Top Lake Communities in Edwardsville

Curious About Lake Living In Edwardsville, IL?

Imagine waking up to serene lake views, where every day feels like a retreat – Welcome to Edwardsville’s most loved top lake communities! People are falling in love with these breathtaking communities. More and more people are discovering these communities, and it’s easy to see why. Well, sit back as we take you through Madison County’s most sought-after lake communities, which you need to know about before moving to Illinois.

Dunlap Lake and Holiday Lake Experience! 🌞 Waterfront living in Edwardsville, IL, part of the St. Louis Metro East area! Here, tranquility meets excitement, and the community thrives amidst stunning natural beauty. These communities have a beautiful town stretch, new homes, unique character homes, plus easy access to fantastic food, shops, and trails.

Why People Love Edwardsville’s Lake Communities

So, if you’ve been thinking about living on the lake, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into two of Edwardsville’s most popular lake communities that people can’t help but fall in love with.  Both Dunlap Lake and Holiday Lake are part of the greater St. Louis Metro East area, offering the perfect mix of nature and convenience.

Touring Dunlap Lake: Where History Meets Modern Luxury

The first lake community is smack dab in the middle of Edwardsville, just east of downtown. It is a desirable, well-established community that people often go nuts over.

 

Now, let’s check out what makes Dunlap Lake truly special.  It’s renowned for being one of Edwardsville’s top water communities, with an array of beautiful homes tucked into a gorgeous… serene setting.

It’s located between Highways 159 and 143, with Governors Pkwy to the south.

There are around 500 lots in this community, and residents love living here and often rave about its general friendliness and the community vibe that the neighborhood offers. Living in this community means excellent shopping, parks, restaurants, and schools, all within a short distance.

Life on the Water: Activities and Recreation on Dunlap Lake

A significant highlight of living on Dunlap is its private 138-acre stocked lake. This beautiful body of water provides residents with a perfect space for relaxation and fun with an all-around gorgeous backdrop. Along its 15 miles of shoreline, residents enjoy peaceful morning fishing or spending summer afternoons filled with swimming and paddleboarding. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for those who enjoy leisurely boat rides, while the stunning sunsets over the horizon make for a perfect end to the day.”

In the photo above, you can see the calm waters of Dunlap Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

Picture yourself paddling here on a quiet afternoon!

Home Styles and Prices: Finding Your Dream Home on Dunlap Lake

Created in 1939 by Orie T. Dunlap, the area initially featured charming cottage-style homes. Over the years, many of these cottages have been renovated, rehabbed, or replaced with new construction homes, transforming the community into a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. From quaint cottages to sprawling contemporary homes, this community caters to a variety of tastes.

Whether you’re a young family looking for a cozy retreat or an empty nester seeking a luxurious forever home, Dunlap Lake has something for every budget and lifestyle. With homes ranging from charming 1,200-square-foot cottages to sprawling 3,000+ square-foot estates, there are options for different budgets and lifestyles. Recently, homes have been selling quickly, with prices ranging from $250,000 to over $500,000 depending on size and location.

Know the Rules: HOA and Lake Privileges at Dunlap

Dunlap Lake’s HOA helps keep the community’s charm and beauty intact. With these guidelines in place, residents can enjoy a peaceful, well-kept neighborhood. Lake privileges-like boating, swimming, and fishing-are reserved just for homeowners, making it a more private and quiet space. To maintain this calm atmosphere, motorboats are allowed but must follow low horsepower limits, ensuring the lake stays safe and peaceful for everyone to enjoy.

On top of all that, Dunlap Lake is only a few miles from great educational options.

Schools Nearby: A Family-Friendly Lake Community

In addition to the serene environment, Dunlap Lake’s location is ideal for families, especially those with children. The community is just a short drive away from great educational options, making it even more attractive for families. Whether you’re looking for elementary, middle, or high schools, everything is within a few miles, ensuring families can enjoy lakeside living and convenient access to education.

Before I dive into the schools, I encourage you to do your own research to find what best suits your family. Resources like GreatSchools.Org and Niche.com are great places to start.

Leclaire Elementary, serving kindergarten through 2nd-grade classes, is just 0.8 miles away from Dunlap Lake, making it a quick and easy commute for little ones. Columbus Elementary, for grades 3rd to 5th grades, is only 2.5 miles away. For older children, Liberty Middle School, one of two middle schools in District #7, is also nearby. It opened in 2003  and offers a modern, welcoming environment for students. Even Edwardsville High School, the farthest school, is still under 4 miles from the community.

With all these schools so close, students and parents won’t have to spend much time driving, giving them more time to enjoy everything Edwardsville offers!

Local Amenities: Everything You Need Within Reach

Living in Edwardsville offers residents a wide range of modern conveniences and local amenities, making daily life enjoyable and easy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or shopping, everything is just around the corner.

