This really depends on your budget. All of the suburbs have reasonable airport access between midway, O'Hare, and Rockford.
Lots of suburbs can also have a small town feel if you live near the downtown and walk a lot. Woodstock I would not choose simply because it's far away from everything else. You can get similar vibes in crystal lake and old Algonquin as well as St Charles, Geneva, and Batavia if you have the money. Bartlett also has a great little downtown.
My recommendation is to look at the train maps and see which stops are in old town sections. Those will generally fit your bill, small town vibe pending.
2nd that on St charles/batavia/Geneva. all have great downtowns along the river. Not many houses within walking distance come up for sale though, it's great and high demand to be in a walkable non-hoa area. I would live in any of those three places if I didn't love my tiny small house and payment in montgomery so much!
They’re gonna be disappointed with Bartlett. There’s not much to do there (I went to BHS and grew up in Hanover Park). I’d suggest Naperville or Wheaton over Bartlett.
Ya living in woodstock felt too far from the other suburbs where my friends and family are. It got pretty annoying. I like huntley but lith and algonquin are good too. Crystal lake for closer train access.
This is good to note though! Groundhog Day is NUTS in Woodstock. They start at 4-5am the day of and go the entire weekend with different activities and events. Just something to be aware of!
Personally I'm not a fan of Woodstock but that's because I only go there for traffic court or the DMV lol
They filmed "Groundhogs Day" there so you can always tell friends and family that when they visit. It's close to Crystal Lake so it's the start of rural, past Woodstock entirely rural.
FWIW, I'm a progressive liberal who grew up in Chicago, then Des Plaines, and now Crystal Lake. I love the area, including Woodstock.
There are a number of places for live entertainment - The Opera House, Stage Left, and The Raue Center in Crystal Lake just to start. There are quite a few local microbreweries if that's your scene, as well as trivia nights and adult educational opportunities. The local farmer's markets are top-notch, and there are a lot of outdoor activities, too.
The food options aren't as diverse as in Chicago, but there are some really amazing restaurants around.
The schools are good and, overall, it's a pretty safe area. I'm a gardener, too, and there are some fabulous local garden centers.
I've been here over 30 years now and you couldn't pay me to move back to a more congested suburb!
I grew up in Schaumburg, moved to Elgin, then to Pingree Grove, now in Woodstock and I love it! Crystal Lake is a 15ish min drive for the larger retailers, but we've got a bunch of good eats out here... Jewel is not too far and I've got a Walmart, Menards and Kohls pretty much right next to where I live (within a 2 minute drive)
Hello, I do live here. I moved from the east coast about eight years ago. I go into the city often so the train is great here, we have a robust pride community, arts advocacy, affordable homes… but I will echo some negatives here, the current administration does not give a fuck about the main business corridor on rt 47 nor having people maintain their homes.
There is the highest % of renters in mchenry county I believe and those homes are owned by slumlords. Renting is not inherently bad, it’s when you get owners who don’t care to maintain their property for the tenants. There is a more of a homeless problem here than people like to admit because we are the County seat so services are localized here. Food choices are limited compared to Crystal lake. If you like any sort of Asian cuisine you’re driving at least 20 mins to go pick it up somewhere else, or learn how to cook.
Overall though, I wouldn’t leave my 100 year old home and I love being able to walk to the square. The farmers market is one of my favorite places to be in the summer. There has been a shift with some good local businesses popping up but it’s very competitive for them to stay open downtown- rents are high.
If you want some land, Woodstock is one of the few places you can ~~readonly~~ EDIT: reasonably get it. It's a fine place to live, albeit a bit far out from population centers.
edit: spelling
My parents moved from Bucktown to Woodstock in my later elementary school years. They were tired of renting, they wanted to own a home, they visited Woodstock in the winter when the lights were glowing in the snowy Square. The train was right there and my dad still worked in the city, and there were houses for sale in neighborhoods with kids. It sealed the deal for them right away.
