Welcome to Gurnee, Illinois: Where Big Adventures, Lakefront Living, and Suburban Comfort Come Together

Tucked along the banks of the Fox River in northeastern Lake County, just 40 miles north of downtown Chicago, Gurnee is a dynamic, family-friendly village that offers the perfect mix of thrills, nature, and everyday convenience. With a population of over 30,000, this vibrant community is best known as the home of Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills Mall, but it’s so much more than an entertainment destination.

It’s where families build lives, commuters find balance, and outdoor lovers enjoy year-round recreation — all within minutes of Wisconsin, O’Hare Airport, and the city.

🎢 A Legacy of Fun & Family-Friendly Living

Gurnee has long been a go-to destination for fun — but for residents, it’s a place to live well. The presence of Six Flags Great America isn’t just about roller coasters; it brings jobs, tourism, and a youthful energy to the village. Meanwhile, Gurnee Mills, one of the largest outlet and value retail centers in the Midwest, offers endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options — all under one roof.

But beyond the attractions, Gurnee thrives on its small-town feel with big-suburb access — quiet neighborhoods, excellent parks, and strong schools make it ideal for raising families.

🌊 Green Space & Outdoor Living

Despite its commercial reputation, Gurnee is blessed with natural beauty and outdoor recreation:

  • Over 1,200 acres of parks, forest preserves, and riverfront trails

  • Independence Grove Forest Preserve — a 650-acre oasis with fishing, boating, sledding hills, and scenic lake views (shared with neighboring Libertyville)

  • The Des Plaines River Trail and Green Bay Trail — perfect for biking, jogging, or walking to nearby towns

  • Lake Bluff Beach Park and Wadsworth Beach just minutes away for swimming and sunsets

Residents enjoy a rare luxury: access to both adventure and serenity — where you can ride a roller coaster in the afternoon and kayak at sunset.

🏡 Spacious Homes, Smart Value

One of Gurnee’s biggest advantages? Affordability with space. Compared to North Shore suburbs like Lake Forest or Highland Park, Gurnee offers some of the most attainable single-family homes in the northern suburbs, featuring:

  • Ranch-style houses, split-levels, and two-flats on spacious lots

  • New construction communities like The Preserve at Fox Meadow, Bridlewood, and Sawmill Landing

  • Many properties with driveways, garages, and room for expansion — rare in much of Chicagoland

With lower property taxes than many North Side neighborhoods, it’s an ideal choice for:
✅ First-time buyers
✅ Growing families
✅ Commuters seeking value with proximity to I-94

This is a neighborhood where homes are passed down — not flipped — and pride in ownership runs deep.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Top Schools & Family Life

Gurnee is known for its strong educational system and family-centered culture:

  • Part of Grayslake School District 46, Libertyville School District 70, and Warren Township High School District 121 — all recognized for academic excellence and extracurricular programs

  • Emphasis on STEM, college readiness, and student wellness

The Gurnee Park District runs year-round programming:

  • Youth sports leagues, swim lessons, summer camps

  • Fitness centers, indoor pools, and senior wellness classes

  • Signature events like Concerts in the Park, Fall Fest, and Holiday Light Display

It’s a community built for families who want safety, stability, and connection.

🚗 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its peaceful feel, Gurnee is incredibly well-connected:

  • Served by Pace Bus routes #570, #572, and #670

  • Easy access to I-94 (Tri-State Tollway) and US Route 45

  • Just 50 minutes from downtown Chicago and 25 minutes from O’Hare Airport

  • Only 30 minutes from Milwaukee — making weekend getaways easy

Whether you're commuting to work, school, or weekend adventures, getting around is fast and efficient.

💼 Economic Strength & Strategic Location

Gurnee sits at a major crossroads of opportunity:

  • Home to thousands of jobs at Six Flags, Gurnee Mills, and surrounding business parks

  • Proximity to the O’Hare Employment Corridor and Wisconsin border industries

  • Business-friendly environment attracting logistics, retail, healthcare, and service firms

This economic strength supports high-quality infrastructure, public services, and long-term stability.

❤️ A Diverse, Inclusive Community

Gurnee is proudly culturally diverse, with growing Latino, African American, Asian, Eastern European, and immigrant families contributing to its inclusive atmosphere. This diversity is celebrated through multicultural festivals, inclusive park programming, and civic engagement.

Block clubs, faith-based groups, and civic associations help maintain safety, beautification, and connection — reinforcing a deep sense of belonging and pride.

 

Neigborhood Experts