McHenry County is an ideal place to live and raise a family. Here are just some of the many reasons McHenry County offers an excellent quality of life:

• Schools – McHenry County offers some of the highest rated elementary, junior high and high schools in the state of Illinois. In fact, both Cary-Grove High School in Cary, IL and Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake, IL were named in Newsweek’s Top High School list for 2015.
• Healthcare – McHenry County residents have access to excellent community based health care systems and major medical centers in Wisconsin and Illinois. In addition to cutting edge care, the county also promotes preventative care and living a healthy lifestyle. In 2016 McHenry County was listed in the Top 5 Healthiest Counties in Illinois in a state-by-state ranking published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
• Housing – We have a wide range of housing options across 30 family-friendly towns and villages in the county. From newly restored vintage homes to farms to modern condos McHenry County has housing options for everyone.
• Outdoor Recreation – There is something for everyone when it comes to enjoying the outdoors in McHenry County. The Fox River and many lakes in the area offer excellent opportunities for water sports such as boating, fishing and water skiing. Or residents can unwind and enjoy nature in the many parks and walking trails. McHenry County also has the Prairie Trail, a bike and hiking path that runs from one end of the county to the other and connects to the Fox River Trail in Algonquin.
• Cultural Activities – McHenry County offers many different cultural activities as well. Both the Woodstock Opera House and The Rau Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake host a variety of events throughout the year including concerts, holiday events and children’s theater. There are also many antique shops and art galleries across the county including Starline Gallery in Harvard, Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock and the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake.