ELGIN/SOUTH ELGIN
ABOUT ELGIN / SOUTH ELGIN
Elgin, fondly known as "The City in the Suburbs," is the sixth largest city in Illinois with a population of 114,797. Founded in 1835 by the Gifford brothers along the Fox River, Elgin combines a rich historical legacy with modern amenities, making it a popular place to live and visit. Located just 40 miles northwest of Chicago with easy access to the I-90 Tollway and a short drive to O’Hare International Airport, Elgin is both highly accessible and rapidly growing.
Originally known as the “butter capital of the world,” Elgin’s early economy thrived on dairy production before the Elgin Watch Company brought national acclaim as the largest producer of fine watches in the U.S. until the 1960s. Today, the city honors this legacy with vintage Elgin clocks still displayed at Chicago's Union Station. Elgin is known for its historic architecture and diverse housing options, from Victorian-era Queen Anne homes and Sears Catalog Homes to original cobblestone homes and historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places.
South Elgin is a vibrant suburb of Chicago, with a population of 23,648. Incorporated in 1897, this close-knit village sits along the picturesque Fox River, offering residents natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities. Known for its strong community spirit, South Elgin was ranked as one of Illinois' “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine in both 2007 and 2011 for its economic opportunity, excellent schools, safe streets, diverse activities, and real sense of community. In 2011, CNN/Money ranked South Elgin in its Top 100 for economic strength, job opportunities, top-tier schools, and safety. WalletHub also recognized South Elgin, ranking it 8th among 162 Illinois communities as a “Best Illinois City for Jobs.” With award-winning schools, family-friendly events, and spacious parks, South Elgin is a wonderful place to call home.
Elgin and South Elgin is also a hub for education and innovation. School District U-46 is ranked 27th out of 605 for diversity in Illinois, providing an excellent educational opportunity. Elgin High School counts five Navy admirals, a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner, and numerous Olympians and award-winning alumni among its graduates, underscoring Elgin's commitment to quality education.
For recreation, residents enjoy over 1,200 acres of parks, golf courses, and 20+ miles of bike, hiking, and equestrian trails at Poplar Creek Preserve. The Centre of Elgin, a premier recreation facility, offers amenities including an aquatic park, fitness center, and indoor track. The Fox River and nearby 4,000-acre Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve provide additional space for recreation and activities such as kayaking, fishing, and scenic trails. South Elgin's scenic parks, riverfront paths, and bike trails invite outdoor enthusiasts, while new developments and thriving businesses on Randall Road create a lively hub of activity.
Elgin’s and South Elgin's arts and cultural scene is robust, anchored by the two-time Grammy-nominated Elgin Symphony Orchestra and supported by venues like the Hemmens Cultural Center and Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. The city also hosts the state’s largest riverboat casino, The Grand Victoria Casino, with a full suite of table games, slot machines, and live entertainment.
Notable landmarks like the Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Public Museum, and Lord’s Park Zoo reflect Elgin’s dedication to culture and history. For those seeking a community that celebrates its past, embraces today, and looks forward to tomorrow, Elgin and South Elgin is a standout choice among Chicago’s suburbs.
THE CITY HOSTS COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS ALL YEAR LONG, BRINGING IN 100,000+ VISITORS A YEAR
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Elgin Pride Parade and Festival- June
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Elgin Valley Fox Trot- June
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Concerts in the Park- June-
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Juneteenth Cultural Festival- June
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Fourth of July: Parade & Celebration- July
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Movies in the Park- July
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Area 22 Art, Crafts and Oddities Fair- August
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End of Summer Bash- August
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La Fiesta de Elgin- September
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Elgin Fringe Festival- September
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Elgin Short Film Festival- October
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Nightmare on Chicago Street- October
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Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony- November
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Breakfast & Lunch with Santa- November
For more information and details
THE MCKAY GROUP'S FAVORITE DINING
THE VILLAGE SQUIRE
A family-owned, rustic English tavern-inspired bar and grill, serves hearty pub fare. A great spot for family dining and entertainment—and they have the best chicken tenders around!
EL PARAISO
A family-owned gem that specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients, offering delicious tacos, burritos, chips with guacamole, and generous portions for a quick and satisfying bite.
NICK'S PIZZA & PUB
A cozy, family-friendly restaurant serving award-winning thin-crust Chicago pizza and classic Italian-American dishes in a rustic, lodgelike setting. They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients, with dough and sauce made in-house daily.
