McHenry County IL Real Estate Market Update & Weekly Events Guide (July 26, 2026)
McHenry County, IL home prices are averaging around $368,000 this week, with McHenry-area listings moving in about 24 days. This week's free family activities include splash pads, two farmers markets (Cary and McHenry), a guided hike, and the McHenry County Fair kicking off August 4 in Woodstock. Full details below, organized by category for Crystal Lake, Cary, and McHenry, IL.
Hi friends, it's your favorite McHenry County Realtor-slash-mom-who's-definitely-on-coffee-number-two! We are deep in the sweaty, splash-pad, "please just get in the car" days of summer, and I am HERE for it. Grab your sunscreen (and your patience) let's get you sorted for the week.
McHenry County Real Estate Market Update
Here's the plain-English version: McHenry County's median home price is sitting around $368,000, and in the city of McHenry specifically, homes are listing around $386K and moving in a brisk 24 days on average. Prices per square foot are actually down slightly (about 2%) compared to this time last year, which means a little more breathing room than the last couple of summers.
For buyers: this is a genuinely good window. Slightly softer pricing plus homes still moving fast means you need to be pre-approved and ready to move, but you're not necessarily walking into a bidding war bloodbath like 2022. For sellers: pricing it right out of the gate matters more than ever — homes that are priced aggressively from day one are the ones getting snapped up in that 24-day window, while overpriced listings sit and get stale. Staging and curb appeal still count for a lot right now.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Crystal Lake, Cary, McHenry, or anywhere in McHenry County before the school year kicks off? Let's chat, no pressure, just coffee and honest advice. Email me anytime at emily@foxvalley-properties.com.
Free Things to Do With Kids in Crystal Lake, Cary & McHenry This Week
Splash pad update: Crystal Lake's Acorn Alley splash pad at Veteran Acres has been down for plumbing repairs (word is it's about a 6-week fix), so head to Sunset Park splash pad in Lake in the Hills (5200 Miller Road) instead: free, open daily 11am–7pm, and my kids approve.
Library love: Crystal Lake Public Library kicks off its "Principals Read" program July 28, and Cary Area Public Library has a rotating StoryWalk at Jaycee Park: free, self-guided, and a great excuse for a walk with littles.
Stroller-friendly wins: Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake has paved paths, a fishing pier, and nature trails through Sterne's Woods. In Cary, Fox Bluff is a short, tree-lined quarter-mile stroll to the Fox River, and The Hollows has a flat paved path out to a fishing pier overlooking Lake Atwood: both easy with a stroller and free.
Eat Well on a Budget: Kids-Eat-Free Nights & Food Deals
Buffalo Wings and Rings in Crystal Lake (1520 Carlemont Drive) does one free kids meal per adult entrée ($10+) on Mondays, dine-in only. Other Crystal Lake spots known for kids-eat-free nights include First Watch, Chili's, Pub Eighty Ate, The Village Squire North, Moontime Smokin' Que, Smash'D, Coleman's Crystal Lake, and The Black Bear Bistro, deals and days vary, so it's worth a quick call ahead.
Mark your calendar for the McHenry County Fair (Aug 4–9 in Woodstock) fair food, rides, and the works kick off in just over a week.
Fitness & Wellness in McHenry County
If you're chasing a summer goal, the McHenry County Conservation District runs the Move McHenry Co. Challenge all season, a self-guided way to rack up miles on local trails and actually stick with it (I need this energy, honestly). There's also a guided hike at Molly Lake, Thursday, July 30 at 8:15am, a scenic 5-mile route, bring water and bug spray.
