Winnetka

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Winnetka stands as a picturesque village just 20 miles from the city of Chicago. Renowned for its affluence, charming neighborhoods, and cinematic fame, Winnetka offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and a tight-knit community with around 12,000 residents.

Real Estate: Winnetka has consistently earned its reputation as one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. Articles in publications like Forbes and CNN Money have highlighted its high median household income and upscale real estate market. Winnetka was named “One of the Best Places to Live” by 24/7 Wall Street in 2020. Winnetka’s housing choices range from multimillion-dollar lakefront mansions to in-town condominiums and townhomes. Victorians, Colonials, and Tudors are interspersed with contemporary and new-construction homes on graceful tree-lined streets. Neighborhoods feature homes by some of the most distinguished architects of their day including George Maher, Howard Van Doren Shaw, and David Adler.

Education: Winnetka is celebrated for its exceptional educational offerings, both in its public and private school systems. The village is served by New Trier Township High School District 203, known for its excellence in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. New Trier High School, with its main campus in Winnetka and another in neighboring Northfield, consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois and the nation. District 36 services approximately 2,000 kindergarten through eighth grade children in three elementary schools, one fifth/sixth grade center and one seventh/eighth grade middle school. The local public elementary schools, including Hubbard Woods, Crow Island, and Greeley are nationally recognized for their progressive educational philosophies and commitment to academic excellence. Winnetka is home to esteemed private schools North Shore Country Day, Faith, Hope & Charity School, and Sacred Heart.

Shopping and Dining: Throughout Winnetka, you’ll find an array of boutique shops specializing in fashion, jewelry, gifts, and home decor. Some of my favorite women’s clothing stores are Valentina Boutique, Bunny and Babe, Athene, and Neapolitan. There are many interior designers and home stores in the area such as Serena and Lilly, Hazel James, Material Possessions and Maze. There are great dining options to check out like Pomeroy and Minos plus casual restaurants like Fred’s Garage, Town and Oak, and Hometown Coffee and Juice and Grateful Bites Pizza Fun Facts: Winnetka has etched its place in cinematic history with notable films like “Home Alone” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” filmed in the village. Beyond Hollywood fame, Winnetka features historic landmarks, including the Eliel Saarinen-designed Crow Island School, and maintains a strong tradition of community engagement at the Winnetka Community House. The Winnetka Music Festival brings together musicians from various genres for a weekend of live performances across multiple stages.; the celebration of music appeals to diverse tastes, featuring local talents as well as renowned artists.

Recreation and Lifestyle: Winnetka residents relish an abundance of recreational opportunities amid stunning natural landscapes. The scenic lakefront offers sandy shores and boat launching at Lloyd Park and Beach, while Skokie Lagoons, a sprawling nature preserve, beckons with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. Washburne Park, Elder Lane Park, and Maple Street Park provide vibrant green spaces with various amenities, while Duke Childs Field serves as an open sports area. Sports enthusiasts flock to the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center for year-round programs and the Winnetka Platform Tennis Club for platform tennis courts and social events. The Winnetka Ice Arena caters to both recreational and competitive ice skating interests, and the Winnetka Community House hosts diverse classes for all ages along with a fitness center, adding to the myriad options for residents seeking active and engaging lifestyles.

Transportation: One of the most popular and convenient modes of transportation for Winnetka residents is the Metra commuter rail. The Union Pacific/North Line connects Winnetka to downtown Chicago and other suburbs, providing a reliable and efficient means of commuting for work or leisure. Winnetka has multiple Metra stations, including Indian Hill and Winnetka stations, facilitating easy access to train services. Winnetka is also a 35 minute drive from O’Hare International Airport.