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Mchenry

Mchenry

Why I Love McHenry!

McHenry is where river life meets small-town charm. You can spend the morning grabbing coffee downtown, and the afternoon out on the Fox River or Chain O’Lakes.

It’s a community that embraces its waterfront lifestyle while offering all the conveniences of suburban living. With great parks, local restaurants, community events, and highly rated schools, it’s no surprise so many people choose to call McHenry home.

Here are my top reasons why I love McHenry and why so many people choose to put down roots here.

Waterfront Living

One of the things that makes McHenry unique is its connection to the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes. Whether you're boating, kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying dinner with a waterfront view, McHenry makes it easy to enjoy life by the water.

From waterfront homes and marinas to riverfront parks and restaurants, there’s always a reason to get outside and enjoy the scenery.

Local Favorites & Great Dining

Some local favorites include:

  • ☕️ AteaCo – A new local favorite! Meet a friend for coffee or tea and then take a walk on the McHenry Riverwalk.
  • 🌮 Whiskey Diablo – A modern Mexican cantina. Enjoy their famous birria egg rolls and a margarita! Try to snag a swing seat for the full experience!
  • 🍻 McHenry Brewing Co. – Grab a beer at this historic tap room. Re-established in 2017, home to McHenry Brewing Company dating back to 1860!
  • 🍦 Rita’s – A summertime favorite for Italian ice or frozen custard!
  • 🍽️ UpRooted – Trust me when I say, look past the exterior! You will not be disappointed once inside. Plenty of exceptional food with plenty of gluten-free options. A must-try hidden gem!
  • 🛍️ McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes – On the riverwalk in downtown McHenry. You’ll find 10 seasonal shops open Friday through Sunday, May through December! The best part? These businesses are locally owned and supported by residents who truly value shopping local.
  • 🎤 The Vixen – Another historic McHenry building, named Empire Theater in 1919, reopened as The Vixen in 2022. This is where you’ll find year-round entertainment, music, and comedy shows in the heart of McHenry!

A Family-Friendly Lifestyle

McHenry offers the kind of lifestyle many families are searching for: strong schools, safe neighborhoods, community involvement, and plenty of opportunities to stay active.

  • 🌳 The McHenry Parks & Recreation Department maintains dozens of parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational programs throughout the city.
  • 🚴 Miles of trails, riverfront parks, and outdoor recreation make it easy to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
  • 🎆 Community events like Fiesta Days, summer concerts, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations bring neighbors together throughout the year.

There’s always something happening, whether you're raising a family, enjoying retirement, or anything in between.

Real Estate Options for Every Lifestyle

  • 🏡 Affordable starter homes
  • 🚤 Waterfront homes along the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes
  • 🌳 Homes on larger lots with room to spread out
  • 🏘️ Established neighborhoods with mature trees
  • ✨ Newer construction communities

Whether you're looking for your first home, an investment property, a weekend retreat on the water, or your forever home, McHenry offers something for nearly every buyer.

A Strong Sense of Community

This is probably my favorite thing about McHenry.

Despite being one of the larger communities in McHenry County, it still maintains a welcoming, hometown feel. Residents take pride in supporting local businesses, attending community events, volunteering, and helping neighbors. It’s the kind of place where people wave from their boats, recognize familiar faces around town, and build lasting friendships.

McHenry isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place where people put down roots.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in McHenry?

As a McHenry County real estate agent, I love helping clients buy and sell homes in communities like McHenry. Whether you're relocating, investing, searching for a waterfront property, or looking for the perfect place to call home, I’d love to help!

Give me a call at (815) 701-3000, and let’s find the right home for you!


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Overview for Mchenry, IL

55,801 people live in Mchenry, where the median age is 43.2 and the average individual income is $48,932. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

55,801

Total Population

43.2 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$48,932

Average individual Income

Around Mchenry, IL

There's plenty to do around Mchenry, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

64
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
44
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Chapel Hill Bodyworks Wellness Center, Woodwind Farm, and Intuitive Touch Massage Therapy.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 2.65 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.81 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.53 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 2.81 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 0.17 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Mchenry, IL

Mchenry has 22,686 households, with an average household size of 4.91. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Mchenry do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 55,801 people call Mchenry home. The population density is 998 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

55,801

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43.2 years

Median Age

51 / 49%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
22,686

Total Households

4.91

Average Household Size

$48,932

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Mchenry, IL

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Mchenry. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Work With Melanie

Work with someone who knows McHenry County beyond the listings. Melanie brings a thoughtful, steady approach to every step, helping buyers and sellers feel informed, comfortable, and connected to what comes next. Around here, real estate is less about the transaction and more about finding the right fit for your next chapter.