$283,782Average Value$248Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Private living on the northwest side of Wonder Lake
At the northwest corner of private-access, 835-acre Wonder Lake is Wonder Woods: a subdivision of homes on or near the water along winding, tree-shaded drives. Owning property here almost always means owning a boat as well, and the community offers amenities for use and storage year-round—whether they're heading out on their neighborhood waterfront or heading to nearby Illinois lake country options. “The Chain O’Lakes is a public waterway, and while it’s beautiful and big, it’s very crowded because it’s all public access,” says Christine Buczkiewicz, secretary of the Wonder Woods Association and a resident whose family has owned a home in the neighborhood for 36 years. “To have our own private lake makes all the difference.”
Four beachfront parks and a marina
Four lakefront parks dot the shoreline in Wonder Woods, one of which is exclusively a marina. All homeowners in Wonder Woods have deeded lake rights. “If you have a waterfront home, you have your own lift and keep your boat in front of your house, right on the water,” Buczkiewicz says. “But if not, there are 22 slips available for the summer to rent, exclusively for residents. Otherwise you would have to bring it there and back each time. Some people bring their own lifts to keep their boat up out of the water at the marina, but it’s up to you. The regulars get priority, so if you had Slip 12, you get a chance to pay first the next year before it’s released to the public for grabs.” Once they’re out for an afternoon, boaters can sail to Wonder Lake Marina on the other side for gas, servicing or a hot dog from the concession stand. Anglers with fishing licenses adhere to limits on certain species. Parents can also sign kids on at the beginning of each season for youth soccer, baseball and softball leagues, which play home games south of the community at Jacobson Park and compete against other McHenry County leagues.
Wonder Woods Park #4 has a great beach for residents to hang out on the water.
Wonder Woods Park and Boat Launch #1 is beautiful in any season.
1/2
Waterfront homes and year-round residences
Wonder Woods Drive and Lake Street Drive are the principal north-south roads in this subdivision, with other winding streets in between. Depending on the time of year, there may be more or less neighbors spotted by the docks. “It’s a mixed bag. There are a lot of people that live there year round, and a lot that are around for just the summer months,” Buczkiewicz says. Lawn clutter is reduced thanks to another community-wide measure. “One neat benefit that doesn't cost any money is there’s other land that you can put your trailer on in summer, and in winter your boat lift can go on that property for storage," Buczkiewicz says. “So you don’t have this big ugly lift in the backyard or taking up space on your driveway.” Homes were built throughout the 20th century, with walkout basements and attached or detached garages. Properties rarely go on sale here, and those that do usually need a few repairs. The two most recent sales went for $265,000 to $320,000.
The waterfront homes in Wonder Woods have direct access to the waterfront.
Two story custom homes with decks are abundant in the Wonder Woods neighborhood.
1/2
Shopping and dining in nearby McHenry and Woodstock
The drive around the bend of Wonder Lake is sparse, with small businesses like Empire Corals bait shop and the single white spire of Wonder Lake Bible Church on the roadside. Locals can grab a quick slice at Napoli Pizza Place, which serves indoor and outdoor seating from its pink-and-purple cottage exterior. Wonder Lake is also flanked by the neighboring towns of Woodstock and McHenry. “McHenry is a little closer than Woodstock and has just about everything—big-box retailers, fast food, casual dining and nice restaurants,” Buczkiewicz says. From here shoppers head up Illinois Route 31 to Aldi, Meijer, and brands like DSW and T.J. Maxx. “For Italian you go to Bimbos, and for just casual dining the family favorite is Cullom Knoll in McCullom Lake,” Buczkiewicz says. The local haunt survived a fire and returned to business in its main dining area and a private room often booked for graduations and baby showers. Patio seating often comes with live music on the calendar.
Wonder Woods is home to Napoli Pizza Beach Bar where many locals hang out.
Wonder Woods residents in the mood for italian food can head over to Bimbos in McHenry.
1/2
Heading to Woodstock for school each morning
Since they live on the west side of Wonder Lake, Wonder Woods kids are served by Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200. Buses travel out to take kids into town each morning, though the pickup location is often a topic of debate. “The roads are a little hilly, and folks think the kids would be safer on this corner or that corner,” Buczkiewicz says. Greenwood Elementary School and Northwood Middle School both score a B-plus from Niche. Woodstock North High School scores an A-minus, serving about 950 students from around the region. The Woodstock North Thunder Marching Band, other clubs and staff members throw candy to onlookers during the annual Homecoming Parade in their hometown. The school offers dual-credit courses and specialized STEM courses, ranging from engineering design to digital electronics, through a partnership with Project Lead the Way, an academic nonprofit.
Greenwood Elementary School has 291 students in grades PK, and K-5.
Your kids will enjoy learning in the inspiring atmosphere of Woodstock North High School.
1/2
Getting from rural Wonder Lake to O’Hare, Chicago
Breaking through the tree cover of Wonder Woods leads to more farmland in the immediate vicinity. It's about 8 miles to McHenry and 12 miles to Woodstock, with Illinois Route 120 connecting them. Travelers head 48 miles to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 68 to downtown Chicago. Those making the occasional day trip to the Windy City can skip the drive by hoping on the platform at McHenry Station, one of the final stops on the Union Pacific Northwest line to Ogilvie Transportation Center. Wonder Lake is served by the Northwestern Medicine hospital system, with options in McHenry and outside of Woodstock, 11 and 14 miles away, respectively.
Yacht club races, ski shows and events in nearby towns
The Wonder Lake Yacht Club races sailboats every Sunday in the warmer months, with membership at the Sailing and Social tiers granting access to annual events like the Pontoon Progressive Dinner Party. The Wonder Lake Water Show Ski Team hosts shows on Fridays and on the 4th of July at Wonder Center Beach before fireworks are set off over the lake from a floating barge in the evening. Woodstock and McHenry also both have public libraries that host occasional events like kids craft time and guest speakers.
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
Stewart Ramirez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wonder Woods Park and Boat Launch #1
Wonder Woods Marina Park #3
Wonder Woods Park #2
Wonder Woods Park #4
Indian Ridge Park & Boat Launch
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
74 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wonder Woods
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wonder Woods, Wonder Lake sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Wonder Woods, Wonder Lake over the last 12 months is $293,505, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Life is short. Estate sale. The last available Wonder-ful Lake frontage, high elevation, and corner lot. You would have to fly out of nearby Gault Airport to be much higher. This West Wonder Lake Dr and Island Ln corner has about 160 feet by 56 feet of roadway frontage, respectively. Adore the singularly high-elevation view of your loved ones on a boat or snowmobile on the lake below.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stewart Ramirez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
422
Median Age
45
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,263
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,111
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
32.8%
Advanced Degrees
11%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
31''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
14/ 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.
