If you're considering buying a home in Leisure Village in Fox Lake, Illinois, you'll find an established gated 55+ community offering ranch-style condominiums, recreational amenities, and exterior maintenance services. With 360 attached homes, a resident-managed condominium association, and a variety of social activities, Leisure Village is worth exploring for buyers interested in downsizing or simplifying homeownership.
What Is Leisure Village in Fox Lake, Illinois?
Leisure Village is an active-adult condominium community located in Fox Lake, in northern Lake County, Illinois.
Established more than 50 years ago, the community occupies approximately 100 acres of landscaped grounds and offers 360 attached ranch-style homes.
Unlike a traditional neighborhood of detached single-family houses, Leisure Village combines individual condominium ownership with shared community amenities and association-managed services.
The community is governed by a resident-elected Board of Managers, giving homeowners a role in decisions affecting their neighborhood.
Leisure Village is designed for independent residential living. It is not an assisted-living facility or a community providing ongoing personal care.
For buyers who want to spend less time maintaining the exterior of their homes and more time enjoying their interests, this ownership arrangement may be appealing.
What Types of Homes Are Available in Leisure Village?
Leisure Village offers 13 ranch-style condominium floor plans ranging from approximately 755 to 1,705 square feet.
The homes are attached residences, and most models include a one-car attached garage.
One of the community's defining characteristics is its ranch-style design. Buyers interested in reducing the number of stairs they navigate each day may appreciate the single-level living arrangements, although individual properties should always be evaluated for accessibility.
When touring a home in Leisure Village, consider:
Number and size of bedrooms and bathrooms
Overall floor plan and room arrangement
Kitchen and bathroom updates
Interior condition and maintenance history
Garage and storage space
Doorway widths, steps, and other accessibility considerations
Heating and cooling equipment
Windows, flooring, and interior finishes
Outdoor space and proximity to community amenities
Because homes can differ considerably in their updates and condition, two similarly sized condominiums may offer very different experiences.
We encourage buyers to look beyond photographs and evaluate how each property's layout will work for their daily routines.
What Amenities Does Leisure Village Offer?
Leisure Village offers a range of recreational and social amenities designed for its active-adult community.
According to the community's official website, amenities include:
Outdoor recreation
Nine-hole, par-three golf course
Heated outdoor swimming pool
Pickleball courts
Bocce ball and shuffleboard
Private fishing pond and lake
Community garden plots
Heated greenhouse
Picnic areas and outdoor gathering spaces
Indoor recreation
Large recreation center
Auditorium with approximately 250-person capacity
Exercise room
Library
Woodworking room
Arts and crafts spaces
Sewing and quilting room
Billiards and game rooms
The community also organizes social activities and interest groups, many of which are supported by resident volunteers.
A community bus provides transportation for certain organized activities and shopping trips.
Availability, scheduling, and rules for specific amenities should be confirmed with the association.
Do You Have to Play Golf to Enjoy Leisure Village?
No. Golf is only one of the many recreational opportunities available.
Buyers who enjoy gardening, crafts, fitness activities, fishing, social events, or simply having access to shared outdoor spaces may also find features that interest them.
During a community tour, ask about the current activity calendar and which facilities are available throughout the year.
What Does the Leisure Village Condo Association Maintain?
One of the reasons buyers consider Leisure Village is the opportunity to reduce certain exterior home maintenance responsibilities.
The community describes lawn mowing, snow removal, and exterior maintenance as benefits of condominium ownership.
However, buyers should not assume that every repair, replacement, or maintenance expense is covered by the monthly assessment.
Before purchasing, request written information explaining:
Which exterior components the association maintains
Whether roofs, siding, windows, and doors are association or owner responsibilities
Landscaping and snow removal coverage
Insurance responsibilities
Maintenance obligations for garages and driveways
Rules for exterior improvements
Procedures for requesting maintenance or repairs
Understanding these responsibilities can help prevent unexpected expenses after closing.
How Much Are Leisure Village HOA Fees?
Leisure Village condominium owners pay association assessments, but the current amount and exact coverage should be verified for the individual property.
Monthly assessments may differ based on the unit and the association's current fee structure.
Rather than relying on an advertised estimate, buyers should obtain the current assessment directly from the listing information and confirm it with the condominium association.
We also recommend reviewing the association's budget, financial statements, reserve information, and any disclosed pending or approved special assessments.