McHenry County Farmers Markets This Week
Cary Farmers Market: Sunday, 9am–1pm, 116 W Main St, Cary (hosted by the Rotary Club of Cary-Grove; fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and bakery goods)
McHenry Farmers Market: Thursdays, 4:30–7:30pm, Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St, McHenry (runs through Sept 3)
Crystal Lake Farmers Market: Located at the Dole Mansion on Saturdays
New & Noteworthy Restaurants and Shops in Crystal Lake
CAVA is coming to Crystal Lake, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain's first McHenry County location. Dutch Bros continues its county takeover with a new spot planned. And Lake Roots, a cozy new cafe with a curated market and bar, just opened along Route 14 in Crystal Lake, worth a stop if you love a good local coffee-and-browse combo.
McHenry County Small Business Spotlight: Summer Moon Coffee
This week I'm giving love to Summer Moon Coffee, the local roaster that got its start right here in Crystal Lake. Founders Emily and Jesse Moffitt opened their first location here about three years ago and just announced a second shop opening in Wheaton, proof that a great local idea can grow way beyond McHenry County. If you haven't tried their wood-fired roasted coffee yet, consider this your sign. Supporting home-grown businesses like this is exactly why I love this county.
Best Outdoor Spots and Trails in McHenry County
Veteran Acres Park (Crystal Lake) remains one of the county's best all-in-one spots, trails through Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve, a boardwalk, sled hill, and fishing pier, free and open daily. The Prairie Trail winds through the park too, connecting to a much longer paved path if you're feeling ambitious. In Cary, The Hollows and Fox Bluff both offer quiet, free river access that's easy with kids or a dog. And if you want a bigger adventure, the Fox River Bike Trail is a paved, mostly flat ride with great water views, stroller and wheelchair friendly.
McHenry County Fun Fact + Holiday Alert
Did you know the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed almost entirely in Woodstock, Illinois not Pennsylvania? Director Harold Ramis reportedly said Woodstock was "what Punxsutawney should look like." The town leans all the way into it every February with "Woodstock Willie" and a four-day Groundhog Days celebration. Also worth noting: July 27 marks Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, honoring the 1953 armistice a nice moment to thank a veteran if you know one.
McHenry County Events This Week (July 27 – August 2, 2026)
Concerts in the Park — Tuesday, July 28, evening, Main Beach, Crystal Lake — free live music with a lake view.
Cary Cruise Nights — Wednesday, July 29, 6–8:30pm, Downtown Cary — classic cars and cruising through Aug 26.
Guided Hike at Molly Lake — Thursday, July 30, 8:15am, McHenry County Conservation District — 5 scenic miles, all fitness levels welcome.
McHenry Farmers Market — Thursday, July 30, 4:30–7:30pm, Veterans Memorial Park, McHenry.
Cary Farmers Market — Sunday, Aug 1, 9am–1pm, downtown Cary.
McHenry County Fair — Aug 4–9, Woodstock Fairgrounds — heads up, tickets are worth grabbing early.
That's your week, McHenry County! However you're spending these last dog days of summer — splash pad, farmers market, or just surviving bedtime, I hope it's a good one. And if buying, selling, or just daydreaming about a new porch is on your mind, I'm always just an email away.
Your McHenry County real estate bestie,
Emily Spagnola | Realtor | Kale Realty Serving McHenry County, IL 📩 emily@foxvalleyrenovations.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in McHenry County, IL right now? As of late July 2026, the median home price across McHenry County is around $368,000. In the city of McHenry specifically, homes are listed at a median of about $386,000 and typically go under contract within 24 days.
Is it a good time to buy a home in McHenry County, IL? Yes, current conditions favor buyers slightly compared to recent years price per square foot is down about 2% year-over-year, giving buyers a bit more negotiating room, though well-priced homes are still moving in under a month.
What free things can I do with kids in Crystal Lake, Cary, and McHenry this week? Free options this week include the Sunset Park splash pad in Lake in the Hills, a StoryWalk at Jaycee Park in Cary, stroller-friendly trails at Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake, and free programs at the Crystal Lake Public Library.
When is the McHenry County Fair in 2026? The McHenry County Fair runs August 4–9, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Woodstock, IL.
