A rural community home to local businesses and a rich history
The community of Harvard is home to a charming historic downtown strip full of local storefronts and restaurants to explore alongside expansive nature preserves, which adds to its somewhat pastoral feel. “Harvard is a small town with a homey and rural feel,” says Jose Rey, a local Realtor with Compass. The history and feeling of hometown pride in the self-proclaimed Milk Capital of the World is felt at annual celebrations, like Harvard Milk Days, one of Illinois’ longest-running festivals.
Downtown Harvard will take you past numerous locally owned shops and restaurants.
Harvard is the home of Milk Day, the oldest continuous hometown festival in Illinois.
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The businesses of West Front Street
Strolling through downtown Harvard will take visitors past numerous locally owned shops and restaurants, like Starline Excursion Market, an antique and local art shop along West Front Street. A stop into Bopp’s Bar and Grill can satisfy the appetite with a specialty burger and cold beer after a day out and about. Meanwhile, dessert is found at By the Dozen Bakery, a community favorite known for its donuts and coffee cake. When it’s time to pick up groceries, residents head to the Walmart Supercenter just south of downtown.
Harvard, Illinois was established in 1856 and most of the building still have their charm.
By The Dozen Bakery in
Harvard offers scones, macarons and more for a little snack on the run.
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Seasonal adventures at Rush Creek Conservation Area
Sitting right across from the local library is Lion Park, where locals go to use the playground, practice their pitch atop the softball fields, and splash about in the community pool to cool off on a hot day. Dog owners can head to the west side of town to Harvard Dog Park, where four-legged friends can enjoy some off-leash exercise. Local wildlife can be appreciated at Rush Creek Conservation Area through its 700 acres of protected woodlands, meadows and wetlands. Here, folks enjoy hikes, cross-country skiing and horseback riding along the preserve’s seven miles of trails.
Lion's park is a great place in Harvard to ride bikes and walk.
Cast a line from the shores of the pond at Rush Creek Conservation Area to catch some fish.
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The homes of Harvard
A drive through the community is guided by long rural roads and sprawling open fields, which carry residents from house one to the next. These streets lead to Harvard’s mainline roads, West Brink Street and US Highway 14, intersecting at the town’s center. The area surrounding downtown showcases a tighter residential landscape, where residents can expect to run into neighbors regularly. Most of these quiet streets feature a modest sidewalk and mature white and bur oak trees found throughout. Most of the ranch, Victorian-influenced farmhouses and bungalow-style homes were built throughout the 20th century, with some dating back to the 1800s. Since the early 2000s, new traditional-style homes have been popping up throughout the community alongside custom-built houses thanks to ample land for sale. Depending on size and condition, those looking to purchase a home in the community can expect a price range from $180,000 to $700,000.
Harvard includes many different home styles including Farmhouses and Ranch homes.
Harvard includes many different home styles including Cape Cod and smaller options.
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Harvard Milk Days
For the last 82 years, residents have gathered downtown for the Harvard Milk Days. The event celebrates the community’s milk contributions during WWII and is a staple of the area. Those in attendance enjoy a two-hour parade, tons of carnival rides and activities like a petting zoo, antique trailer show and live entertainment. However, its cause for celebration is appreciated year-round thanks to Harmilda, a 5-foot-tall cow statue in downtown's center.
With small-town charm, Harvard provides its residents with both downtown and a nature preserve.
Harvard is the home of Milk Day, the oldest continuous hometown festival in Illinois.
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Online updates at Harvard High School
At summer’s end, young students attend classes at Crosby Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, both of which maintain a C-minus rating on Niche. Older students will head to Harvard Junior High School, which has also been given a C-minus from Niche, before attending Harvard High School. The high school maintains a C-plus score on Niche and has a very active presence on social media, allowing curious parents an inside look into the school week.
Harvard High School is about 4 miles south of Wisconsin and 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
Crosby Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of Harvard.
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Commuting from Harvard
“It's a great place to live for people who like to travel but are still looking for a quieter lifestyle,” explains Rey. “The Metra station is right in town and can take folks all the way to Chicago, and Rockford International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away." However, those driving into Chicago can reach the area along a 75-mile drive east via Interstate 90. Closer to home is the Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center, which sits 15.2 miles away, off US-14 West.
The Harvard Metra Station offers residents a convenient way to get to Downtown Chicago.
The Harvard Metra Station is conveniently located in the Downtown area of Harvard.
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Downtown's passing trains
Harvard has its own train stop at the center of the community, where residents can hop on and ride into downtown Chicago for a day of fun or a weekend visit. As a result, periodic noise from passing trains is expected for those near its tracks. Though many consider this background noise, it is worth considering for those who may be sensitive to this type of sound.
Louise has built a reputation for client satisfaction and is devoted to making every move as easy as possible. It is an added benefit to work with an agent who understands the needs of clients buying, selling, or relocating. Finding the right home is only the beginning. She can assist clients every step of the way to ensure smooth sailing.
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.