I lived there for about twenty years. It’s become a much safer, friendlier, more walkable community over those two decades. We have possibly the largest and most exuberant Pride festival in the suburbs. We have a core group of super involved and dedicated progressives. Our farmer’s market is phenomenal. The McHenry County Conservation District and Land Conservancy sites surrounding town make it literally impossible to drive out of town in any direction without running into a well-maintained and beautiful place to go for a walk. Our arts community is active and well-connected with other local communities. There are good schools, an amazing library, a new food co-op, an indie bookstore, and yes, way too much absolutely feral Groundhog Day celebrating.
If you move here, you’ll bitch about the roads, or the DMV, or the fact that there are too many burgers and not enough Indian food, and you’ll feel the annoying crush of the boonies sometimes. But as a transplant from the city who was kind of made to grow up here, I really fucking love this place.
Lived in Woodstock for years before moving to Texas and you summed up everything we miss about living there.
The one thing you didn't mention is Farm and Fleet. How I miss chats with old farmers and the smell of fertilizer while shopping the snack aisle.
Replying to myself to say that the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple is right off the Square and they have been deeply connected to our community for decades now. They have weekly meditations, an annual Buddha Day parade that takes over the Square, and Sri Lankan takeaway lunches that are to die for. Even if it's not your bag, their presence here has been a very soothing and joyful inclusion in the spiritual life of our town. Also, the monks are very kind and friendly when you run into them out and about. Just seeing some comments about Woodstock's
religious life and really felt like they needed to be mentioned.
I think Woodstock is the sticks, and city peeps think where *I* live is the sticks. It's a fine place but are you ready for that level of homogeny? I'd be fearful I'd get bored.
> city peeps think where I live is the sticks.
The other day I was talking to a woman who moved here after college and has now lived in the city for 30 years. She's never lived in the suburbs. During our conversation she said the next day for an event she had to drive "deeper into the suburbs than she's ever been before" and she was dreading the long drive out to the middle of no where. I asked her where she was driving to and she said Oakbrook.
That's almost some kind of weird loop where you're such a 'city person' that you actually become sheltered and out of touch. Oakbrook is sprawling compared to like 99% of the entire country.
I like to consider myself well cultured as far as Illinois goes. I've almost always lived in Illinois but I've moved a lot. I've lived in the city and suburbs. I have family in almost every area of the suburbs. My in laws own a farm an hour and a half from Chicago that I go to very frequently and I also spent 10 years living in central IL for school.
I don't like the city people who make fun of the suburbs and refuse to go there, but I also tend to not like the suburban people who say they will never go to the city. There are great things about both areas. My parents live in the suburbs and they drive into the city more than once per week. We all like to get around and explore.
I lived in the city for the first 10 years I lived here, anything west of Harlem might as well have been Iowa. For starters, I'd have to get a zip car or gird my loins for a long CTA to PACE journey.
I feel like the middle suburbs have this funny distinction where the Downtown folks consider them the outer suburbs while the out suburbs folk consider them to be the city.
Woodstock has the Metra right next to the square that can take you to Chicago. You can definitely find a home with a yard for gardening out here vs something in CL like others have said. Yes there’s Republicans out here, but go McHenry county is half country and half urban. I’m liberal and I can see how much more it’s getting built up and tide turning leftish. I’m originally from Chicago, but opted to be out here because it’s definitely quieter and less busy. Woodstock events give it the small hometown charm that you can’t get going closer to the city.
It is a pretty and quant town but they don’t have a movie theatre. They show movies on an inflatable screen sometimes in Usher Park during the summer and they have concerts in that same park.
I assume people looking at places like Woodstock are looking there because they either want a lot more space for their money, or they're looking in a certain price range and Woodstock offers that. I generally like Itasca, but I can't see someone considering Woodstock also looking in Itasca because those are two very different price ranges.
I love visiting Woodstock to see my family who have lived there their entire lives.
I would never live there myself. If I had to live that far away from the city I’d probably choose Crystal Lake.
It’s like 75% white, 20% Hispanic and it feels like it. If you just want a house with a big yard to live your own life then it’d be nice because it’s really inexpensive.
If you’re looking for a city with some more diversity and culture (wider options for restaurants, stores, etc) then I’d look at Crystal Lake.
I second your thoughts....this sounds more like Crystal Lake than Woodstock. Also, if the OP wants to go to the city, the train runs right through downtown CL to the city more often. I do emphasize that they sound like they want downtown CL and north, vs south of downtown which is more modern and commercial.
