well-maintained homes at similar price points to townhouses, ranging from $285,000 to the mid $400,000s. Additionally, for those seeking land, available plots and acres are available at prices starting as low as $59,000.
Curriculum excellence and post-secondary educational opportunities
The village offers a diverse range of educational options, with both public and private schools serving the community. Students attending public schools begin their education at Community Consolidated School District 46, which has an overall Niche score of B-plus. For secondary education, students enroll in Grayslake Community High School District 127, recognized as exemplary by the State of Illinois. With an outstanding Niche score of an A-plus, the district excels in every category, including teachers, college preparatory initiatives, sports and food. It ranks 18th among the best school districts in Illinois and 20th for best places to teach in the state.
Grayslake North High School’s Fine Arts Department has been honored by the Illinois Art Education Association as a School of Distinction, showcasing excellence in curriculum, authentic learning, community connections and more. Grayslake Central High School's athletic teams have achieved numerous state championships.
Students have access to additional learning resources at the Grayslake Area Public Library, which offers year-round programs and activities. Post-secondary opportunities are available through institutions such as the College of Lake County and the University Center of Lake County.
Major thoroughfares and easy community to Chicago
For easy commuting to downtown Chicago, Metra Stations located on Washington and Lake streets, as well as Prairie Crossing provide convenient access, while the Pace bus serves as a local public transportation option for residents, offering daily standard routes and reservation-based service.
Residents traveling around town using their vehicles can utilize three major thoroughfares: East Belvidere Road (Illinois Route 120), U.S. Route 45 and South Barron Boulevard (Illinois Route 83).
Low crime rankings and Grayslake as a standout place to live
Grayslake earns an exceptional overall crime score of A-plus from CrimeGrade, indicating a notably lower crime rate compared to the average U.S. city. Additionally, the area ranks in the 94th percentile for safety, with typically only 12.42 incidents per 1,000 residents during a standard year.
The village offers residents a vibrant community with an array of amenities, top-rated schools, convenient transportation options and a notably low crime rate. With its diverse range of recreational opportunities, cultural attractions and commitment to safety, Grayslake stands as an ideal place to live, work and thrive.
Carlos Dominguez Murillo is your real estate expert in Waukegan, Illinois. Carlos knows the Waukegan area including neighborhoods, local businesses, restaurants, and more, and understands the unique characteristics of each town. When you hire Carlos, you're also getting the power and expertise of Century 21 Circle. As a leading full service residential real estate brokerage servicing Illinois, Indiana and Florida, Century 21 Circle's combination of a comprehensive online presence, stealth marketing system and robust proprietary technology, allows Carlos Dominguez Murillo to provide clients with fast, responsive, and transparent service.
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.
