The city of McHenry in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago is a little less than 60 miles from The Loop. It’s on the Fox River, near the southwest entrance to the Chain O’ Lakes waterway system, composed of 15 lakes connected by the river. While the area features a lot of seasonal residents, McHenry has a population of about 27,000. The downtown area has transformed over the last few years with new businesses opening. “It used to be that I would direct younger homebuyers to other nearby suburbs and not McHenry because there was nothing to do here,” says Melissa Kostelnik, a broker with Re/Max Plaza, who has lived in McHenry for over 20 years. “Now, I direct them here because a lot is happening.”
A couple of fishermen take some time and enjoy the outdoors in McHenry.
At the end of a full day in McHenry, head home to relax while enjoying the river views.
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Long-term plan for downtown McHenry
The downtown is just beginning a long revitalization process. “It’s in the midst of a major comprehensive plan and downtown planning process which will guide development through 2050,” says Doug Martin, director of economic development for the City of McHenry. Between Green Street and the riverfront is the McHenry Riverwalk, which connects different sections of downtown and their shopping and dining options. Across the bridge on Riverside Drive is the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes, a small seasonal markplace for startup retail businesses. With support from the McHenry Chamber of Commerce, selected businesses sign short-term leases for small storefronts in a community space that includes a public park with a splash pad and amphitheater by the riverfront. North of downtown is a collection of big-box store chains and restaurants on Richmond Road.
Residents of Old Town-McHenry enjoy its small-town charm.
Little Chef in Old Town-McHenry is a cozy eatery where you can enjoy comfort food staples.
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McHenry Fiesta Days
Northwest of downtown, Petersen Park is the site for McHenry Fiesta Days, which runs for 11 days in July with live music and carnival rides. Also at the park, the three-day Rise Up Music Festival is held in September as a fundraiser for the city parks. “Proceeds from the park have helped pay for two splash pads and parks in the city to be ADA compliant,” Kostelnik says. Around St. Patrick’s Day, the city dyes the river green for ShamROCKS the Fox, a holiday celebration at Miller Point Park that includes live music, food trucks and fireworks.
Emphasis on recreation in McHenry
In addition to being the site for the Rise Up Music Festival and McHenry Fiesta Days, Petersen Park has a beach on McCullom Lake. Four-legged pets sniff and scamper at McBark Dog Park on Richmond Road. With the city nestled along both banks of the Fox River, the community features waterfront parks, docks and a riverwalk plaza.
Families with kids enjoy fishing in the early mornings near McHenry Shores.
McHenry Shores Beach Park is a waterfront park that is popular spot among local fishers.
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Golf carts are one way to get around McHenry
With dozens of parks, shopping centers, a lakeside beach and a riverfront marina, residents are allowed to cruise around some of McHenry's roads in golf carts. It's common enough that the city adopted regulations in 2020 requiring seat belts, headlights and turn signals on the carts. “It has to be inspected by the city, and then you get a sticker to become legal,” Kostelnik says. McHenry has a Metra commuter rail station, and the Pace suburban bus system has an on-demand service called McRide that serves McHenry County. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the closest major hub for commercial flights, is about 40 miles away.
Boaters love to get out on the water so close to their homes in McHenry Shores.
Residents love to get out and golf on the calm days in McHenry Shores.
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The drive-in movie theater is still alive in McHenry
A throwback to midcentury-date nights and retro car-culture is alive and well on the east side of the Fox River. McHenry Outdoor Theater is one of the rare drive-ins where a first-run movie can be viewed in the summer from your car—or on chairs outside. During the Christmas season, they’re open for the occasional holiday film. The Vixen is a popular downtown entertainment venue where musical acts and comedians perform.
For a classic drive-in movie theater in McHenry head to the McHenry Outdoor Theater.
North Oak Park in McHenry is a terrific place to bring the whole family.
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Large lots on the west side of McHenry
Homebuyers are attracted to the lower home prices in this northwest suburb. The median house price is just under $300,000, far below the national median price. Compare that to the nearby communities of Woodstock and Crystal Lake - both have medians well above $300,000. Both communities are about 10 miles away. The most expensive homes with large lots are in the west part of the city. Condos are available in subdivisions off Crystal Lake Road southwest of downtown.
Despite a small uptick in 2021, violent crimes and property crimes in McHenry have declined greatly since 2017, according to FBI data.
A beautiful farmhouse-inspired home, a unique home style in McHenry.
A pretty modern traditional home style that is so popular in the McHenry neighborhood.
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Two McHenry High School sites
The McHenry Community Consolidated School District 15 earns a B rating on Niche. McHenry Community High School is in a separate district with two high schools. McHenry High School—Freshman Campus for ninth graders, while McHenry Community High School is for 10th grade through 12th grade. Montini Catholic School is a private K-8 option, rated an A.
McHenry East High School is a well rated school in McHenry, IL serving grades 9-12.
McHenry Community High School is a highly-rated, public school located in McHenry, IL
I'm an very experienced real estate agent with 45 + years of loyal service to my clients, friends and family. I have been with RE/MAX since 1987 member of their 100% club & Hall of Fame. I focus on the Fox Valley Area of Northern Illinois and the nearby communities, providing home-buyers and sellers, Investors with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. I manage over 120 rental units for my investor clients. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you When I'm not working (those who know me that I am always working) you can come ride a bike with me, and explore the great bike trails along the fox river
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