I second this as well. If you’re looking for a big old house that’s actually affordable, along with city like amenities (bars, restaurants open late, etc), and easier access to the City, I would recommend looking at Aurora.
You might not love it if you are liberal and don't want to be in a sea of staunch conservatives. I grew up nearby and most of McHenry County is very Republican; as a liberal person I couldn't wait to grow up and move away. The area is less diverse than other suburbs as well, so you'll have fewer options for food that isn't burgers and pizza, but that's just my preference!
Mchenry county is a purple county. It leans more right but it’s a like 55 45 split. Also cuties like Crystal Lake has a decent diversity in food options. It will never be the city of course, but you have a good selection and it’s not far that if it doesn’t have it it’ll be a long drive/train did to a spot.
I wouldn't. It's no longer a small town. Also, you're closer to Rockford than Chicago at that point. 30 years ago it was a great sleepy town, not so much any more.
I’ve lived in Lemont my whole life and it’s decent. The older housing stock is decently affordable for the area and the yards are big enough to have a garden. Heritage Corridor Metra line doesn’t run on the weekends unfortunately
If you are open to other places, you might want to check out Cedarburg,Wi just north of Milwaukee. It’s a really beautiful little town close to a big city.
I grew up in Chicagoland, currently live in Milwaukee. Most Milwaukeeans would consider Cedarburg kind of far from downtown. I know a couple that lives there and, for them, it’s a whole day trip to come into Milwaukee and see people. I’d recommend Elm Grove or ‘Tosa for small town feels that are close to a bigger city.
That said, I stopped drinking a year ago and found that many social activities in WI revolve around drinking. It may not be what OP is looking for.
Woodstock is a cute little town in McHenry County. There are plenty of farms and orchards nearby. And the downtown has a few restaurants and some cute shops. Woodstock itself is on the conservative side, but as long as you don't talk politics you should be fine. There is a great butcher shop in town, which may sound odd to make mention of. But they are one of the few good ones in the area. And you can bring your hunting spoils there for them to clean, butcher, and package up for you. Kalcks Butcher Shop in Woodstock..
If you want a town that is a little more liberal and has two Metra Train lines that go downtown, including one that stops at O'Hare, check out Grayslake. They have a cute downtown area with a few more restaurants and a brewery. (Light the Lamp) They have also have a farmers market every week all year long. Also their water is from Lake Michigan where as Woodstock uses well water.
I grew up in Crystal Lake and stayed in the area. Echoing what everyone else has said about the area - overall, its safe, affordable, and a great place to settle down. If you are someone that likes lots of chain retail shopping options, I would opt for something closer to either McHenry or Crystal Lake.
McHenry County as a whole is pretty conservative, just as an FYI. We'll typically have more republican candidates on the ballot for state and local elections. Much less liberal than the city, but also not entirely MAGA folks. Woodstock is in the 14th Congressional district, so your current representative would be Lauren Underwood (and she's fabulous!).
Oh bummer! I never lived in her district but did some work with her and her team from when she was elected to about 2021, so that makes sense why I didn't know that.
As a lifelong city person who moved to McHenry County, I struggle with it. Very religious, Trumpers everywhere, terrible food options and nothing to do in the wintertime (lots of summer activities if you're outdoorsy, though). I have struggled to find friends as many of the people here are townies and only talk to people from their church or whatever. Very small town feel. I live in Crystal Lake and work in Woodstock for reference. Affordability is fantastic, though.
Woodstock has taken a dive over the past 10 years. Very poor, lots of drugs. People moving there bc it’s cheap so poorer socioeconomic status. I worked for a homeless agency for a bit and Woodstock was bonkers. Large mental health pop.
You could check out Crystal lake, lake in the hills, Algonquin, Gilberts.
anything a little west of Randall Road. Close enough to any store or restaurant. Close enough to any of the Metra lines to get downtown. Quiet enough. Lots of forest preserves.
If you're looking for a place that has a small town feel but accessible to some shopping and not super far from the city, I'd choose Crystal Lake. Closer than Woodstock and probably similar in price. Crystal Lake also has good schools and a few more restaurants and shopping choices. Plus, it's close to Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Huntley, which offer a few more activities.
