2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Alton, IL vs Crystal Lake, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Crystal Lake older or younger than people in Alton?
- The Median Age in Crystal Lake is 1.4 years older than in Alton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Crystal Lake or Alton?
- Crystal Lake housing costs are 273.1% more expensive than Alton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Crystal Lake or Alton?
- The average commute for residents of Crystal Lake is 8.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Alton.

Things to do in Alton?
Alton, Illinois is a picturesque town located in Madison County and renowned for its charming downtown, historic sites, and outdoor recreational activities. It offers plenty of things to do for explorers, from visiting the Alton Museum of History or fishing at Gordon F. Moore Park to strolling along Third Street for some unique local shopping or playing a round of golf at Rock Spring Golf Course. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower or shop at nearby malls such as Alton Square Mall. With easy access to cities like St. Louis and Springfield, Alton makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

Things to do in Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake, Illinois is found in McHenry county giving its citizens access to top rated schools such as Crystal Lake South High School while also having shopping options at Crystal Point Mall and multiple restaurants including Wildfire Barbeque Co.

 Alton, ILCrystal Lake, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock40,082329,725,481
 Median Income$45,225  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$79,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.03  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Alton    7 Reviews

My wife, daughter, and I moved here from Phoenix Metro March 2022 and have been very happy with our move. The people have been great, having four seasons is great, and  More

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Over 2 years ago

Not sure why such low reviews. I moved here from St. Louis. Crime in Alton is NOTHING compared to that. Maybe 1 or 2 homicides a year and those are generally people  More

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Over 10 years ago

Unfortunately, Alton has become a run down, poverty stricken area. Jobs are very limited and do not pay well. Unless you plan on commuting to St. Louis for work, you  More

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Reviews for Crystal Lake    7 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Great area for recreational boating, fishing and biking. Great place to involve your kids as there are lots of opportunities' for football, baseball and dance. For  More

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Over 12 years ago

I have been living here for 12 years. It's a nice community with friendly people, but I hate the weather. It feels like winter is 6 months long with many overcast days,  More

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Over 12 years ago

A nice place to raise a family, but not a lot of diversity. We are looking to move from here and searching in the Colorado  More

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