Elgin is a city on the Fox River in the northwest part of Kane County (reaching into Cook), with a long history and a housing stock to match. You'll find genuine historic districts full of Victorian and early-20th-century homes near the river and downtown, established mid-century neighborhoods, and newer subdivisions spreading west, across a wide range that generally runs more approachable than the Tri-Cities to the south. The downtown, the river, and the Grand Victoria along the water anchor the city.
For buyers, Elgin tends to be about value, character, and inventory. There's a lot on the market here, and prices sit below a lot of the Fox Valley and DuPage, which makes it a practical option for first-time buyers and anyone who wants historic character without a premium. Elgin is on the Metra Milwaukee District West line, with a few stations, so a downtown-Chicago commute is workable. The older housing rewards a careful inspection, so plan for it.