Crystal Lake

I grew up here

I think it’s really great. Lots of people go here for hockey games I think and our schools are pretty good. It’s a great place for shopping and it’s close to six flags!

This city of 40,000 has a fine downtown with a 1 of 2 Metra commuter rail stations as its centerpiece. Also found there is the Raue Center for the Arts, and a few nice shops. Further west is the Crystal Lake itself, which has a nice beach highly popular in the summer, however it is not as large as other lakes in the area for widespread boating. The majority of this city’s housing stock is also found in the vicinity of the lake, and stretching several miles southward. Further east is the region’s chief industrial and commerical corridor along Route 14, Virgina Rd., Route 31, and Pingree Rd. This is McHenry County’s chief spot for national chain retailers and restaurants although that is slowly changing. Another Metra station is found here on Pingree Rd. The area’s largest hotel, a Holiday Inn is located along Route 31, just south of 14. A biking trail, the McHenry County Prairie Path, runs through the heart of the city.