A lower monthly fee does not automatically mean lower long-term ownership costs. The association's financial condition and maintenance planning are equally important.
Is Leisure Village a 55+ Community?
Yes. Leisure Village is an age-restricted community for adults 55 and older.
However, the exact occupancy requirements, exceptions, guest policies, and procedures for verifying eligibility are governed by the community's applicable rules and documents.
Buyers should confirm eligibility before making an offer, particularly when more than one person will occupy the property.
Age-restricted housing operates under specific federal and state requirements. The community's current governing documents are the appropriate source for property-specific occupancy rules.
Where Is Leisure Village Located?
Leisure Village is located in Fox Lake, Illinois, in northern Lake County near the Wisconsin border.
The community is situated in the broader Chain O'Lakes region, an area known for its lakes, boating opportunities, and outdoor recreation.
Fox Lake also has a Metra station on the Milwaukee District North Line, providing rail service toward Chicago.
For buyers who want to remain connected to surrounding Lake County communities, Fox Lake offers access to nearby shopping, restaurants, parks, and regional transportation.
When evaluating a particular home, we recommend visiting the area at different times of day and considering your preferred routes to frequently visited destinations.
Is Leisure Village a Good Option for Downsizing?
Leisure Village may be worth considering for buyers who want a smaller home, ranch-style living, or fewer exterior maintenance responsibilities.
However, downsizing is about more than reducing square footage.
A successful move should support your lifestyle, storage needs, financial goals, and everyday comfort.
Before deciding, ask yourself:
How much space do we actually need?
Consider whether the floor plan provides enough room for your furniture, hobbies, visitors, and belongings.
Will the layout work for us over time?
Evaluate bathroom arrangements, entry steps, garage access, and other features that affect convenience.
What will our total monthly ownership costs be?
Include the mortgage payment, if applicable, property taxes, condominium assessments, utilities, insurance, and personal maintenance expenses.
How important are community activities?
Some buyers appreciate an active social calendar. Others prefer a quieter routine. Both can be considered when evaluating whether a community matches your preferences.
What are we giving up, and what are we gaining?
Moving from a larger detached home into a condominium can reduce certain maintenance obligations while introducing shared ownership responsibilities and community rules.
Understanding those trade-offs is an important part of the decision.
What Should Buyers Review Before Purchasing a Leisure Village Condo?
Buying a condominium involves additional considerations beyond the condition of the individual home.
We recommend reviewing these areas carefully.
1. Condominium Association Documents
Request the current declaration, bylaws, rules, and other applicable governing documents.
Pay particular attention to occupancy requirements, pets, parking, exterior modifications, and use restrictions.
2. Association Financial Information
Review the available budget, financial statements, reserve information, and special assessment disclosures.
Ask whether significant repairs or capital improvements are planned.
3. Property Condition
Arrange appropriate inspections and review the condition of the home's mechanical systems, interior finishes, and other accessible components.
Clarify which repairs belong to the owner and which fall under association responsibility.
4. Insurance
Determine what the association's master policy covers and what individual condominium owners must insure.
Discuss your specific coverage needs with a qualified insurance professional.
5. Financing Requirements
Some lenders have condominium-specific requirements involving association finances, insurance, occupancy, and other project characteristics.
Discuss the property and condominium association with your lender early in the process.
6. Rules and Lifestyle Fit
Review policies involving guests, pets, parking, rentals, and renovations.
The best time to understand community rules is before purchasing, not after moving in.
How Does Leisure Village Compare With Other 55+ Communities in Lake County?
Leisure Village is one of several active-adult housing options in Northern Illinois.
Other communities may offer different types of ownership, housing styles, amenities, and maintenance arrangements.
For example, a buyer comparing Leisure Village with another community should consider whether the homes are condominiums, detached houses, or part of a land-lease arrangement.
These differences can affect ongoing expenses, maintenance responsibilities, and ownership rights.
If you're exploring your options, you can explore other 55+ communities in Northern Illinois through The Star Home Team's community directory.
The right choice depends on your individual priorities rather than amenities alone.
The Star Home Team's Perspective
At The Star Home Team, we believe buyers considering a 55+ community should look at both the lifestyle and the details of ownership.
Leisure Village has several characteristics that make it worth investigating, including ranch-style homes, shared amenities, and exterior maintenance services.
But the most important questions often involve the individual condominium, association finances, and the responsibilities that come with ownership.
