Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake, Illinois, located 50 miles northwest of Chicago, is a short drive from O'Hare International Airport, near several major highways and interstates. The Union Pacific rail line provides easy access to Chicago. As a result, Crystal Lake residents enjoy the many employment, cultural and recreational opportunities of a major metro city yet live in a pleasant, friendly, small-town atmosphere. Crystal Lake boasts three of the very best public school systems in the region. Crystal Lake is truly a great place to live and work and it's also a great place to play Today, Crystal Lake has a population in excess of 41,000, largest in McHenry County.

The land around the lake, called "clear as crystal," was first populated by Sacs and Fox Indians.  With the defeat of Blackhawk in 1832, the United States government became the receiver of these prairie lands which encouraged the families of Crandall and Beardsley to homestead in 1836 and 1837.  Others soon followed.  In 1839-40 their village was laid out, which was until then called "Crystal Ville."  It centered around a public square where the Chamber offices are now located.

• Welcome To Crystal Lake
• Crystal Lake Chamber Of Commerce

Health Care

Five area hospitals:Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Centegra Memorial Medical Center in Woodstock, Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, Provena-St. Joseph and Sherman Health provide services.

Long and short term care is available at Crystal Pines Health Care Center, Fair Oaks Health Care Center, The Fountains at Crystal Lake, and Sunrise Assisted Living -- all in Crystal Lake.

Time to Move >Moving On Up Many people buy their first homes before they start a family or become established in their careers. A few years later their life circumstance has changed. They need more space or have increased income to invest in a higher priced home. Changes in lifestyle often create changes in housing needs. A big promotion may require you to do more at-home entertaining. This translates into the need for a larger kitchen and additional living space. If you are starting a family, it may be time to trade your sophisticated home in the city for a house which has a big yard and is located in a good school district. If changes in your life have prompted thoughts of moving, an agent will be happy to discuss all of the possibilities with you. Your agent can determine what your present home is worth and show you homes that will meet your current needs. See All Tips In The "Time to Move" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  What time of year is considered the busiest for homebuyers and sellers? A  Real estate is a year-round business, but spring is still considered the best time of year to showcase a home. See More Real Estate Trivia >

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