REAL ESTATE WITH THE MCKAY GROUP
170 HOMES SOLD IN
ELGIN & SOUTH ELGIN, IL
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ELGIN NEIGHBORHOODS
THORNWOOD
Located south of McDonald Road at the intersection of Silver Glen and Randall Road in South Elgin, Thornwood is a vibrant community spanning over 750 acres. This neighborhood offers a mix of townhomes and single-family homes built by Ryland Homes from the late 1990s to early 2010s. Homes in Thornwood feature 4 to 6 bedrooms and 3 to 6 bathrooms, with prices ranging from $350,000 to $750,000. At the heart of Thornwood is the Thornwood Sports Core, clubhouse featuring a pool, basketball and pickleball courts, and a variety of community activities. Several parks, walking trails, and bike paths provide residents with ample recreational options. Thornwood's is in close proximity to the northwest suburbs’ largest retail corridor, however the neighborhood maintains a peaceful atmosphere with a low crime score of 2 out of 10, making it safer than the average U.S. neighborhood. Thornwood is part of the high respected St. Charles School District. Well-lit sidewalks, bike paths, and trails offer easy access to nearby amenities and schools, whether residents live in Thornwood Grove townhomes to the north or custom homes to the south. With its blend of suburban charm, strong community with ample amenities, and proximity to modern conveniences, Thornwood is one of South Elgin’s most desirable neighborhoods.
PROVIDENCE
Located west of Randall Road and south of Route 20 in Elgin, Providence is a peaceful and family-friendly neighborhood offering a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. Originally developed by Town and Country Homes in 2005, with a newer section by D.R. Horton in 2015, Providence features homes ranging from 2 to 6 bedrooms and 3 to 5 bathrooms, priced between $400,000 and $650,000. Known as one of Elgin's friendliest neighborhoods, Providence boasts quiet, walkable streets lined with young trees, classic black streetlamps, and well-maintained sidewalks. Many homes sit on quarter-acre lots and showcase New Traditional or Colonial architectural styles, while some properties feature stone or brick-clad exteriors. Residents enjoy convenient access to private parks, the Mid-County Trail, and nearby retail and dining along Randall Road and Route 20. The community’s CAP Index crime score of 1, significantly lower than the national average of 4, highlights its safety, while top-rated schools in Central Community Unit School District 301 make Providence an excellent place to raise a family.
TALL OAKS
Located just south of Route 20 and west of Randall Road in Elgin, Tall Oaks is a picturesque master-planned community offering a range of single-family homes and townhouses. Developed by several builders starting in the mid-2010s, with new additions by D.R. Horton beginning in 2017, the neighborhood features homes with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 5 bathrooms, and prices ranging from $300,000 to $1.5 million. Homes sit on spacious lots averaging 0.29 - 0.7 acres, and buyers can choose from award-winning floor plans to create their dream home.Tall Oaks is within the highly regarded 301 School District, making it a very desirable neighborhood.
HIGHLAND WOODS
Highland Woods in Elgin offers resort-style living within a beautifully designed, master-planned community. Featuring custom-built single-family homes by builders like Silverthorne, D.R. Horton, and DeMarco, Highland Woods showcases distinctive designs with craftsman-style exteriors, open-concept interiors, and luxury finishes. Homes range from 0.4 to 0.8 acres, with 4 to 5 bedrooms, up to 3 bathrooms, and 2 to 3-car garages, starting at $455,990. This community is packed with amenities, including the Owners Club with a fitness center, multiple pools, a splash park, tennis courts, sand volleyball, and 7 neighborhood parks. Residents also enjoy 5 miles of walking and biking trails, 196 acres of open space, and an 18-acre lake, all within the highly-rated Central 301 School District.
WILLIAMSBURG GREEN
Williamsburg Green in Elgin is a picturesque single-family home community offering spacious residences and serene surroundings. Situated south of Route 20 and west of Randall Road, this neighborhood features 70 homes built between 1984 and 2004. Homes typically include 4 to 5 bedrooms, 3 to 6 bathrooms, and sit on expansive 1-acre lots, providing ample space for families and outdoor living. With home prices ranging from $455,000 to $850,000, Williamsburg Green combines luxury and tranquility. Its desirable location offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and major roadways, making it a perfect blend of private living and suburban convenience. Williamsburg Green's lot size and location within the highly-rated 301 School District make it a desirable place to live.