For someone selling a larger home and moving into Leisure Village, timing can also be important.
We can help buyers think through their housing options, coordinate a home search, and understand the real estate steps involved in purchasing a condominium.
Our goal is to help you make a well-informed decision about where and how you want to live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leisure Village in Fox Lake
Is Leisure Village in Fox Lake a 55+ community?
Yes. Leisure Village is an age-restricted active-adult community in Fox Lake, Illinois, for adults 55 and older. Buyers should verify the current occupancy requirements and any applicable exceptions with the condominium association before purchasing. The community offers independent residential living rather than assisted-living services.
Are homes in Leisure Village condominiums?
Yes. Leisure Village consists of 360 attached ranch-style condominium homes. Owners purchase individual condominium units while sharing ownership interests and responsibilities for common elements through the condominium association. Buyers should review the governing documents to understand which components they own and which are maintained by the association.
How large are homes in Leisure Village?
According to the community's official website, Leisure Village offers 13 ranch-style home designs ranging from approximately 755 to 1,705 square feet. Most models include a one-car attached garage. Individual layouts, features, and interior updates vary, so buyers should review current listings and tour available properties.
Does Leisure Village have a swimming pool and golf course?
Yes. Leisure Village offers a heated outdoor swimming pool and a nine-hole, par-three golf course. The community also provides pickleball, gardening areas, fishing, and indoor recreational facilities. Buyers should confirm current operating schedules, access rules, and any applicable restrictions with the association.
Does the association handle snow removal and lawn care?
The official community website identifies snow removal, lawn mowing, and exterior maintenance as benefits of living in Leisure Village. However, the exact services and responsibilities should be confirmed through current association documents. Buyers should also determine which repairs and maintenance expenses remain their personal responsibility.
Can you buy a home in Leisure Village before turning 55?
Leisure Village is an age-restricted community, and eligibility depends on its governing documents and applicable housing requirements. Buyers younger than 55 should not assume they qualify to purchase or occupy a home. Contact the association to verify the rules for the specific household and proposed occupancy arrangement.
What should I know about Leisure Village HOA fees?
Leisure Village condominium owners pay association assessments that support community operations and designated services. The exact amount should be confirmed for the property being considered. Buyers should also review the association's budget, reserve information, insurance responsibilities, and any disclosed special assessments to understand potential ongoing expenses.
Is Leisure Village a good place to downsize?
Leisure Village may be a suitable option for buyers seeking ranch-style condominium living, shared recreational amenities, and fewer exterior maintenance responsibilities. Whether it is the right fit depends on your space requirements, budget, preferred activities, and comfort with condominium ownership rules. Touring available homes and reviewing association documents are important steps.
Considering a Home in Leisure Village?
Buying a home in a 55+ community is both a real estate decision and a lifestyle decision.
Before making an offer, take time to understand the property, condominium association, and community amenities.
Whether you're downsizing from a larger home, relocating within Lake County, or simply exploring your next move, The Star Home Team can help you evaluate your options.
Contact The Star Home Team at 847-548-2625 to discuss buying or selling a home in Fox Lake or the surrounding communities.
You can also visit StarHomeTeam.com to learn more about our real estate services.
Sources
Leisure Village of Fox Lake. Official Community Website. https://www.leisurevillagefoxlake.com/
Leisure Village of Fox Lake. Why Leisure Village? https://www.leisurevillagefoxlake.com/p/Why-Leisure-Village
Leisure Village of Fox Lake. Contact Us. https://www.leisurevillagefoxlake.com/p/Contact-Us-2
Metra. Milwaukee District North Line. https://metra.com/
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes. 55+ Communities. https://www.starhometeam.com/55-communities
Community information reviewed October 2026. Association fees, rules, amenities, and available properties are subject to change.
About the Author | The Star Home Team
Susan Starwalt is the Broker Owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes and The Star Home Team, serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Licensed since 1998, Susan works alongside Jim Starwalt and the company's management team. The Star Home Team has helped more than 4,000 families buy and sell homes.
Licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin, the team serves buyers and sellers throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities.
Our team provides local market knowledge, real estate guidance, marketing, and personalized service throughout the buying and selling process.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes | The Star Home Team
783 N. Barron Boulevard, Grayslake, IL 60030
Phone: 847-548-2625
Website: https://www.starhometeam.com/
Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Buyers should independently verify property details, association requirements, fees, and community amenities.