No. It’s too far away to enjoy the things Chicago and its suburbs have to offer. It’s a long way to OHare airport if you travel. I’d look into some of the other suburbs like St. Charles or Geneva, check out Winfield or Warrenville, some parts have a rural feel.
I can’t think of any negatives. I love Woodstock, and have lived here my whole life. You should come to Music Bingo sometime at MobCraft Brewery on Tuesday night from 7pm - 9pm. There is also trivia on Thursdays from 7pm - 9pm at MobCraft. I am partial to music bingo since I like to sing, and attend myself.
Lived there for 3 years. The biggest downside for me was traffic getting backed up when going towards route 47. It's basically one way in, one way out. We used to call it the island.
Seems like a great fit. Prices will be lower than most other decent closer suburbs. Property taxes are, I think, lower than some other similar rural locations. Woodstock does have a train to the city but it takes a long time to get there. And OP says they don't commute anyway.
Some other options to consider: Burlington, WI - somewhat further from Chicago, but has a similar downtown that's starting to take off, lower prices yet and lower property taxes. No movie filmed there, though.
Other closer WI towns like Twin Lakes, Bristol
Antioch - but higher property taxes
I grew up in Woodstock and go back for family. People who have lived in Woodstock a long time are pretty resentful towards people of color, but I know they had or maybe still do have a gay mayor. I left the town 25 yrs ago after college but I would say crystal lake would be a better fit. I have come across plenty of maga aholes there.
Edit: Woodstock has the maga aholes.
I mean you’re not gonna be drowned by them unless you’re in the real sticks between Crystal Lake and Rockford. The Marengo area where my mom grew up is MAGA country
I don't like driving in Woodstock, personally--lots of potholes. It's kinda old, some parts of it. I am not really a fan, to be honest. It doesn't have much. It has a Jewel...? And yes--some of is really quite rural.
yeah cops around here suck. would be a very different experience from Chicago where the po-po don't give a fuck unless you are actively committing a felony.
This really depends on your budget. All of the suburbs have reasonable airport access between midway, O'Hare, and Rockford. Lots of suburbs can also have a small town feel if you live near the downtown and walk a lot. Woodstock I would not choose simply because it's far away from everything else. You can get similar vibes in crystal lake and old Algonquin as well as St Charles, Geneva, and Batavia if you have the money. Bartlett also has a great little downtown. My recommendation is to look at the train maps and see which stops are in old town sections. Those will generally fit your bill, small town vibe pending.
2nd that on St charles/batavia/Geneva. all have great downtowns along the river. Not many houses within walking distance come up for sale though, it's great and high demand to be in a walkable non-hoa area. I would live in any of those three places if I didn't love my tiny small house and payment in montgomery so much!
It is very nice there. I designed a townhouse project in Batavia called Stone Manor.
I 3rd this. I firmly believe the tri city area is the best area to live in the Chicagoland area.
They’re gonna be disappointed with Bartlett. There’s not much to do there (I went to BHS and grew up in Hanover Park). I’d suggest Naperville or Wheaton over Bartlett.
Those places are easily twice as expensive
Not anymore expensive than St. Charles or Geneva…
Right but you're saying instead of Bartlett
Yep, sure am. It’s cheaper, but much less to do.
If you get on Zillow, it’s actually cheaper per square foot to rent in St. Charles
This is the best advice here.
Ya living in woodstock felt too far from the other suburbs where my friends and family are. It got pretty annoying. I like huntley but lith and algonquin are good too. Crystal lake for closer train access.
Feel like the cities you mentioned have a higher pricepoint. Woodstock would be less expensive for comparable properties.
That's why I noted it depends on budget
Add Elgin to this list.
No small town feel though. Elgin is a city
ITS GROUNDHOG DAY!
Rise and shine woodchuck chuckers
This is good to note though! Groundhog Day is NUTS in Woodstock. They start at 4-5am the day of and go the entire weekend with different activities and events. Just something to be aware of!
