Top 3 Best Neighborhoods in Batavia, IL

Situated along the Fox River, just 35 miles west of Chicago, Batavia, Illinois, is a charming and historic city that perfectly blends small-town warmth with modern amenities. Famously known as "The Windmill City" for its rich industrial heritage and early 20th-century prominence in windmill manufacturing, Batavia has since evolved into a vibrant community, now home to over 26,000 residents. Batavia boasts a thriving economy, top-rated schools, and a vibrant downtown filled with dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. With over 40 parks and miles of riverside trails, the city offers endless opportunities for recreation and connection, making it an ideal place to live.  Whether you're drawn to its lively downtown, scenic trails, or top-rated schools, Batavia offers an unparalleled quality of life for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Batavia’s real estate market reflects the city’s diverse character, with neighborhoods that cater to various lifestyles and preferences. If you're considering making Batavia your home, you'll find an array of exceptional neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. In this guide, we’ll explore three standout neighborhoods that showcase the best of what Batavia has to offer. Among the most desirable are Tanglewood Hills, Mill Creek, and Johnson Woods—each offering unique features, luxury living, and a strong sense of community. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these neighborhoods stand out.

TANGLEWOOD HILLS

Located west of Randall Rd and south of Main St, Tanglewood Hills is an established single-family home neighborhood in Batavia, IL, offering luxury living amidst scenic rolling hills. Developed in the early 2000s, the neighborhood features custom-built homes that showcase unique designs and craftsmanship, while the newer section, built by Toll Brothers starting in 2015, consists of well-appointed tract homes. With 63 beautifully designed residences on generous 1-acre lots, Tanglewood Hills offers homes ranging from 2–5 bedrooms and 3–5 baths, with prices between $600k and $1.2M.

Tanglewood Hills provides resort-style amenities, including a community clubhouse, outdoor swimming pool, separate zero-entry kiddie pool, lighted tennis and basketball courts, a tot lot, playground, and walking trails. The neighborhood is located within the highly regarded Batavia District 101, with elementary school, Grace McWayne situated within Tanglewood Hills neighborhood. Students continue their education at Rotolo Middle School and Batavia High School, both of which uphold the district's tradition of academic excellence. Its prime location offers easy access to the charming downtowns of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles—and less than 30 minutes to downtown Naperville, making Tanglewood Hills a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and community living. Nearby amenities include Tanglewood Hills Bath & Racquet Club, a variety of Churches, and it's only minutes from the shopping, dining, and entertainment of the Randall Road Corridor. Plus, easy access to the highway and train station to downtown Chicago.

MILL CREEK BATAVIA

Mill Creek is located on the southwest side of town, west of Route 31 on Millview Drive and Newton Ave. Mill Creek is a vibrant and established neighborhood in Batavia, offering a range of attached and single-family homes. Developed and built by Shodeen in the mid-1990s, this community features residences on lots sizes ranging between 0.4 and 0.8 acres. With home prices ranging from $400,000 to $750,000, Mill Creek provides an accessible yet desirable option for a variety of homeowners. 

Mill Creek’s 10,440 households enjoy the benefits of living in a well-connected community, offering proximity to the charming downtown areas of Batavia and Geneva. With a population of over 28,000 residents, this neighborhood fosters a sense of community while providing easy access to local amenities, parks, and schools. Children in Mill Creek attend Alice Gustafson Elementary School, Rotolo Middle School and Batavia High School. Nearby parks include Millview Park, Les Arends Forest Preserve, and Engstrom Family Park. Mill Creek combines the charm of suburban living with convenience, making it a highly appealing choice for families and professionals alike.

JOHNSON WOODS

Johnson Woods is located on the east side of town at Wilson Street, west of Kirk Road, and Johnson Woods Drive. Johnson Woods is a sought-after neighborhood in Batavia, IL, known for its spacious homes and family-friendly atmosphere. Developed in the early 2000s and completed around 2005, this single-family home community features custom-built residences, primarily by John Hall, as well as other reputable builders like Air Hart. The homes, offering 3 to 5 bedrooms and 3 to 5 bathrooms on lot sizes ranging from 0.25 to 0.49 acres, are priced between $600,000 and $900,000, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking large, high-quality homes.

Families in Johnson Woods enjoy access to highly rated schools in Batavia School District 101, including J.B. Nelson Elementary, Rotolo Middle School, and Batavia High School. Nearby amenities include H. Michael Wild Park, Woodland Hills Park, Shanahan Grove Park, and a variety of restaurants and shops. With its prime location and established community feel, Johnson Woods offers a harmonious blend of comfort and convenience for families and professionals alike.

Why Batavia?

Batavia is more than just a place to live—it’s about embracing a lifestyle full of history, culture, and endless opportunities. Steeped in tradition and founded in the 1830s by pioneer Christopher Payne, Batavia expertly blends its rich past with a progressive, forward-thinking future. The city’s charming small-town atmosphere pairs perfectly with modern conveniences, offering an inviting community spirit that makes it one of the most desirable places to live in the region.

Batavia is home to exceptional neighborhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious, resort-style living of Tanglewood Hills, the family-oriented environment of Mill Creek, or the spacious, custom-built homes of Johnson Woods, each neighborhood offers something unique and special for prospective homeowners. These standout neighborhoods capture the essence of Batavia, offering everything from high-end amenities and beautifully designed homes to prime locations near top-rated schools and a wide range of local attractions.

The city is renowned for its excellent schools, with Batavia School District 101 consistently ranked among Illinois’ best, providing quality education and a thriving athletic program. Families enjoy Batavia’s park district with an abundance of green spaces, including over 40 parks and scenic riverside trails. The vibrant downtown offers lots of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Batavia’s culinary scene caters to every taste, from cozy coffee shops and casual eateries to upscale restaurants, perfect for date nights or family gatherings.

Batavia’s economy is as dynamic as its community, with more than 1,200 businesses—including industry leaders like Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory and Aldi’s U.S. headquarters—contributing to the city’s vibrant growth. This blend of historic charm and innovative development makes Batavia an ideal place to live, work, and thrive.

With a deep commitment to education, ample recreational options, and a close-knit community, Batavia is a place where families, professionals, and retirees can flourish. Whether you’re seeking the charm of a historic town, the tranquility of nature, or the ease of modern living, Batavia offers a lifestyle that appeals to all.

Find Your Perfect Neighborhood With The McKay Group!

Considering a move to beautiful Batavia? Contact The McKay Group today to explore Batavia’s diverse neighborhoods and start your journey to luxury living in one of Illinois’ most cherished communities. Let us guide you to your perfect home in a city where history meets opportunity, and every day offers a chance to connect, grow, and enjoy life.

The McKay Group, led by top-producing agents Debora McKay and Roger Erikson, has been a trusted name in Fox Valley real estate for over 25 years. As recognized leaders in the industry, we proudly rank among the top 1% of agents in the U.S. and have held the title of #1 in Kane County for seven consecutive years. With a commitment to building lasting relationships, leveraging unparalleled experience, and executing powerful marketing strategies, we are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way in finding your perfect home in Batavia.

Contact Debora and Roger today and take the next step toward living in one of Batavia’s top neighborhoods!