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Prairie Grove

Prairie Grove

Suburban Neighborhood in Illinois

McHenry County 60012, 60050

$526,790 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Well-loved for its proximity to Crystal Lake

A small village just west of the Fox River, Prairie Grove is a residential enclave comprised of winding, wooded subdivisions. “Homebuyers moving in from out of town are typically looking to live close to Crystal Lake,” says Jessica Anthony, a local Realtor with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty. “Yes, it’s a city. But it’s not your typical city: It’s friendly, people grow up there, stay there and start growing their families there. We’ve seen a lot of people move here from the city because there’s less crime and the schools are better, and they choose Prairie Grove because they’ve found a home they really like that’s close to Crystal Lake.” Surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation and the amenities of the neighboring city, residents appreciate Prairie Grove for its vast acreage and quality schools.

Prairie Grove has about 2,000 residents that love this neighborhood.
Prairie Grove has about 2,000 residents that love this neighborhood.
Downtown Crystal Lake is nearby to Prairie Grove and has a quaint downtown area.
Downtown Crystal Lake is nearby to Prairie Grove and has a quaint downtown area.
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The Prairie Grove School District

“A lot of people move here because of the schools,” Anthony says. “They’re thinking about where they want to send their kids, whether it’s in Crystal Lake’s district or Prairie Grove.” The Prairie Grove School District, in particular, earns an overall grade of B on Niche for highly-rated academics. Students begin at Prairie Grove Elementary and continue on to Prairie Grove Junior High, both earning a B on Niche. The shared campus is situated on State Road with ample amenities for students, including ball courts, a track field and even gaga pits. Studies are wrapped up at Prairie Ridge High School, rated the second-best public high school in the county with an A on Niche. A bounty of extracurricular offerings pair with the opportunity to participate in the district’s Career Internship Program, where students gain six weeks of on-site experience to explore career paths of interest.

Prairie Grove Elementary is a highly rated public school in Crystal Lake, serving grades PK, K-5
Prairie Grove Elementary is a highly rated public school in Crystal Lake, serving grades PK, K-5
Prairie Grove Junior High is a small school nearby to Prairie Grove.
Prairie Grove Junior High is a small school nearby to Prairie Grove.
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The neighboring city’s commuter-friendly transit options

Prairie Grove is overall well-known for its proximity to Crystal Lake’s amenities, 5 miles south. “We’re commuters. We commute to the city by train, and if you want more backyard or more space between your neighbors, you move west,” Anthony explains. “People move from the city with a price range in mind, and there might be a 20-mile radius of towns that fit that criteria. Prairie Grove is one of them.” Crystal Lake offers a titular Metra station alongside the Pingree Road station, taking riders an hour and 25 minutes to reach Ogilvie Center. While Prairie Grove residents are unlikely to find bus stops in their own neighborhood, several are offered along State Route 31 heading into Crystal Lake, where stops are offered throughout the growing community. Those relying on personal vehicles can expect a 57-mile commute into Downtown Chicago on Interstate 290, while Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about 38 miles south on I-90. The closest emergency room is located at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, 4 miles north on State Route 31.

Crystal Lake Metra is close by to Prairie Grove and offers residents affordable rides.
Crystal Lake Metra is close by to Prairie Grove and offers residents affordable rides.
Metra riders of Prairie Grove wait for the train in Downtown Crystal Lake.
Metra riders of Prairie Grove wait for the train in Downtown Crystal Lake.
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Homes suitable for a wide range of budgets

Towering pines and oaks shade Prairie Grove's subdivisions, where homes rest on larger lots than in surrounding neighborhoods. Residential streets feature homes suitable for a wide range of budgets, from midcentury split levels and ranch-style homes to brand-new Craftsman and mansions exceeding 8,000 square feet. Many subdivisions offer generous gaps between houses, each providing ample driveway space and expansive yards. Because of this, “residents can enjoy a bit more privacy than in nearby towns like Crystal Lake,” explains Sue Perdue, a local real estate agent with Baird & Warner. Single-family builds range in price from around $300,000 to nearly $1 million for custom mansions. Newer construction hovers around $500,000, while townhomes and condos typically go for $200,000 to $300,000.

Split level homes with large yards are a common sight in Prairie Grove.
Split level homes with large yards are a common sight in Prairie Grove.
Prairie Grove homes feature intricate landscaping to match their upscale architecture.
Prairie Grove homes feature intricate landscaping to match their upscale architecture.
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A growing downtown scene 5 miles down the road

“All the shopping is in Crystal Lake, which has a lot going for it,” Anthony says. “There are tons of restaurants and stores, and they’re still building up their downtown area. It really is the hub.” A quick trip to Crystal Lake will yield a variety of grocery options—like Sam’s Club, Jewel-Osco and ALDI—as well as upscale and gourmet options like The Olive Tap and Fresh Market. The downtown scene offers various eateries, as well. From classic deep-dish pizza at Georgio’s to bloody marys on the patio at Café Olympic and loaded fries at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen. Visitors can shop curiosities at the Crystal Lake Antique Mall or head to Crystal Point Mall for household names, including Target and TJ Maxx.

Shoppers of Prairie Grove can shop at Aldi Market for their local needs.
Shoppers of Prairie Grove can shop at Aldi Market for their local needs.
Downtown is near Prairie Grove and offers many great places to eat and shop.
Downtown is near Prairie Grove and offers many great places to eat and shop.
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Swimming and boating on Crystal Lake

The Stickney Run Conservation Area is a lush nature preserve with several walking and biking trails just north of Prairie Grove's subdivisions. Fox River winds to the east, where McHenry Shores Beach Park offers a solitary setting for quiet strolls and fishing opportunities. Golfers need not travel far to find state-of-the-art courses and facilities. Prairie Isle Golf Course is home to 135 acres of rolling greens, ponds and windswept willow trees. Of course, many residents opt to visit Crystal Lake’s Main Beach for swimming, boating and summer events like the Thursday-night concert series and Independence Day fireworks. Popular as well is the Three Oaks Recreation Area, where fishing, swimming and boating take place at the former quarry.

Prairie Grove residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to a variety of amenitites.
Prairie Grove residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to a variety of amenitites.
Three Oaks Recreation Area is a great place for fishing or walking.
Three Oaks Recreation Area is a great place for fishing or walking.
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Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

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 Louise Berger, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

58 min drive

Bus

Route 31 & Oakcrest

Bus

Route 31 & Terra Cotta

Bus

Terra Cotta & Mistwood

Bus

Route 31 & Ames

Bus

Route 31 & Drake

Bus

Rt 31 & Drake

Bus

Route 31 & Brighton

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Prairie Grove US
Homicide 1 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

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$519,900
Median Single Family Price
$524,900
Median Townhouse Price
$361,900
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$261,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
115
Months of Supply
1.50
Median List Price
$524,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,154
Median Year Built
2021
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,557
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,822
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,289
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,597
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$97,605
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,750

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
45.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%

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®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 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
Prairie Grove