North Shore Chicago
If you came to this website looking for an incredible location to live, you are absolutely in the right place. There is no better area to find the house and the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of than here.
The North Shore region is a cluster of idyllic suburbs that capture the very best qualities of living in the Midwest. Located just north of Chicago and right along the Lake Michigan shoreline, this area offers the ideal combination of big city access and the satisfying charm of peaceful, small-town living. From nearby Evanston, Skokie, and Lincolnwood, to the northernmost towns of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, North Shore communities are all less than an hour away from Downtown Chicago by car or train.
When you live in Chicago’s North Shore, nature and the great outdoors become an integral part of your lifestyle. Be prepared to embrace a wide range of recreational opportunities that are sure to enrich your day-to-day living.
There are countless walking and biking trails to explore. Championship golf courses abound to satisfy your competitive streak. And of course, a sparkling lake environment with world class beaches always has a variety of wonderful activities to offer—from boating and fishing, to swimming and various forms of water sports.
The suburbs of the North Shore are rich in history and culture, as well. Various landmarks and noteworthy historic houses like that of former US vice president Charles Gates Dawes provide important touchpoints to the glorious past not only of the local area, but of the entire nation.
Meanwhile, the youthful and vibrant college-town culture created by the Northwestern University campus in Evanston and Lake Forest College paves a bright path forward for the present and future generations to come.
Indeed, when it comes to places that offer a well-rounded living experience, Chicago’s North Shore ranks among America’s best. Allow me to show you around this region’s most desirable towns and neighborhoods. Read on for more insightful information.
A Brief HistoryOf Chicago's North Shore
The establishment of Chicago’s North Shore suburbs began as far back as the 1830s. In 1833, settlers hailing from Europe signed into a treaty with the Native American Potawatomi tribes that inhabited the territory. In exchange for the swaths of land west of Lake Michigan stretching northward to Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin, the former local inhabitants were rewarded with cash and tracts of land off the western banks of the Mississippi River.
The opening of Northwestern University and Lake Forest College during the 1850s led to a more rapid expansion of local populations. The construction of railroads further boosted growth around these schools. In addition to steam commuter rail lines, electric rail lines were important modes of transportation, turning North Shore communities into notable streetcar suburbs.
As decades passed, the region gained a reputation for being a desirable retreat away from the hectic city life, thanks to its lush surroundings and serene environment.
North Shore especially attracted affluent families and communities hailing from a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. Major influxes of migration happened during the post-Great Chicago Fire years, as well as the years before and after World War II.
These transitions became the foundation for contemporary North Shore communities, which is well-known for being some of the wealthiest and most highly educated locales in the United States.
Homes for SaleNorth Shore Chicago
There is a house for every kind of homebuyer in the North Shore’s esteemed suburban communities. The existing housing stock features a wide variety of custom homes and the lots still available for development can easily accommodate buyers’ custom-building preferences. You can be sure that you will be able to fully embrace your individuality through your North Shore home.
Speaking of custom-built construction, some of the most notable entries in this housing market are signature creations by renowned American architects throughout history. Among the lauded creators that have left their imprints upon North Shore’s neighborhoods are Frank Lloyd Wright, Ernest Mayo, David Adler, Willoughby J. Edbrooke, and Howard Van Doren Shaw, among many others. The aspirational properties designed by these architectural masters are certainly worth the premium price tag that they demand based on sheer prestige alone.
Common types of real estate properties in the North Shore
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Residential properties
North Shore suburbs comprise appealing neighborhoods that feature elegant houses nestled along peaceful, tree-lined streets. The architectural styles here are as diverse as any real estate market in the United States.
From romantic Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial, Georgian, Tudor-style structures, to timeless Cape Cod, farmhouse, ranch, and Craftsman bungalow homes, the variety will surely provide you with a comprehensive range of options for your ideal house. -
Lakefront properties
Nothing captures the spirit of luxurious living quite like an idyllic lakefront estate. With its impeccable location along the shores of Lake Michigan, the communities of the North Shore offer an abundance of opportunities for waterfront living. -
Luxury properties
The North Shore’s finest homes are not limited to its majestic waterfront homes. A variety of luxury properties can also be found in neighborhoods further inland. From historically significant homesteads, to masterpieces created by the world’s most influential architects, you will find a variety of worthwhile choices here. -
New construction
The North Shore housing stock is no stranger to new construction, as there remains plenty of space that is ripe for development. Whether you fancy more contemporary designs or have plans to build a brand new estate from scratch, Chicago’s North Shore suburbs will make you feel welcome to embrace your dream luxury home.
Ready to find a great home in Chicago’s North Shore? Start searching for the latest listings here or contact me for more information.
Search For Home Listings By Location
Do you want to shop for homes based on a specific North Shore town or village? Start with these 10 top suburbs:
- Evanston – Hailed as one of the coolest suburbs in the United States, Evanston is home to Northwestern University, which is not only a top-rated school for higher education, but also a pillar of North Shore history. This suburb is also closest to Chicago, forming part of the city’s northern border.
- Glencoe – While this village may be small, it boasts a total of 13 structures that bear the signature of American architecture icon Frank Lloyd Wright. Glencoe also boasts a lively and tight-knit community, with several notable events and festivals worth keeping in your regular schedule.
- Glenview – Anchored by a strong local economy, excellent schools, and gorgeous surroundings, Glenview draws the attention of all types of real estate buyers, from millennials to retirees.