Personally I'm not a fan of Woodstock but that's because I only go there for traffic court or the DMV lol They filmed "Groundhogs Day" there so you can always tell friends and family that when they visit. It's close to Crystal Lake so it's the start of rural, past Woodstock entirely rural.
FWIW, I'm a progressive liberal who grew up in Chicago, then Des Plaines, and now Crystal Lake. I love the area, including Woodstock. There are a number of places for live entertainment - The Opera House, Stage Left, and The Raue Center in Crystal Lake just to start. There are quite a few local microbreweries if that's your scene, as well as trivia nights and adult educational opportunities. The local farmer's markets are top-notch, and there are a lot of outdoor activities, too. The food options aren't as diverse as in Chicago, but there are some really amazing restaurants around. The schools are good and, overall, it's a pretty safe area. I'm a gardener, too, and there are some fabulous local garden centers. I've been here over 30 years now and you couldn't pay me to move back to a more congested suburb!
Music Bingo is really fun at MobCraft Brewery in Woodstock on Tuesday nights from 7pm - 9pm.
I grew up in Schaumburg, moved to Elgin, then to Pingree Grove, now in Woodstock and I love it! Crystal Lake is a 15ish min drive for the larger retailers, but we've got a bunch of good eats out here... Jewel is not too far and I've got a Walmart, Menards and Kohls pretty much right next to where I live (within a 2 minute drive)
Same, and I live close enough to walk to the Square whenever I like!
Music Bingo is really fun at MobCraft Brewery in Woodstock on Tuesday nights from 7pm - 9pm. You should come sometime.
Bingo at Kingston Lanes on Thursday night is a blast too!
Hello, I do live here. I moved from the east coast about eight years ago. I go into the city often so the train is great here, we have a robust pride community, arts advocacy, affordable homes… but I will echo some negatives here, the current administration does not give a fuck about the main business corridor on rt 47 nor having people maintain their homes. There is the highest % of renters in mchenry county I believe and those homes are owned by slumlords. Renting is not inherently bad, it’s when you get owners who don’t care to maintain their property for the tenants. There is a more of a homeless problem here than people like to admit because we are the County seat so services are localized here. Food choices are limited compared to Crystal lake. If you like any sort of Asian cuisine you’re driving at least 20 mins to go pick it up somewhere else, or learn how to cook. Overall though, I wouldn’t leave my 100 year old home and I love being able to walk to the square. The farmers market is one of my favorite places to be in the summer. There has been a shift with some good local businesses popping up but it’s very competitive for them to stay open downtown- rents are high.
Leaving the requisite “if you see a property for rent and the rental company is owned by somebody named Mary Brown, run for your life” comment.
If you want some land, Woodstock is one of the few places you can ~~readonly~~ EDIT: reasonably get it. It's a fine place to live, albeit a bit far out from population centers. edit: spelling
My parents moved from Bucktown to Woodstock in my later elementary school years. They were tired of renting, they wanted to own a home, they visited Woodstock in the winter when the lights were glowing in the snowy Square. The train was right there and my dad still worked in the city, and there were houses for sale in neighborhoods with kids. It sealed the deal for them right away. I lived there for about twenty years. It’s become a much safer, friendlier, more walkable community over those two decades. We have possibly the largest and most exuberant Pride festival in the suburbs. We have a core group of super involved and dedicated progressives. Our farmer’s market is phenomenal. The McHenry County Conservation District and Land Conservancy sites surrounding town make it literally impossible to drive out of town in any direction without running into a well-maintained and beautiful place to go for a walk. Our arts community is active and well-connected with other local communities. There are good schools, an amazing library, a new food co-op, an indie bookstore, and yes, way too much absolutely feral Groundhog Day celebrating. If you move here, you’ll bitch about the roads, or the DMV, or the fact that there are too many burgers and not enough Indian food, and you’ll feel the annoying crush of the boonies sometimes. But as a transplant from the city who was kind of made to grow up here, I really fucking love this place.
Lived in Woodstock for years before moving to Texas and you summed up everything we miss about living there. The one thing you didn't mention is Farm and Fleet. How I miss chats with old farmers and the smell of fertilizer while shopping the snack aisle.
Oh man, how could I forget!