• Parks and Recreation: Spend your days exploring scenic parks, walking along recreational paths, or letting the kids cool off at the splash pad. The Edwardsville Rec Center provides plenty of indoor fitness and activity options, while the nearby Trampoline Park adds an extra dose of fun for all ages.
• Dining and Shopping: Edwardsville boasts several local restaurants and eateries, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. Coffee lovers will also appreciate the charming coffee shops scattered throughout the town. You’ll find major shopping destinations for everyday needs, such as Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Lowe’s, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Dierbergs.
• Civic Services: The Madison County Courthouse is a key landmark in town, serving the community with civic resources and local governance.
• Healthcare: While Edwardsville offers various healthcare services, including physicians, dentists, chiropractors, and BJC Medical Group Convenient Care, the town does not have a hospital. Residents can visit neighboring towns or take advantage of the region’s top-rated hospitals in nearby St. Louis, MO, for more comprehensive care.

Location and Proximity to St. Louis

With Interstates 55, 270, and 255 conveniently located nearby, commuting from the Dunlap Lake community to downtown St. Louis is a breeze. Residents can expect a commute of approximately 23 miles, taking around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Overall, living on Dunlap Lake offers a tranquil lakeside lifestyle, a tight-knit community, and easy access to modern amenities, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Exploring Holiday Shores: A Lake Lover’s Dream

If Dunlap Lake caught your attention, wait until you hear about Holiday Shores- another fantastic lake community nearby. Situated in northern Madison County, just north of Edwardsville and northeast of St. Louis, Holiday Shores offers a different yet equally captivating lake lifestyle.

Holiday Shores: The Heart of Lakeside Living

At the heart of this community is Holiday Lake, a 430-acre man-made lake with 17 miles of shoreline that provides endless recreational opportunities. Established in 1965, the community boasts three beautiful beaches-Vortruba Beach, Cedar Beach, and Tamarach Beach-along with its 14 scenic coves. While the marina is privately owned, residents can access a boat ramp, making lake activities easy and enjoyable.

Holiday Shores is also an HOA community managed by the Holishor Association. As with any HOA community, it is essential to review the governing documents before purchasing a home here.

Holiday Shores ranks as one of the top spots to live, recently earning the #6 spot for Best Places to Live in Madison County and #15 for Best Places to Buy a House in Illinois, according to Niche.com. With a population of 3,285 and approximately 1,900 lots, this community offers underground utilities to maintain its natural beauty.

Community Events and Activities

The community is known for its various events and activities, including ski shows, 4th of July fireworks, golf cart parades, kids’ fishing derbies, bass tournaments, and a huge annual community-wide yard sale that attracts visitors from across the Madison County area.

Social Clubs and Amenities

Social clubs and activities are abundant, catering to a range of interests. Whether you’re into pickleball leagues, fitness classes (yoga, walk aerobics, stretch), karate, tee-ball league, or family game nights in the clubhouse, there’s something for everyone. The community also hosts a ski club, a bass club, and an annual Easter egg hunt.

Amenities in Holiday Shores include a clubhouse, pickleball and tennis courts, a pavilion and deck, a baseball diamond, and a playground. With all the various community events and activities, there’s almost always a lot going on to help new and old neighbors connect, which can be incredibly helpful for newcomers.

Educational Opportunites Nearby

For families with school-aged children, Holiday Shores is served by the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7. Nearby schools include Midway School (K-2 in Moro, IL), Worden Elementary School (3rd-5th grade in Worden, IL), Lincoln Middle School (6th-8th grade in Edwardsville), and Edwardsville High School (9th-12th grade).

Although Holiday Shores is more rural, residents are just a short drive from Edwardsville for their healthcare and shopping needs. The town offers various medical services, shopping centers, and dining options, all within a 10-15-minute drive. Down St. Louis, MO, is about 30 miles away, roughly a 30-minute drive, and provides access to a vibrant scene with restaurants, museums, and sports events.

Diverse Real Estate Options

Regarding real estate, Holiday Shores offers a diverse selection of homes. The housing market caters to various tastes and budgets, from single- and two-story residences to ranch and contemporary styles. Many residences were established between 1970 and 1999, with additional homes built in the 2000s.

Homes range from 1,000 square feet to over 3,000 square feet, with options including two-bedroom homes to larger properties with four or more bedrooms. The current market features listings around $359,000; however, prices typically span from $165,000 to over $800,000. Homes near the $500,000 mark often have waterfront locations or spectacular lake views.

Both Dunlap Lake and Holiday Shores offer unique lakefront living experiences with rich histories, a variety of amenities, and active community involvement. Whether you’re drawn to Dunlap’s tranquil charm or Holiday Shores’ vibrant social scene, these communities promise a perfect blend of suburban peace and urban accessibility.

Living on the Illinois side of downtown St. Louis has many great perks! It’s more affordable, so you can find nice homes for less money while enjoying all the fun activities in downtown St. Louis. Overall, it’s like having the best of both worlds-the excitement of the city and the peace of the suburbs!

Are you thinking of moving to Edwardsville? If you click here, you can head on over to my website and search for all of the homes that are currently for sale in your price range. I promise I’m not going to bug you and hound you. You do you. Just let me know if there’s anything that I can assist you with. Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and I’ll see you on the next one.