Welcome to Algonquin
A thriving river community situated minutes from downtown Chicago
The dynamic town of Algonquin, Illinois is home to 30,000 residents and borders McHenry and Kane Counties. With easy access to Chicago along the I-90 Tollway, Algonquin is an ideal spot for commuters and is one of the premier suburbs in the area. This small river town offers excellent schools, a vibrant and recently renovated downtown district, and beautiful parks throughout its expansive suburban landscape. With its newly-updated business district in downtown Algonquin, residents enjoy convenient city-living amenities within a small-town community.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Chicago residents began to move outside of the city, searching for a more suburban lifestyle. Initially, they built summer homes, but as residents found life in Algonquin to be much more favorable than life in the city, they decided to make a permanent move. Development in Algonquin continued through the 1990s and 2000s, expanding retail spaces and residential properties. Today, Algonquin offers a thriving, beautiful community just minutes outside of downtown Chicago.
What to Love
- Charming renovated downtown district with new shops and plenty of dining options
- The annual Founders Day Festival, which has been a community tradition since 1961
- Excellent, high-achieving educational opportunities
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Algonquin have ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Popular parks include Towne Park and Hill Climb Park, along with the High High Hill Park and Nature Preserve. This diverse area is family-friendly, and the majority of residents are families, young professionals, students, and retirees. Homes in Algonquin feature single-family structures along the suburban streets, condos, and expansive apartments in the downtown district.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Visit the Algonquin Sub Shop for “drool-worthy” subs. Voted the best gourmet sub shop in all of Chicago, Algonquin Sub Shop offers mouthwatering sandwiches soaked in special sauce. Try their popular Al Capone with salami, pepperoni, mortadella, capicola, and melted Provolone cheese or the Yankee Doodle with imported smoked ham, Swiss and cheddar cheese, and homemade honey mustard.
For award-winning Italian flavor, visit Cucina Bella. They specialize in “just like Nonna” classic recipes and offer a large selection of wines and mouth-watering desserts. The dining space features brick walls, an open kitchen, and a warm and welcoming staff who make dining at Cucina Bella feel just like home. Try their goat cheese marinara dip, create your own pasta, and be sure to save room for dessert!
Port Edward Restaurant has been a community favorite in Algonquin for 54 years! Located along the Fox River, this go-to restaurant maintains a well-loved and respected reputation in the Algonquin neighborhood and beyond. The restaurant is so revered, they frequently host international visitors seeking a high-quality Algonquin experience. Port Edwards proudly serves fresh seafood dishes created with local ingredients and exceptional detail. Their nautical setting is perfect for a fine-dining experience complete with live music along the beautiful riverfront.
For the ultimate shopping experience, plan an entire day at the Algonquin Commons Outdoor Shopping Mall, home to over 60 shops and several dining options. It’s been voted as one of the best shopping centers in the county and provides name-brand and boutique stores and delicious restaurant options. The open-air shopping center also hosts art exhibitions, community blood drives, and fitness competitions throughout the year.
Things to Do
Summer Concerts are held every Thursday evening at Towne Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, pack some snacks, and enjoy the soulful sounds of the summer with your family! Featuring local and regional artists, the Summer Concert Series is a community hit each year and brings in dozens of residents every Thursday.
Held on the first full weekend of July, the Algonquin Founders Day Festival is the highlight of the year for the community. Since 1961, this Algonquin tradition has brought a huge carnival, parade, and fireworks to the neighborhood and features a Founder’s Run competition and annual bar crawl.
The annual Art on the Fox festival celebrates art in all forms over two days and features over 75 vendors showcasing their talents along the Fox River. Art on the Fox is a highly anticipated event held each year with hundreds of Algonquin residents showing up to support their local artists. The festival features live music and educational artist workshops for all ages. Browse the downtown district for your next unique piece of jewelry or exceptional painting!
Work With Us
We love helping our clients to feel at ease during what may be the biggest financial move of their lives and making dreams come true.
