Crystal Lake is the Clear Choice

Crystal Lake Welcomes You!

Discover a thriving community where opportunity meets lifestyle with a combination of a strategic location and talented workforce.

Quick Access

A community of 40,000 in northwest suburban Illinois, Crystal Lake is easy to access from Chicago, the Midwest and beyond.

  • 30 miles northwest of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois

  • 50 miles from Chicagoland Regional Airport in Rockford, Illinois

  • Accessible by two Chicago Metra commuter train stations and the Pace Bus

Crystal Lake offers high-quality learning opportunities. Elementary School District 47 and Community High School District 155 are two of the best public school systems in the region. Crystal Lake is home to McHenry County Community College, as well as Columbia College - Crystal Lake, a private liberal arts and science college offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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Quality Education

Strong Small Business Community

Crystal Lake champions local entrepreneurs with a vibrant, connected small business community where support and success go hand in hand.

New Development Fuels Economic Momentum

Transformative developments like Water’s Edge are driving growth, attracting investment, and shaping Crystal Lake’s prosperous future. Last year Crystal Lake had 293,305 sq ft of new commercial occupancies, 671 new jobs created and added 76 new small businesses (<20 employees). City staff worked with 13 businesses to expand adding 49,438 sq ft of new commercial space and retaining 121 jobs.

Restaurants in Crystal Lake Headline

From local favorites to exciting new flavors, Crystal Lake’s growing culinary scene is serving up success for restaurateurs and food lovers alike. Crystal Lake has over $156 million in sales at Eating and Drink Establishments according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Supportive and Business Friendly City

Crystal Lake makes it easy to thrive with streamlined processes, personalized support, and a genuine partnership approach to business.

Quality Education, Location and Great Quality of Life

With top-rated schools, a strategic location, and unmatched quality of life, Crystal Lake is the perfect place to live, work, and grow your business. Crystal Lake was also recently ranked as one of the Most Affordable Suburbs by ---.

Choose Crystal Lake, Call Today

Ready to grow your business in a thriving, supportive community? Choose Crystal Lake and contact us today to build your future together.

Why Crystal Lake Mini Series

A Community Clearly Committed to Supporting Local Retail

Why Commercial Real Estate is Successful in Crystal Lake

A High Quality Workforce Helps Manufacturing Thrive in Crystal Lake

The City of Crystal Lake Helps Businesses Succeed

Fun on the Water and Off in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake Welcomes New Restaurants

Why Crystal Lake is McHenry County’s Fastest Growing Community

A Track Record of Retail Success in Crystal Lake

New Housing Developments Underway in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is always moving forward. Read the stories below to learn about new business and projects

What we have achieved so far and insight into where we’re headed

State of the Community Videos

2025

2024

2023

Key Facts: Crystal Lake Market

Crystal Lake excels across many different industries, filling existing commercial corridors, encouraging reinvestment and developing new sites. Click here for a quick snapshot and printable flyer about the Crystal Lake market.

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