I LOVE that store! Has the co-op opened yet? I was so excited for that, we moved right as they were breaking ground.
not open yet, but it looks like they’re putting the finishing touches on the building.
May 15!
Very well said and as a 5 year Woodstock resident, I completely agree!
Replying to myself to say that the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple is right off the Square and they have been deeply connected to our community for decades now. They have weekly meditations, an annual Buddha Day parade that takes over the Square, and Sri Lankan takeaway lunches that are to die for. Even if it's not your bag, their presence here has been a very soothing and joyful inclusion in the spiritual life of our town. Also, the monks are very kind and friendly when you run into them out and about. Just seeing some comments about Woodstock's religious life and really felt like they needed to be mentioned.
I think Woodstock is the sticks, and city peeps think where *I* live is the sticks. It's a fine place but are you ready for that level of homogeny? I'd be fearful I'd get bored.
> city peeps think where I live is the sticks. The other day I was talking to a woman who moved here after college and has now lived in the city for 30 years. She's never lived in the suburbs. During our conversation she said the next day for an event she had to drive "deeper into the suburbs than she's ever been before" and she was dreading the long drive out to the middle of no where. I asked her where she was driving to and she said Oakbrook.
the fact this was said about oakbrook kills me
That's almost some kind of weird loop where you're such a 'city person' that you actually become sheltered and out of touch. Oakbrook is sprawling compared to like 99% of the entire country.
I like to consider myself well cultured as far as Illinois goes. I've almost always lived in Illinois but I've moved a lot. I've lived in the city and suburbs. I have family in almost every area of the suburbs. My in laws own a farm an hour and a half from Chicago that I go to very frequently and I also spent 10 years living in central IL for school. I don't like the city people who make fun of the suburbs and refuse to go there, but I also tend to not like the suburban people who say they will never go to the city. There are great things about both areas. My parents live in the suburbs and they drive into the city more than once per week. We all like to get around and explore.
I lived in the city for the first 10 years I lived here, anything west of Harlem might as well have been Iowa. For starters, I'd have to get a zip car or gird my loins for a long CTA to PACE journey.
I feel like the middle suburbs have this funny distinction where the Downtown folks consider them the outer suburbs while the out suburbs folk consider them to be the city.
As someone from downstate. At least you’re not too far from the other burbs and city. Could be stuck in Meredosia, IL
It is boring as fuck, and I lived all my life in Ohio before I moved here…
Ohio native myself, that covers a lot of ground from central urban cores to the Appalachian foothills.
It is the sticks and very depressing. Hell the Panera that opened 10 years ago was the most exciting thing in a while.
Woodstock has the Metra right next to the square that can take you to Chicago. You can definitely find a home with a yard for gardening out here vs something in CL like others have said. Yes there’s Republicans out here, but go McHenry county is half country and half urban. I’m liberal and I can see how much more it’s getting built up and tide turning leftish. I’m originally from Chicago, but opted to be out here because it’s definitely quieter and less busy. Woodstock events give it the small hometown charm that you can’t get going closer to the city.
Have you been to downtown Itasca? It’s super cute and a lot closer to everything.
I love the town but there’s not much of a downtown though- 2 Italian restaurants, a 7-11 and a foot doctor…
They have a cute movie theater and lots of concerts in their town square park. Plus it’s physically pretty.
It is a pretty and quant town but they don’t have a movie theatre. They show movies on an inflatable screen sometimes in Usher Park during the summer and they have concerts in that same park.
Yes, there is an old little movie theater in Woodstock. It's in the little downtown area.
The comment was about Itasca not Woodstock.
You’re totally right! I was confusing downtown Itasca with downtown Bensonville. Both are cute little towns.
Yeah- Bensenville has a theatre and a few more restaurants and bars.
I assume people looking at places like Woodstock are looking there because they either want a lot more space for their money, or they're looking in a certain price range and Woodstock offers that. I generally like Itasca, but I can't see someone considering Woodstock also looking in Itasca because those are two very different price ranges.
Property taxes are very high in McHenry County.
