I lived in Crystal Lake for 10 years and can tell you there are very few undesirable areas between Crystal Lake and LITH. Your location just depends on what you desire. Lakefront, lake access, golf course nearby, shopping or peace and quiet. All the schools are good, I graduated from CL South. To me your biggest consideration is your commute to and from work. Time spent in the car is time away from your family!

Sharon,
There are several factors to consider when choosing which part of Crystal Lake or Lake In The Hills to move to. Do you want to be near the lake, do you like newer subdivision style homes or stately brick, wooded acre lots, maintenance free homes, do you want to be on a golf course or maybe you like the older Victorians near the square?
All 4 high schools in Dist 155 are rated above average in school reports at http://www.iir.c.nie.edu
Prairie Ridge is the newest of the 4. Some parts of LITH are in the CL dist. and some in the Huntley dist.

I am a full time agent with Baird & Warner in Crystal Lake and I have lived in McHenry Co. for the past 22 years, in CL for the past 8 years.

Right now you can get a very nice home if you wish to spend up to 350 as prices are down, feel free to check out my website http://www.peggystrasser.com

If you have more questions and would like a Crystal Lake agent please just email or call. Enjoy the day!
Peggy Strasser
peggy.strasser@bairdwarner.com
815-342-6422

Traffic is terrible! lake in the hills is getting more street/shopping malls that any other area making the traffic insane...

Sharon,

The school district in Crystal Lake is one of the counties finest ! As a lifelong resident of McHenry county I am well versed in the county.

Should you desire further information about Crystal Lake and the fine quality of life it provides all its residents, please contact me anytime

Bryan Manke
Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Primus of McHenry County
Bryan @bryanmankehomes.com http://www.BryanMankeHomes.com

Sharon,
It is my belief that homes that are located in the "Prairie Ridge" high school area may be looked upon more favorably than homes in the other two high school areas, however there are many fine neighborhoods in this general value range (up to $350,000) in both the Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills marketplace. It is a buyers market right now! Please let me know if I can be of further service. Mark Tracy 24/7 Direct: 815-715-0535

I live in Crystal Lake and would go with which schools are the best. My opinion is that the North Side and Prarie Ridge H.S is the better of the three H.S and you have access close to parks and trails. Again, with LITH I would consider High Schools, I have lived in this area over 20 years and would seriously consider schools when buying.

Hi Sharon-

I lived in Crystal Lake for 12 years when all the building was taking place. Do you want a bigger lot? Close to the highway? Close to the train? Close to shopping? Newer/older home?

There are many nice subdivisions there and which one depends on what you are looking for in a home/area. On the South end of Crystal Lake (off of Randall Rd) you are close to a lot of shopping, closer to the highway and many of the subdivisions were started in the 1990s. The North side of town has some newer subdivisions as well and are closer to shopping on NW Hwy & train stations. The downtown area of Crystal Lake has many older homes and a quaint shopping/restaurant area along with the lake.

There are also different sections of Lake in the Hills. The older section which is East of Randall Road and the newer section which is West of Randall Road. Some sections go to Crystal Lake schools, some Huntley schools and some go to Algonquin schools.

I would suggest that you tour the area with your agent so that you get a feel for the communities you are considering.

If I can be of any help let me know.

Good Luck!

HELLO SHARON,

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SET YOU UP ON A PROPERTY SEARCH FOR BOTH CRYSTAL LAKE AND LAKE IN THE HILLS. THERE ARE A LOT OF SUBDIVISIONS IN CRYSTAL LAKE THAT ARE WONDERFUL.BOTH TOWNS HAVE A LOT TO OFFER.
PLEASE SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND YOU SOME PROERTIES FROM CRYSTAL LAKE AND LAKE IN THE HILLS THAT I AM SURE YOU WILL LOVE.
MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS nlathus@yahoo.com . FEEL FREE TO VISIT MY WEBSITE AND PERFORM YOUR OWN SEARCH IF YOU WOULD LIKE TOO BY GOING TO http://www.mccolly.com/nlathus .

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY,
NICHOLE LATHUS
MCCOLLY REAL ESTATE
708-646-6533