Moving to Huntley, Illinois: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Huntley, Illinois? This growing McHenry County village offers affordable living, new development, and family atmosphere. With approximately 28,000 residents in 2025, Huntley combines explosive growth with value pricing and Northwest Chicagoland’s affordable family destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Huntley:

Huntley’s 2025 population is approximately 28,000 residents in this McHenry and Kane County village 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The median age is around 36 years, with young families, professionals, and working-age residents. The population is approximately 82% White, 12% Hispanic, 4% Asian. Huntley features extensive new suburban development with master-planned communities, Huntley Outlet Center, growing commercial corridors, and serves as an affordable Northwest option. The village attracts families seeking new construction with affordability, first-time buyers, and those willing to commute for housing value. Huntley appeals to working-class to middle-class families prioritizing space and value. The community experiences explosive growth and development.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Huntley:

Huntley offers exceptional affordability for the Northwest suburbs. Median home values range from $310,000 to $410,000 in 2025, with abundant new construction providing inventory and value. The median household income is approximately $88,000. Rental properties average $1,600 to $2,200 monthly. Illinois’ state income tax is flat 4.95%. Property taxes are moderate (lower than Cook County). Overall cost of living is competitive for new homes and space, making Huntley highly attractive for first-time buyers, young families, and those seeking maximum space with affordability. The village provides tremendous value with new construction and larger lots. Housing costs create accessibility while providing modern amenities and space.

Economy and Job Market:

Huntley residents typically work throughout Chicagoland with many commuting significant distances. Some work at local businesses, retail centers, or in nearby employment centers. Many commute to Chicago, Northwest suburbs, or various locations. The broader Chicagoland economy offers opportunities. Typical commute times to Chicago range 70-90 minutes. The village serves primarily as a bedroom community for workers willing to accept long commutes for housing affordability and space. Many residents work in diverse sectors throughout the metro.

Education:

Community Unit School District 158 serves Huntley students with Huntley High School and various elementary and middle schools. School quality is competitive with improving facilities as the district grows. The educational infrastructure expands continuously to serve explosive population growth with new schools opening regularly to accommodate families.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Huntley offers extensive parks including Deicke Park with recreation facilities, the Huntley Outlet Center providing shopping, and growing commercial development along Route 47. The village maintains trails and the Huntley Park District offers recreation programs. Residents accept longer drives to access Chicago or major attractions. The lifestyle emphasizes affordable family living, new home amenities, space, and suburban safety. The four-season climate enables year-round activities. The community values family atmosphere, growth management, affordability, and new construction character. Living in Huntley means accepting very long commutes (often 60-90+ minutes), embracing rapid growth and development, limited immediate amenities, and prioritizing maximum housing affordability and space while enjoying new construction, larger lots, and Northwest Chicagoland’s most affordable new home market creating value for families willing to commute.

Healthcare and Services:

Huntley residents access healthcare through Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital (opened recently), Centegra Hospital-McHenry, and facilities throughout McHenry County. The regional healthcare infrastructure expands to serve the growing population.

Transportation:

Huntley is accessed via Illinois Route 47, Interstate 90 (via Route 47), and connecting roads. Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line serves nearby communities but not Huntley directly. Pace operates limited suburban bus routes. Most residents use personal vehicles with long commutes typical. Typical commute times to Chicago are substantial (70-100+ minutes).

Conclusion:

Moving to Huntley in 2025 offers affordable new home living with explosive growth, family atmosphere, and maximum space. The village’s combination of low housing costs, new construction, and larger lots makes it ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and those seeking Northwest Chicagoland’s most affordable option where new homes meet space and long commutes buy maximum value defining the outer suburbs’ growth destination.