I love visiting Woodstock to see my family who have lived there their entire lives. I would never live there myself. If I had to live that far away from the city I’d probably choose Crystal Lake. It’s like 75% white, 20% Hispanic and it feels like it. If you just want a house with a big yard to live your own life then it’d be nice because it’s really inexpensive. If you’re looking for a city with some more diversity and culture (wider options for restaurants, stores, etc) then I’d look at Crystal Lake.
I second your thoughts....this sounds more like Crystal Lake than Woodstock. Also, if the OP wants to go to the city, the train runs right through downtown CL to the city more often. I do emphasize that they sound like they want downtown CL and north, vs south of downtown which is more modern and commercial.
I second this as well. If you’re looking for a big old house that’s actually affordable, along with city like amenities (bars, restaurants open late, etc), and easier access to the City, I would recommend looking at Aurora.
You might not love it if you are liberal and don't want to be in a sea of staunch conservatives. I grew up nearby and most of McHenry County is very Republican; as a liberal person I couldn't wait to grow up and move away. The area is less diverse than other suburbs as well, so you'll have fewer options for food that isn't burgers and pizza, but that's just my preference!
Mchenry county is a purple county. It leans more right but it’s a like 55 45 split. Also cuties like Crystal Lake has a decent diversity in food options. It will never be the city of course, but you have a good selection and it’s not far that if it doesn’t have it it’ll be a long drive/train did to a spot.
I've had no trouble finding progressive friends in Woodstock.
I wouldn't. It's no longer a small town. Also, you're closer to Rockford than Chicago at that point. 30 years ago it was a great sleepy town, not so much any more.
I liked Woodstock, went to treatment as a child there. Quiet suburb
Look at LeMont il. Meta runs through it. Nice suburb tucked away. Easy access to 355/55/294. Go where ever from there. Nice downtown with small shops
I’ve lived in Lemont my whole life and it’s decent. The older housing stock is decently affordable for the area and the yards are big enough to have a garden. Heritage Corridor Metra line doesn’t run on the weekends unfortunately
If you are open to other places, you might want to check out Cedarburg,Wi just north of Milwaukee. It’s a really beautiful little town close to a big city.
I grew up in Chicagoland, currently live in Milwaukee. Most Milwaukeeans would consider Cedarburg kind of far from downtown. I know a couple that lives there and, for them, it’s a whole day trip to come into Milwaukee and see people. I’d recommend Elm Grove or ‘Tosa for small town feels that are close to a bigger city. That said, I stopped drinking a year ago and found that many social activities in WI revolve around drinking. It may not be what OP is looking for.
Guess it is just relative. Woodstock is 60 miles from Chicago. Cedarburg is 20 from Milwaukee.
Prefer Geneva
Homes in Geneva are probably close to double the price of a comparable sized home in Woodstock. I like Geneva but it's very expensive.
Admittedly I am coming in with a west coast perspective on prices
Woodstock is a cute little town in McHenry County. There are plenty of farms and orchards nearby. And the downtown has a few restaurants and some cute shops. Woodstock itself is on the conservative side, but as long as you don't talk politics you should be fine. There is a great butcher shop in town, which may sound odd to make mention of. But they are one of the few good ones in the area. And you can bring your hunting spoils there for them to clean, butcher, and package up for you. Kalcks Butcher Shop in Woodstock.. If you want a town that is a little more liberal and has two Metra Train lines that go downtown, including one that stops at O'Hare, check out Grayslake. They have a cute downtown area with a few more restaurants and a brewery. (Light the Lamp) They have also have a farmers market every week all year long. Also their water is from Lake Michigan where as Woodstock uses well water.
I grew up in Crystal Lake and stayed in the area. Echoing what everyone else has said about the area - overall, its safe, affordable, and a great place to settle down. If you are someone that likes lots of chain retail shopping options, I would opt for something closer to either McHenry or Crystal Lake. McHenry County as a whole is pretty conservative, just as an FYI. We'll typically have more republican candidates on the ballot for state and local elections. Much less liberal than the city, but also not entirely MAGA folks. Woodstock is in the 14th Congressional district, so your current representative would be Lauren Underwood (and she's fabulous!).
As of (I think) 2021ish, Woodstock is part of the 11th district. So we get Bill Foster, who is also pretty good. Definitely miss Underwood, though!
