Living in Cary, IL: A Crystal Lake Neighbor's Guide
Last updated: 2026-10 · Crystal Lake Insights
Cary is Crystal Lake's closest neighbor — a tight-knit village of about 18,000 with Fox River access, Cary-Grove High School, and home prices now on par with Crystal Lake proper.
At a Glance
- Median home price: ~$390,000
- Schools: D26 (K-8) and Cary-Grove High School (D155) — the district's top-rated school
- Commute: 70 minutes to Chicago via the Crystal Lake Metra station (5 minutes away)
- Vibe: Small-town, everyone-knows-everyone
Why Families Choose Cary
Families pick Cary for the community feel, the Fox River Trail, and Cary-Grove's academics and athletics. The trade-off is fewer dining and shopping options — most residents use Crystal Lake for those. See the full Crystal Lake vs. Cary vs. Algonquin comparison.
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