Gages Lake, IL Apartment Renter's Guide

If you've ever wanted to see a pet parade, Gages Lake is probably a good place to start. Each summer, the Bike and Pet Parade features locals marching their pets through the downtown area dressed in various costumes. It's pretty much guaranteed to make you smile.

Gages Lake is a neighborhood in the Grayslake area of Illinois, close to the border of the cheese-loving state of Wisconsin and its insufferable Brewers fans. While you're sure to enjoy the friendly rivalry with your Wisconsin neighbors, the main reason why Gages Lake is a great place to call home has to do with its excellent selection of housing, great outdoor locations and a strong community that makes people proud to call Gages Lake home. Gages Lake is only one of five great neighborhoods in the Grayslake area, which features great shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities. Chicago is also not very far, providing cultural events in the heart of the Midwest. Moving to Gages Lake can be simple if you take a few things into consideration and plan ahead.

Calling Gages Lake Home

Gages Lake is a mix of medium to large-sized apartments and residences ranging from three- to five-bedroom single-family homes and larger apartment complexes. Many of these houses are ranch-style, split-level and prairie-style homes. There are also high-rise apartments with multiple units that sometimes include amenities, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, providing great opportunities to meet the neighbors. If you're sick of paying rent month to month and want to buy a home, many houses were built after 1970, meaning they should be in good condition. However you should always check to make sure.

The Details Matter

It is possible to find fully furnished apartments in Gages Lake, so if you want to avoid moving all your belongings, ask a broker about this option or perform a diligent online search. If you're a senior or military veteran, some apartment complexes offer discounts for these groups. Expect to pay for electricity, heat and gas, but make sure water and sewage are included.

What You Can Expect to Pay for a Pad

If you're looking for rental houses, expect prices to range from moderate to expensive. There are a number of one bedroom apartments for rent in apartment complexes and duplexes that are reasonable in Gages Lake. However, the neighborhood has a low vacancy rate, at approximately 3.8%, which means that housing may be tight. That means you should begin your apartment search in Gages Lake at least four to eight weeks before you move instead of watching cat videos or playing fantasy football.

Dealing with Landlords

Before you begin your search for a residence in Gages Lake, be sure to have a few documents handy. Landlords will ask for proof of income and a copy of your ID and will sometimes request references from previous landlords. Also, expect to put down a security deposit. Hidden costs can also include application fees of up to $50 for apartments. They might also run a background check to make sure you're not from Wisconsin. Ok, that was just a little joke.

Gages Lake has approximately 10,198 people living in the neighborhood, making it small but big enough to support a vibrant range of businesses and things to do. Since Gages Lake is actually a neighborhood of Grayslake, it does not have any neighborhoods of its own. Gages Lake is also served by the Grayslake Police Department and features a very low crime rate.

While Gages Lake belongs to Grayslake, it still has its own unique character. Great parks like Highland Memorial Park and Warren Township provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while superb schools, such as Woodland Elementary and Warren Township High School, help ensure that kids receive an excellent education. Grayslake's vibrant downtown area is only a few minutes away but far enough to give Gages Lake a sense of peace and seclusion.

The towns surrounding Gages Lake offer plenty of opportunities for entertainment and a change of scenery. Gurnee, the town bordering Gages Lake to the east, even has a Six Flags Great America available for extra fun.

Gages Lake is closely situated to a rail connection that brings you directly to downtown Chicago, as well as a convenient stop for O'Hare Airport. Pace Bus routes are also available at some locations within the town. However, residents of Gages Lake should think about purchasing a car, as that is often the most effective means for transportation. Gages Lake has a walk score of 15, and over 85% of Gages Lake residents use a car as their primary means of transportation

Popular spots with locals are Fred's Diner, Lulo's Cuban Cafe and Bulldog's Grill. Cozy stores, like This Old Book, which has been offering used books for over 11 years, provides a unique small town character to Gages Lake that makes residents happy to live in the area.

Gages Lake has access to great fishing and watersports opportunities. Lake Michigan, simply referred to as "The Lake" by locals, is only 15 miles away. There are also plenty of local lakes rich with largemouth bass, northern pike and catfish. So grab your fishing rod, kayak or canoe, and take advantage of what nature has to offer. In the summer months, residents can attend a host of festivals featuring arts, regional food vendors, craft beers and special activities for children.

Ultimately, Gages Park provides residents with the right mix of strong community support, enjoyable nature and fast connections to important places like Chicago, making life in Gages Lake pretty good.