Your Guide to Buying a Home in Lake in the Hills, IL

Buying a Home in Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Lake in the Hills is located in McHenry County

Population: 23,152 Welcome to Lake in the Hills!
Lake in the Hills was once a small residential community with farms dotting the surrounding landscape. Paved streets and major thoroughfares now mask the dirt roads and quieter times.

However, a few original farms and fieldstone foundations still stand today as reminders of our past.

The history of Lake in the Hills started in 1923, when Federal Judge Walter J. La Buy began purchasing property around what is now Woods Creek Lake, the Village's main lake. In September of 1950, the Property Owners Association (P.O.A.) was formed specifically to provide snow removal and road maintenance. This was the beginning of the first organized Village decision-making body.

On November 29, 1952, the Village of Lake in the Hills was incorporated. Since 1952, residents and businesses alike have come to Lake in the Hills because of its high quality of life and numerous amenities. The Village offers exceptional services through our highly efficient Police Department, Community Development Department, Fire Protection Districts, municipal water service, Sanitary District and refuse and recycling services. In addition, the Village Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of parks and programs designed for families and individuals throughout the year.

Lake in the Hills is also home to numerous businesses and services to meet any need. With an average 25 new businesses locating to Lake in the Hills each year, residents and visitors can expect a greater variety to choose from now and in the years to come. State of the art medical facilities are also nearby. Good Shepherd Hospital, Northern Illinois Medical Center and Sherman Hospital’s Ambutal Medical Center are some of the medical options available to Lake in the Hills residents.

Lake in the Hills residents are served by four school districts. School District 300, which includes Lake in the Hills Elementary, Lincoln Prairie Elementary, Algonquin Middle School, and Jacobs High School, covers most of Lake in the Hills. Crystal Lake's District 47 has Lake in the Hills students attending Indian Prairie Elementary School, Woods Creek Elementary and Lundahl Middle School. Lake in the Hills students who reside within District 155, attend Crystal Lake South High School. May Chesak Elementary School, Hannah Martin Elementary and Huntley High School also cover some areas of the Village. Lake in the Hills is also served by two community college districts- Elgin Community College and McHenry Community College.

As the name implies, Lake in the Hills has lakes - four of them. Goose Lake, Willow Lake and Lake Scott are shallow lakes. Goose Lake is utilized mainly for fishing while Willow Lake and Lake Scott are wildlife ponds. Woods Creek Lake is the largest, starting at Crystal Lake Road near the Police Station. There are two beaches for swimming in Woods Creek Lake - Indian Trail Beach and Hilltop Beach.

Parks and Recreation
Recreation Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for residents of all ages. A variety of classes, trips, sports and special events are sponsored by the department and meet at different locations throughout the community. Three seasonal brochures are mailed to residents in May, August and December. In addition, trips, special events, and one-day programs are part of the offerings. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains 27 parks in the community.

Hain House, Indian Trail Beach House, Community Room at the Village Hall and Picnic Shelters.
Dating back to the 1870’s the Hain House is one of the oldest buildings in Lake in the Hills. Today, residents, organizations and groups use the Hain House to hold receptions, meetings and special events. The Hain House is located at 149 Hilltop Drive on beautiful Woods Creek Lake. The Indian Trail Beach House located on Woods Creek Lake on Indian Trail and Community Room at the Village Hall are also available for use. There is a fee and deposit required for use of the facilities. For picnics, two shelters are available. Picnic groves at Barbara Key and Sunset Park can be reserved beginning Feb. 1st of each year.

Lake Use Tags
If you plan to use the lakes for fishing, swimming and/or boating you must purchase Lake Use Tags. One tag is issued for each member of a family residing at the same address. The Village provides two boat launches on Woods Creek Lake- Nockles Park and Turtle Island Park. Tags go on sale the first business day of May and expire on April 30th. Resident boaters must have a valid boat sticker.

Beach Rules
Hilltop Beach and Indian Trail Beach are both public beaches. The gates are open from sunrise to sunset Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Guard hours at each beach are posted. Resident Lake Use Tags or a daily fee is required in order to use the beaches. The following rules must be adhered to when using the beaches:

1. An adult or guardian over 18 years of age must accompany children under the age of 10.

2. Floatation devices and water toys must be approved by a lifeguard. Water wings and inner tube suits are not allowed.

3. There is no boat launching or fishing at or near the beach area.

4. Horseplay will not be tolerated.

5. The following are not allowed: dogs, glass bottles and alcohol.

6. If the air or water temperature is 65 degrees or colder - the lifeguard staff will not guard the area.

7. Infants need to wear diapers and tight fitting rubber pants or disposable swim diapers.
Lifeguards have the authority and responsibility to enforce all beach rules and regulations. They may request persons not abiding by beach rules to leave the beach area. Police may be called if rules are violated. The lifeguard staff has the discretion to limit hours during inclement weather.

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