- Highland Park – This high-profile lakeside suburb was once home to Michael Jordan and his teammates from the 1990s NBA champion Chicago Bulls squads. Some of the region’s most notable architectural masterpieces from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and David Adler can be found here.
- Kenilworth – Start your home search here if you want to begin with the pinnacle of North Shore luxury. This suburb may be small, but it prides itself on unparalleled privacy and exclusivity with some of the highest-priced listings on the market.
- Lake Bluff – The northernmost town of the North Shore region is a nature-lover’s paradise. Boasting a generous amount of green space, this place invites residents to frequently step out and take in the breathtaking beauty all around them.
- Lake Forest – This majestic location combines the idyllic qualities of both a lakeside community and a lush, wooded area. If you love being surrounded by nature, this beautiful city is for you.
- Northfield – This suburb boasts an ideal location for people who want to stay close to Chicago’s hustle and bustle. Its elegant neighborhoods have outstanding proximity and access to beautiful nature areas like the Skokie Lagoons and Erickson Woods.
- Wilmette – With top-rated schools, sprawling open spaces, and incredible recreational opportunities, Wilmette is an exceptional place to find elegant houses nestled in tranquil residential areas.
- Winnetka – Considered as the “crown jewel of the North Shore,” Winnetka ranks among the wealthiest communities not only in Illinois, but in the entire nation. The Winnetka Public Schools District is a highly rated school system.
Living In North Shore Chicago
Climate and weather
Weather patterns in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs follow the rest of the greater Chicagoland area. Overall, the area is described as having a hot-summer humid continental climate, which means all four seasons can be distinctly experienced throughout the year.
Winters are cold and feature frequent snowfall—certainly a small price to pay for the outstanding experience throughout the rest of the year. Summers are warm and humid. The area experiences moderate and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.
Economy and employment
As a primarily suburban region, North Shore communities are tied closely to the economy of the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area, which remains a stable and growing economy thanks to the prominent presence of Fortune 500 enterprises and a notable role in the transportation and distribution industries. That said, North Shore suburbs all have thriving local business communities of their own.
Education
Golf
The North Shore is one of the best places in the Midwest for a satisfying day out on a golf course. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or someone who is just beginning to discover the joys of the game, you will find the perfect playground on the lush landscapes of these Chicago suburbs.
Swing away at these five notable golf courses in Chicago’s North Shore:
- Canal Shores Golf Course (Evanston) – Established in 1919, this course presents memorable golf experiences that range from “challenging” to “quirky”
- Conway Farms Golf Club (Lake Forest) – An award-winning course that pays homage to the original Scottish links that shaped golf into what it is today
- Glenview Park Golf Club (Glenview) – Offers private club-quality amenities without requiring membership
- Shoreacres Country Club (Lake Bluff) – A Seth Raynor masterpiece that maximizes the unique topography of the Lake Michigan shoreline
- Winnetka Golf Club (Winnetka) – A hidden gem among Chicagoland golf courses
Recreation
One thing is clear and certain when you make Chicago’s North Shore your home: there is no way you will ever get bored again. With the exceptional array of attractions and activities here, you always have something new and exciting to experience.
Here is a quick directory of some of the best experiences that Chicago’s North Shore has to offer:
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Cultural and historical attractions
- Baha’i House of Worship (Wilmette) – A place for genuine meditation, as well as an architectural wonder
- Charles Gates Dawes House (Evanston) – A historic house museum formerly owned by former US vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Charles Gates Dawes
- Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) – A 385-acre paradise of gorgeous gardens and vibrant blooms
- Grosse Point Lighthouse (Evanston) – An active historic lighthouse which played a key role in the development of the Chicagoland area
- Ravinia Festival (Highland Park) – The country’s oldest outdoor music festival (established in 1905)
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World-class shopping centers
- The Glen Town Center (Glenview)
- Northbrook Court (Northbrook)
- Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie)
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Top dining destinations
- Abigail’s American Bistro (Highland Park)
- Bangers & Lace (Evanston)
- Hackney’s on Harms (Glenview)
- Inovasi (Lake Bluff)
- Market House on the Square (Lake Forest)
The Best Highlights of the North Shore
Contact Cory Green For your Real Estate needs
When it comes to discovering the finest properties and enjoying the best lifestyle that Chicago’s North Shore has to offer, there is no better person to have by your side than trusted real estate expert Cory Green. You are sure to be in excellent hands when you work with someone who has personally been responsible for over $4 billion worth of real estate transactions, ranging from high rise development and construction projects to single family homes sales; including notable landmark projects in his local community.
Banking on two decades of experience in the Chicagoland real estate market, I confidently provide all of my clients with dedicated, personalized, and comprehensive white-glove service. Whatever you need to achieve in your real estate goals, you can count on me to deliver it.
Are you excited to begin your home search across these outstanding North Shore suburbs? Contact me to discuss your needs and preferences in an ideal house. I will provide you with the latest and most comprehensive information you need to start your search, and we can schedule a virtual home tour at your earliest convenience.
Listing your North Shore home? Allow me to lend my expertise, as well. From the essential steps in preparing your home to sell, to setting an attractive market-based asking price, to negotiating toward the best top dollar deal available for your beloved property, I will work relentlessly to make sure that you get only the most satisfying results.
If you are all set to begin your real estate journey in Chicago’s North Shore, all you need to do is let me know. Feel free to call me at 312.485.0897 or ask for more information via email at Cory(dotted)Green(at)compass(dotted)com.
