A Great American Main Street city, St. Charles is in the center of Kane County, Illinois north of Naperville real estate. St. Charles real estate communities have been built by many generations and welcome every generation. With over 1,600 businesses, innovative schools, fun community events, beautiful Fox River Valley scenery, and a cutting-edge attitude, St. Charles captures hearts.
St. Charles real estate market is diverse with architecture spanning the decades. Older St. Charles neighborhoods are continually being updated. St. Charles real estate located in well-planned subdivisions close to schools continues to be popular with families relocating to St. Charles—along with other quaint communities surrounding Naperville real estate. Maintenance-free options such as charming townhouses and luxury condos in St. Charles are well suited for first-time buyers, second homes, and retirees in St. Charles. With four state highways, two interstates and four airports, including O’Hare International and Chicago Midway serving the area, St. Charles real estate is also popular for people utilizing Chicago’s thriving metropolis.
Various Native American tribes migrated in and out the region for centuries. As European influences, including diseases, changed their way of life or moved them, more European settlements started up. One named Charleston was founded in 1834 on land claimed by Evan Shelby and William Franklin. By 1837, it was booming with construction and new residents who were trained in various disciplines including medicine and law. History buffs will explore the History Museum or the Garfield Farm Museum, the only intact 1840s living history farm, and discover that the name of the town was changed to avoid confusion when another Illinois town with the same name came to light.
Along with Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, Great Western Trail, and Canoe Shack (canoe and kayak rentals along the river) and 12 golf courses, fresh air and natural beauty cajoles the populace outdoors for some exhilarating recreational experiences. The Park District received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for its excellent program maintaining more than 1,400 acres of parkland.
The city is also known in the region for hosting creative, top-notch community events like the Pride of the Fox RiverFest, the Scarecrow Festival, the Kane County Flea Market, and Gallery of Ghoulish Homes. Likewise, residents are used to quality entertainment. For decades, the historic Arcada Theatre and now the nationally recognized Chord on Blues draw city folks from Chicago.
The emphasis on quality education, evidenced by its excellent School District 303 (12 elementary, 3 middle, and 2 high schools), is pervasive. With ongoing recognized academic achievement, talented faculty, highly successful athletic teams, and award-winning fine arts programs, it is not a surprise that one of the high schools received the Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School Award in 1996. Several world-class institutions such as DePaul University, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are not far away.
An excellent service sector, including a fantastic fire department, and a hardy volunteerism are noticeable in this caring community of 42,000. Major employers (System Sensor, Jewel Food Stores, Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company) and an active Chamber of Commerce ensure responsible growth and economic strength. The lovely riverside quality of life, attractions, and community spirit continue to enhance the city’s reputation as “The Pride of the Fox.”