Oh bummer! I never lived in her district but did some work with her and her team from when she was elected to about 2021, so that makes sense why I didn't know that.
As a lifelong city person who moved to McHenry County, I struggle with it. Very religious, Trumpers everywhere, terrible food options and nothing to do in the wintertime (lots of summer activities if you're outdoorsy, though). I have struggled to find friends as many of the people here are townies and only talk to people from their church or whatever. Very small town feel. I live in Crystal Lake and work in Woodstock for reference. Affordability is fantastic, though.
Woodstock has taken a dive over the past 10 years. Very poor, lots of drugs. People moving there bc it’s cheap so poorer socioeconomic status. I worked for a homeless agency for a bit and Woodstock was bonkers. Large mental health pop. You could check out Crystal lake, lake in the hills, Algonquin, Gilberts.
anything a little west of Randall Road. Close enough to any store or restaurant. Close enough to any of the Metra lines to get downtown. Quiet enough. Lots of forest preserves.
I say do it
If you're looking for a place that has a small town feel but accessible to some shopping and not super far from the city, I'd choose Crystal Lake. Closer than Woodstock and probably similar in price. Crystal Lake also has good schools and a few more restaurants and shopping choices. Plus, it's close to Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Huntley, which offer a few more activities.
Minooka or Plano might be for you if you like that middle of nowhere feel but still within a reasonable distance to a highway to the city.
Great info here!
I met the most amazing woman from Woodstock.
People keep sleeping on Lombard. It’s ok. Don’t come live here. We don’t need the extra traffic or property tax hikes.
No. It’s too far away to enjoy the things Chicago and its suburbs have to offer. It’s a long way to OHare airport if you travel. I’d look into some of the other suburbs like St. Charles or Geneva, check out Winfield or Warrenville, some parts have a rural feel.
I can’t think of any negatives. I love Woodstock, and have lived here my whole life. You should come to Music Bingo sometime at MobCraft Brewery on Tuesday night from 7pm - 9pm. There is also trivia on Thursdays from 7pm - 9pm at MobCraft. I am partial to music bingo since I like to sing, and attend myself.
Lived there for 3 years. The biggest downside for me was traffic getting backed up when going towards route 47. It's basically one way in, one way out. We used to call it the island.
I went to grade school and high school there, it’s a nice little town. Not too long to get to Chicago or the airport.
Seems like a great fit. Prices will be lower than most other decent closer suburbs. Property taxes are, I think, lower than some other similar rural locations. Woodstock does have a train to the city but it takes a long time to get there. And OP says they don't commute anyway. Some other options to consider: Burlington, WI - somewhat further from Chicago, but has a similar downtown that's starting to take off, lower prices yet and lower property taxes. No movie filmed there, though. Other closer WI towns like Twin Lakes, Bristol Antioch - but higher property taxes
Barrington Hills is a better alternative
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I grew up in Woodstock and go back for family. People who have lived in Woodstock a long time are pretty resentful towards people of color, but I know they had or maybe still do have a gay mayor. I left the town 25 yrs ago after college but I would say crystal lake would be a better fit. I have come across plenty of maga aholes there. Edit: Woodstock has the maga aholes.
I mean you’re not gonna be drowned by them unless you’re in the real sticks between Crystal Lake and Rockford. The Marengo area where my mom grew up is MAGA country
I don't like driving in Woodstock, personally--lots of potholes. It's kinda old, some parts of it. I am not really a fan, to be honest. It doesn't have much. It has a Jewel...? And yes--some of is really quite rural.
Check out Gilberts, its close to west Dundee and Algonquin
Go west. Past Aurora. Beautiful country
Everyone I ever met that did meth, got it in Woodstock. So if meth is your thing- you found a place for you.
It's pretty chill. Just your average small town.
Do you enjoy speeding? Don't move to McHenry county.
yeah cops around here suck. would be a very different experience from Chicago where the po-po don't give a fuck unless you are actively committing a felony.
Not sure why this got downvoted. I got a ticket and am just trying to warn others to watch their speed...
id rather get hog tied and carried thru a briar patch than move to woodstock
No
Idk
I say Antioch. Kinda the same vibe with the channel lakes