📍 Prime Location & Commuter-Friendly Access

The North Shore is perfectly positioned for professionals and families alike:

• Just 15–30 minutes from downtown Chicago via car or Metra’s Union Pacific North Line

• Served by major highways: I-94 (Edens Expressway) and Route 41

• Ideal for those who want suburban peace without sacrificing city convenience

🏫 Nationally Ranked Schools & Family Life

The North Shore is renowned for its academic excellence:

• Home to top-rated public schools (e.g., New Trier High School, New Trier Township District 203)

• Strong emphasis on education, arts, and athletics

• Safe, walkable neighborhoods with active community involvement

• Abundant parks, youth programs, and family-friendly events

It’s a favorite for families, educators, and professionals seeking a nurturing environment for children.

🏡 Homes & Real Estate

The North Shore offers a diverse range of architectural styles and housing options:

• Historic Tudors, Colonials, and Craftsman homes with mature landscaping

• Luxury estates with lake views and private lots

• Modern new construction with smart-home features

• Condominiums and townhomes in walkable downtown areas

Whether you're looking for a cozy starter home or a sprawling estate, the North Shore delivers timeless charm and lasting value.

🌳 Parks, Nature & Lifestyle

Residents enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle:

• Lakefront access with beaches, harbors, and walking paths

• Green Bay Trail – A 16-mile paved path connecting North Shore towns

• Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) – A 385-acre horticultural wonder

• Deer Grove Forest Preserve – Perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walks

• Vibrant downtowns with boutique shopping, fine dining, and farmers markets

🍽️ Dining, Culture & Community

Each North Shore town boasts its own vibrant downtown:

• Winnetka – Upscale boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants

• Highland Park – Historic Ravinia Festival (summer concerts)

• Evanston – Home to Northwestern University, arts, and cultural diversity

• Cozy cafes, wine bars, and family-owned restaurants on nearly every corner

🚶‍♀️ Walkability & Transit

Many North Shore towns are designed for pedestrian-friendly living:

• Walkable downtowns with shops, restaurants, and train stations

• Safe neighborhoods with sidewalks and bike lanes

• Reliable Metra service to Chicago’s Loop

❓ 1. What towns are considered part of the North Shore?

The North Shore refers to a collection of affluent suburban communities located along Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. Key towns include:

• Evanston

• Wilmette

• Kenilworth

• Winnetka

• Glencoe

• Northbrook

• Highland Park

• Deer Grove

• Lake Forest

• Lake Bluff

Each town has its own unique character, schools, and housing styles, but all share a reputation for excellence in education, safety, and quality of life.

❓ 2. How far is the North Shore from downtown Chicago?

Most North Shore communities are 15 to 30 minutes from downtown Chicago by car or train, depending on location and traffic.

• Evanston: ~15 minutes

• Winnetka/Glencoe: ~25 minutes

• Highland Park/Lake Forest: ~30–40 minutes

The Metra Union Pacific North Line offers direct commuter rail service to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Loop.

❓ 3. Is the North Shore safe?

Yes — the North Shore is widely regarded as one of the safest and most family-friendly regions in Illinois. Crime rates are low across all towns, and neighborhoods are well-maintained, with active community involvement, neighborhood watches, and strong local policing.

❓ 4. Are the schools in the North Shore good?

Absolutely. The North Shore is renowned for its top-ranked public schools, including:

• New Trier High School (Winnetka) – Consistently ranked among the best in the nation

• New Trier Township District 203 and Glenbrook High Schools (District 225)

• Evanston Township High School

• North Shore Country Day School (private)

Many elementary and middle schools also receive excellent state and national ratings, making the area a top choice for families.

❓ 5. What type of homes are available on the North Shore?

The North Shore offers a wide range of architectural styles and housing options:

• Historic Tudors, Colonials, and Craftsman homes with mature landscaping

• Luxury estates with lake views, large lots, and private grounds

• Modern new construction with smart-home technology

• Condos and townhomes in walkable downtown areas (e.g., Winnetka, Evanston)

You’ll find everything from cozy bungalows to multi-million-dollar mansions.

❓ 6. Is the North Shore walkable?

Many North Shore towns are highly walkable, especially around their charming downtowns:

• Winnetka, Glencoe, and Evanston have pedestrian-friendly main streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants

• Sidewalks, bike lanes, and tree-lined streets are common

• Many residents walk or bike to the Metra station, schools, or parks

While it’s a suburban area, you don’t need a car for daily errands in most towns.

❓ 7. What are the best things to do on the North Shore?

Residents enjoy a rich mix of nature, culture, and community:

• Stroll along Lake Michigan beaches (e.g., Gillson Park in Wilmette)

• Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)

• Attend summer concerts at the Ravinia Festival (Highland Park)

• Hike or bike the Green Bay Trail (16 miles of scenic path)

• Shop and dine in vibrant downtowns like Downtown Evanston or Old Orchard (Skokie)

• Explore Deer Grove Forest Preserve and Deer Grove Trail

❓ 8. Is the North Shore expensive?

Yes, the North Shore is one of the more expensive regions in Illinois, especially in towns like Winnetka, Glencoe, and Lake Forest.
Average home prices (2025):

• Mid-range homes: $700,000 – $1.2M

• Luxury estates: $2M+

• Condos/Townhomes: $400,000 – $800,000

While costly, many buyers see it as a long-term investment due to strong property values and school quality.

❓ 9. Is the North Shore pet-friendly?

Yes! The North Shore is very pet-friendly, with:

• Dog parks in nearly every town (e.g., Centennial Dog Park in Evanston)

• Leash-free areas along the lakefront

• Pet-friendly trails, cafes, and events

• Numerous vets, groomers, and pet stores

Many homes have yards, making it ideal for dogs.

❓ 10. Is the North Shore only for families?

While it’s a top choice for families, the North Shore also attracts:

• Empty nesters downsizing to maintenance-free condos

• Professionals who work in Chicago but want a peaceful home base

• Academics and educators (especially near Northwestern University)

• Nature lovers who enjoy the lakefront and forest preserves