Crystal Lake, Illinois
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Notable For
The town's motto of "A Good Place to Live" holds true when taking a look at all the things Crystal Lake has to offer. The popular Three Oaks Recreational Area provides residents with lakefront leisure and activities, and Crystal Lake itself is open for boating, fishing, swimming, sailing, and winter ice skating. The Crystal Lake Park District operates parks and open space for play and exploration, offering hiking and biking trails, golfing, various tournaments, trips, and events.
Cost of Living
Crystal Lake has a slightly higher cost of living than the state average due to housing prices and property taxes, but the cost of goods and services are typically less than the state average. Crystal Lake also tends to be more affordable than neighboring areas while still offering all the benefits of lakefront recreation and facilities.
Transportation
There are plenty of transportation options available to commuters who travel by car, train, or bus. Two train stations on the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line take commuters north towards Harvard or south to Chicago. The Pace bus service has three routes that take commuters to corporate campuses, Metra stations, shopping destinations and other nearby areas. While Crystal Lake isn't located next to a major expressway, Highway 47 and Route 14 connect the community with neighboring areas. Highway 47 intersects with Interstate 90, which runs east to Wisconsin and west to Chicago. O’Hare International Airport is about 35 miles away.
Schools
Students in Crystal Lake are served by Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47, covering nine elementary schools and three middle schools, Prairie Grove Elementary School District 46, and Community High School District 155. Many of the schools in Crystal Lake are highly rated by GreatSchools, including Woods Creek Elementary, Indian Prairie Elementary, Hannah Beardsley Middle School and Prairie Ridge High School. Crystal Lake is also home to a handful of private schools and McHenry County College.
Attractions
Downtown Crystal Lake offers locally owned shops and restaurants, trolley tours, a farmers market, and the town’s popular Sidewalk Sales event, highlighting local merchants who showcase and sell their products on the streets downtown. Crystal Lake is also home to plenty of festivals and events that run throughout the year, including fireworks on Main Beach during the summer months, the seasonal Festival of Lights Parade, America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta at Main Beach that benefits local charities, and the annual Lakeside Festival, offering food, music, rides, games, and a selection of wine and beer. Other Crystal Lake attractions include the Raue Center for the Arts, showcasing original architecture and offering community theater and musical events, and the Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole Museum, hosting art exhibits, shows, tours and events.