Crystal Lake Apartments and Rentals

Crystal Lake is a semi-rural suburban community located 50 miles northwest of Chicago. This friendly city is home to approximately 40,800 people and is growing, as many residents enjoy the area's rural feel, lakefront lifestyle and family-friendly vibe. Those searching for Crystal Lake apartments for rent will find that the city offers a high quality of life and a peaceful setting for growing neighborhoods. Metra commuter rail's Union Pacific line provides easy access to all that downtown Chicago has to offer.

Crystal Lake has exploded in population since the 1970s. The suburban paradise is home to many mid-century houses as well as modern construction. Winding subdivisions and charming downtown residences provide housing opportunities for various lifestyles. Lake lovers and boaters also find their paradise on Crystal Lake's waters, and numerous parks and natural spaces provide opportunities to escape into the region's native prairies and wetlands.

Locals flock to Crystal Lake for its unique combination of urban and rural attributes. More than 1,600 acres of park space is available for residents wishing to relax, picnic, play, swing and enjoy wildlife. Additionally, 230-acre Crystal Lake offers numerous boating,  swimming skating and fishing opportunities. The Three Oaks Recreation area, a reclaimed quarry, provides access to clean, beautiful water, hiking trails and a playground. Here, residents and visitors can rent kayaks, sailboats, paddle boats and rowboats for a day on the water.

Historic downtown Crystal Lake, like many U.S. downtowns, has seen renewed interest and renovation in recent years. A local nonrofit called Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street works to improve and maintain the picturesque downtown area. One of 52 designated Illinois Main Street programs, the organization works to enhance design, economic restructuring, promotions and organization in order to attract locals to the downtown area.

McHenry County College, First Institute Inc. and Cosmetology & Spa Institute reside in Crystal Lake. Additionally, Elgin Community College, Harper College, College of Lake County and Universal Technical Institute of Illinois are within 25 miles of the city.

Crystal Lake is a major employer within the area. In fact, the city's population grows by almost 4 percent during the workday due to commuting, and almost 30 percent of the city's residents live and work in Crystal Lake. According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Crystal Lake are Curran Group, Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47, Crystal Lake Park District, Consolidated High School District 155, Covidien, Jewel Food Stores and McHenry County College.

According to City-Data, the cost of living index in Crystal Lake is 103.6, which is just 3.6 percent higher than the U.S. average. Though 78.5 percent of homes in Crystal Lake are owner-occupied, those searching for Crystal Lake rentals should be able to find the perfect place to call home as long as they're willing to put in some time to research the right spot. The median gross rent in the city is $1,116 per month.

Crystal Lake's small-town vibe is reinforced by numerous community events throughout the year. Annual festivals include RibFest, Lakeside Festival, Lights on the Lake, the Independence Day Parade, Johnny Appleseed Festival and Festival of Lights Parade. Other local attractions, such as the Colonel Palmer House and the Historic Dole Mansion, showcase the city's history and notable residents.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Crystal Lake, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.