Four Colonies East Crystal Lake, IL

In 1836, Crystal Lake was founded by a single farm family. The moment the dazzling lake came into view, they knew they had found their new home. Abundant timber and vast prairies brought other farm families who traveled along the dirt trail that extended from Chicago to Wisconsin. Twenty years after the first settlers, the railroad arrived bringing the opportunity for commerce between Crystal Lake and Chicago. The city grew — and continues to grow — necessitating the creation of the Four Colonies community.

The Lakeside Legacy Arts Park sponsors many cultural events, but the Lakeside Fest draws the most visitors. View fine art exhibits from local artists, or take the heritage trolley tour. Bring the whole family for games, rides and live music. Stop by Taste by the Lake for samples from all of the city's finest restaurants. Purchase a weekend pass to get the most out of the fest.

Find a variety of restaurants both in Crystal Lake's historic downtown and scattered throughout the city. Start a lazy Sunday with brunch at Benedict's La Strata. This restaurant specializes not only in variations on eggs Benedict, but also in traditional New Orleans-style beignets. Try these delightful fried pastries alongside the Southwest Benny, a version of eggs Benedict topped with avocado and spicy salsa. Guests with dietary restrictions enjoy the menu's selection of gluten-free items, and coffee connoisseurs appreciate that their morning boost comes from the most upscale coffee shop in Chicago. Breakfast draws a crowd, so make reservations to avoid waiting for a table.

Visit Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen for upscale brewpub fare and the city's largest selection of craft beers. The chefs only use free-range meats and locally sourced, organic ingredients. Order the smoked cheddar and mushroom burger, and ask for a side of homemade chipotle mayonnaise for your fries. Health-conscious guests should choose the beet salad with blue cheese, pecans and apples for a light, refreshing meal packed with flavor and nutrition. On summer evenings, get a table on the patio and escape the crowded dining area.

With a name chosen for its association with revolution, 1776 Restaurant causes a stir in the suburban restaurant scene. If you feel adventurous, choose the wild game tasting menu featuring antelope, elk and other unusual meats. Only in-season ingredients make their way to your table, so expect a different menu with each visit. Eat like the Founding Fathers at the annual 4th of July historic four-course dinner. Authentic recipes from the early 1800s teach a sweet and savory history lesson.

Never worry about finding somewhere to go on a Friday or Saturday night, as this area has everything from pubs to dance clubs. After a long week at work, kick back at The Cottage with a friendly local crowd. Play a game of darts or enjoy a pint on the spacious patio. Although relatively quiet throughout most of the year, the place gets a little rambunctious around St. Patrick's Day. Join in the festivities and be entertained by a live ensemble of bagpipers.

Step inside Jasters Craft Beer and Winery, and discover what happens when you mix a 1930s speakeasy with a trendy downtown hot spot. A 10-page menu of beer, wine and cocktails caters to every taste and includes unusual vintage drinks like the Spiced Mule and Boulder Junction. Dress up or down and fit in either way. The quiet atmosphere makes this the ideal stop for drinks following a dinner date.

You need to own a car in this neighborhood, but parking is plentiful and usually free. Residents pay lower fees for downtown parking with their resident discount cards. Downtown sees frequent bicycle traffic, but riding from residential areas to the city center proves difficult due to a lack of bike lanes and traffic conditions. Recreational cycling remains popular, and the city maintains miles of paved trails for this purpose.

The suburban bus service, Pace, stops downtown, at major shopping centers, hospitals, and local colleges, but does not leave Crystal Lake. One Metra train station provides transportation to and from downtown Chicago. Take a trip to the Loop for $7 each way, or save money by purchasing a round-trip ticket.

Call a taxi for a ride to the airport, but don't expect to find cabs around town. Uber car service does not extend this far from Chicago. Residents choose Chicago O'Hare International Airport for air travel, as it lies only 35 miles away. Convenient access to Interstate 90 means you'll always make your flights on time.

The Four Colonies area offers a range of parks, from little corner playgrounds to extensive waterfront recreation complexes. Have a picnic within walking distance of home at Four Colonies Park. This well-maintained park serves the neighborhood with 19 acres of sports fields and facilities. Winter doesn't close the park — the cold season makes it more fun with an outdoor ice-skating rink and sledding hill. Leashed dogs are always welcome.

The masterpiece of the Crystal Lakes Park system is the 500-acre Three Oaks Recreation Area. Two pristine lakes afford residents with a chance to participate in a variety of water sports or even scuba dive. Hike on four separate trails, or soak up the sun on the beach. Small children can play safely on the splash pad while adults and older children swim in the deeper water of the lake. Entrance to the park is free for residents, but paddleboard and boat rentals carry a small fee. You may walk your dog on the trails, but not anywhere else in the park.

The Four Colonies neighborhood is neither the most nor the least expensive area in Crystal Lake. Rent prices in this area are average, and one-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $900 a month.

The cost of living is only 5 percent higher than the state average, making this a very affordable suburban area. Gas prices are low for Illinois at only 1 percent higher than the national average. In contrast, beer is rather expensive at around $7 a pint.

Shop for daily necessities quickly and easily at several nearby grocery stores. Local stores include Jewel-Osco, Fresh Market, and all your favorite big-box stores. If 50 pounds of cereal appears on your shopping list, Costco sells it in bulk just minutes away.

High-end outlets attract shoppers from miles around, but downtown Crystal Lake provides the best selection of independently owned shops and boutiques. Adorn your home with custom-made or restored furniture from Reclaimed. This store's functional works of art transform any room. Artisans turn bowling lanes into coffee tables and doors into benches and have the capability to create almost anything you imagine.

Begin that healthy lifestyle you always talk about with new running shoes from The Running Depot. The expert staff spend time fitting each customer with the perfect shoe. Spend as long as you need trying different styles, and even get a chance to run in each shoe. In addition to shoes, the store carries running gear and accessories. If you're new to exercise, sign up for the beginner's running group and get to know your neighbors while you get fit.

Find handmade jewelry, unique clothing and more at Tradewinds Cove. This small shop packs its shelves and tucks away items in every corner, so you never know what you'll find. Try on a pair of comfortable beaded moccasins or pick out a gift for the difficult-to-shop-for people on your list. Even if you're more businessman than flower child, bring home some incense for stress relief on hectic days.