Lakemoor, IL

Lakemoor is a quiet suburban village sitting right on the border of Lake and McHenry counties, about an hour northwest of Chicago. With around 6,000 residents, it started out in the early twentieth century as a lakeside getaway for city dwellers looking for summer cottages. Over the decades, modern subdivisions have grown up around the water, creating a laid-back residential community with easy access to Route 120 and Route 12.

At the center of town is Lily Lake, where locals go to fish, paddle, or take out quiet boats on sunny weekends. The village park on the eastern shore gives neighbors a sandy beach, playground, and sports courts right by the water. Because Lakemoor crosses county lines, homes are zoned into several neighboring school systems, including McHenry, Big Hollow, and Wauconda. It makes for a peaceful spot if you want lake living within a short drive of suburban shopping, dining, and area commuter train stations.