Welcome to Bannockburn, Illinois: Where Estate Living, Wooded Serenity, and Suburban Exclusivity Define the North Shore

Tucked along the Des Plaines River in Lake County, just 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, Bannockburn is one of the most exclusive and serene villages on Chicago’s prestigious North Shore. With fewer than 1,500 residents, this quiet enclave offers spacious estate homes, mature woodlands, and unparalleled privacy — making it a sanctuary for executives, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a refined, low-key lifestyle away from urban noise.

Known for its large lots, absence of commercial development, and commitment to natural beauty, Bannockburn isn’t just a suburb — it’s a retreat where elegance is understated, and nature is always present.

🌲 A Village of Trees, Trails & Tranquility

Bannockburn lives up to its nickname: the “Village in the Forest.” Over 60% of its land remains wooded or preserved green space, creating a canopy of oaks, maples, and pines that define its character.

Residents enjoy:

  • Miles of private walking trails winding through forested ravines and along the Des Plaines River

  • Scenic cul-de-sacs and winding roads designed to blend with the natural topography

  • Strict zoning laws that prohibit high-density housing and commercial buildings

  • Proximity to Deer Grove Forest Preserve and Deer Grove Trail for biking and hiking

This is not a planned subdivision — it’s a carefully curated landscape where peace is protected, and every home feels secluded.

🏡 Estate Homes on Expansive Lots

Bannockburn is known for its luxury single-family homes on large, private lots (many over half an acre):

  • Custom-built estates with traditional, colonial, and contemporary designs

  • Spacious floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and premium finishes

  • Generous yards, swimming pools, tennis courts, and garages for 3+ cars

With no apartments, condos, or duplexes allowed, Bannockburn maintains a rare level of residential exclusivity — attracting professionals, business leaders, and families who value privacy, security, and permanence.

While prices reflect its prestige, the village offers more space and serenity than nearby Glencoe or Winnetka — at a slightly lower tax burden.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Top Schools & Family Life

Families in Bannockburn are served by some of the top-rated public schools in Illinois:

  • Part of Deer Grove School District 96 (elementary)

  • High school students attend Adlai E. Stevenson High School (District 125) — consistently ranked among the best in the state for academics, arts, and athletics

The emphasis on education, safety, and low student-to-teacher ratios makes Bannockburn a sought-after choice for growing families — even though the village itself has no schools within its borders.

Many children walk or bike safely on quiet streets, and neighborhood playdates are common in this close-knit community.

🚗 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its secluded feel, Bannockburn is surprisingly well-connected:

  • Easy access to I-94 (Tri-State Tollway) and US Route 45

  • Just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and 20 minutes from O’Hare Airport

  • Served by Pace Bus routes #600 and #656 for regional transit

Residents often commute to jobs in Northbrook, Evanston, or the Loop, returning each evening to a peaceful, tree-lined haven.

❤️ A Private, Low-Key Community

Bannockburn has no downtown, no shopping centers, and no streetlights on residential roads — by design. Daily needs are met in neighboring towns like:

  • Deer Grove and Northbrook — grocery stores, pharmacies, and essential services

  • Deer Grove Plaza and Northbrook Court — dining, retail, and entertainment

It’s a place where you choose when to engage with the world — and when to retreat into your own private sanctuary.

There are no parades, no festivals, and no traffic lights — just quiet streets, seasonal decorations, and neighbors who respect one another’s space.

 

Neigborhood Experts