Algonquin
Illinois Real Estate
Imagine,
it’s 1945 and the end of World War Two. Soldiers are returning
home to family members and loved ones. Many of these soldiers
were stuffed away in their barracks during the war across the
Atlantic Ocean in Europe reminiscing of their charmed, idyllic
youth not unlike a Mark Twain novel.
To many who
vacationed there as children, Algonquin seemed a fine place to
raise families. These men and women were determined to avoid raising
families in the crowded “Windy City” of Chicago. Instead,
they wanted to make permanent for their own children what they
had enjoyed during unflustered yet exploratory summers for themselves.
Beginning in 1950 with 1,223 residents, Algonquin experienced
a population increase of 60 percent or greater in each of the
next three decades.
Algonquin
lies in a steep valley where the Fox River cut through the Valparaiso
Moraine left by the Wisconsin glacier. Located in McHenry County,
39 miles northwest of the ‘Loop’, Algonquin was a
key point on the heavily traveled trail (now Illinois Highway
62) between Chicago and the Indian settlements at Lake Geneva.
Algonquin
grew slowly as a trading point for the area's numerous dairy farmers
along the Fox River Valley Railroad (Chicago & North Western
Railway), which entered the community in 1854. Chicago residents
riding the line saw a community nestled in the valley with attractive
scenery, cooling mineral springs, and numerous opportunities for
boating and fishing. Algonquin became a natural destination for
summer vacationers from Chicago.
As riverine
holidays drew numerous vacationers, other activities like early
automobile road and hill-climb races up the northbound highway
once used by foot travelers brought many more. Algonquin's population
doubled during summer months through the 1920s as Chicago residents
sought to escape the city's summer heat. It wasn’t uncommon
to witness dance pavilions and commercial picnic groves swarming
dairy cattle pastures. During the Great Depression, many summer
cottages became permanent homes as Chicago bungalow buyers faced
foreclosure.
The soldiers
from World War Two stimulated area growth. As more African-Americans
were moving into the congested city of Chicago, more descendents
of Europe such as Polish, German and Irish were moving to the
valley of Algonquin. By the 1980s, the population more than doubled,
reaching 11,663 by 1990, and grew to 23,276 by 2000.
Today, as
many of Algonquin’s residents are able to experience the
same idyllic holidays that were enjoyed by their ancestors, the
difference is that the enjoyment can be accomplished all year
round. Algonquin, also known as the “Gem of the Fox River
Valley”, is a thriving, growing community in the Northwest
suburbs of Chicago.
To Algonquin
residents, maintaining a "friendly, community- oriented atmosphere"
is of the uttermost importance. The picturesque village is nestled
along the bluffs of the Fox River and has a fresh country appeal.
It is the southern access point to the region's lakes, making
it the ideal location for water sports enthusiasts and nature
lovers as well.
A number
of new commercial, industrial and retail businesses have sprung
up in recent years as a result of Algonquin's convenient proximity
to Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Elgin.
There is
also easy access to the Algonquin Road and Randall Road corridors.
And, there is more prime property available for development.
The Algonquin
Economic Development Commission consists of a group of citizens
who are charged with promoting and fostering business growth.
They also assure that businesses "enhance the quality of
life" in the community. The village has a public library
and 18 public parks offering a swimming pool, tennis courts and
a number of picnic areas. There are two private marinas as well.
Algonquin
has its own police department and shares fire and ambulance services
with Lake in the Hills.
The majority
of Algonquin's homes are often spacious, single-family homes.
Styles vary from cottages to grand residences. Locations overlooking
the river, or bordering an expanse of woods or farmland, heighten
the appeal. Homes can range anywhere from $90,000 to more than
$500,000.
Algonquin
is served by the community unit with four elementary schools (one
in Lake in the Hills), two middle schools and Jacobs High School.
There are three private schools in the area as well. The 2004
average composite ACT score at Jacobs was 22.0.
The Northwest
Toll way (I-90) is six miles south of Algonquin on Illinois 31
(Main Street in Algonquin). The Northwest Highway (U.S. 14) is
four miles north on Illinois 31. A drive to the Loop can take
60 minutes. Midway and O'Hare airports are 75- and 35-minute trips
by car, respectively. Rail commuters can catch the Metra in Cary,
Crystal Lake and Barrington, or the Milwaukee Road in Elgin. Travel
time to Chicago is about an hour.
One of the
biggest events is the Algonquin Founders’ Day Festival.
It has many activities within the Festival such as Carnival for
Special Kids, Cardboard Boat Regatta,
Taste of
Founders, “Once Upon A Time” parade and so much more.
The best
way to experience the stimulating and memorable lifestyle of Algonquin
is to make it a part of you.
Come to Algonquin,
IL the “Gem of the Fox River Valley” and experience
life away from the mundane.
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