Suburb Spotlight: Living in Winnetka, Illinois
Welcome to the second edition of our Suburb Spotlight series! If you haven’t yet checked out our first post on Park Ridge, click on over to find out all you need to know about calling Park Ridge home. Today we’re heading to Winnetka, a picturesque village on the North Shore of Illinois that offers residents a top-notch lifestyle, excellent schools, and easy access to downtown Chicago.
A Village Overview
Downtown Winnetka Illinois
Situated approximately 16 miles north of downtown Chicago, Winnetka is a gem tucked away in Cook County. The village of Winnetka is endowed with a pleasant natural environment, boasting lush green spaces and tree-lined avenues that add to its charm and beauty. The climate here is characterized by distinct seasons, with balmy summers and icy winters, each offering unique recreational opportunities.
Winnetka stands as one of the most affluent cities in the US, mirroring the prosperous lifestyle and opportunities available for its residents. The town offers a multitude of job options in various sectors. This ensures that its citizens have access to paths of upward mobility and professional stability. Overall, Winnetka is a hub of activity. It boasts recreational activities, various cultural events and a wealth of entertainment options for its citizens to enjoy.
The uniqueness of Winnetka is most evident in its breathtaking natural beauty, notably during autumn when the transformation of the foliage creates a scene of tranquility. The downtown area is quite busy during rush hour, but also serves as a popular destination for locals during the day. The town is devoid of strip malls and big box stores, while the local Village Hall promotes shopping locally. Green Bay Road connects the commercial districts of the city and the North Shore area. It is renowned for the old-money residences which have backyards that open to the lake. Sheridan Road runs parallel to Green Bay, connecting these estates.
Neighborhoods and Housing
“Home Alone” house in Winnetka Illinois
Architecturally, Winnetka is a blend of old and new, with a variety of styles gracing its landscape. The most common architectural style is:
English Tudor
Dutch Colonial
Georgian
Art Deco
Contemporary
This architectural diversity adds to the appeal of the village, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Among the neighborhoods, Hoyt Lane and Hubbard Woods stand out as some of the most desirable, offering a luxurious living experience. These upscale neighborhoods are characterized by their well-maintained properties and friendly community atmosphere. For those interested in historical houses, the Schmidt-Burnham Log House — located in Crow Island Woods — is the oldest house in Winnetka and a testament to the town’s rich history.
Another notable property in Winnetka is the colonial Georgian house located at 671 Lincoln Avenue, famously known as the “Home Alone house”. The property, which was featured in the popular Christmas movie, is one of the many unique homes that make Winnetka a real estate haven.
Educational Excellence: Winnetka's Schools
Winnetka is renowned for its exemplary school system, which comprises a selection of top-rated public grade schools, a public high school, and several private schools. The educational system in Winnetka is deeply rooted in the Winnetka Plan, an experimental approach to education based on the educational philosophy of Carleton Washburne. This approach emphasizes a progressive education system, focusing on the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of each child.
The journey of learning in Winnetka begins at the elementary level, fostering a strong foundation for young learners. As students progress, they transition to middle schools, where they are nurtured in a conducive environment that promotes academic and personal growth. We will examine these stages of education in the following sections.
Elementary Insight
Winnetka’s elementary schools — which include Crow Island Elementary School, Greeley Elementary School, and Hubbard Woods Elementary School — offer a strong foundation for young learners. These schools are characterized by dedicated teachers, involved parents, and a student-teacher ratio that is lower than the national average, ensuring individual attention for each child.
The academic curriculum at these schools is based on the innovative Winnetka Plan, which divides grade work into specific tasks to be learned by each child. This approach ensures a personalized learning experience that caters to the unique needs and abilities of each student. Crow Island Elementary School, a National Historic Landmark, is a testament to the town’s commitment to quality education.
The Middle School Journey
The Carleton W. Washburne School is the middle school located in Winnetka. It carries forward the town’s focus on high-quality education, boasting a student-teacher ratio of nine to one. This ratio ensures that each student receives personalized attention, contributing to their overall academic success and personal growth.
The school places a strong emphasis on providing a well-rounded education. It also presents a wide array of extracurricular activities like athletics and various study programs, ensuring abundant opportunities for students to cultivate their interests outside the classroom.
Community and Recreation: Parks and Outdoor Activities
Lloyd Park in Winnetka, Illinois
The Winnetka Park District significantly contributes to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for residents. The district provides a variety of recreational facilities, including:
Parks
Beaches
Athletic fields
A golf course
These facilities add to the vibrant community life in Winnetka, offering residents a multitude of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities and sports.
Winnetka is also known for its annual events, which bring the community together in celebration and camaraderie. Some of these events include:
The Winnetka Children’s Fair
The Winnetka Music Festival
The Independence Day parade and accompanying fireworks
The annual tree lighting ceremony accompanied by caroling and hot cocoa
These events enhance the allure of residing in Winnetka, nurturing a robust communal spirit.
The town’s beaches offer various activities for residents, including:
Centennial Beach
Maple Street Beach
Elder Lane Beach
Lloyd Beach
From walking and playing in the water with dogs to swimming and boating, there’s something for everyone. Similarly, the renowned parks provide spaces for family-friendly activities and sports enthusiasts alike.
Arts and Historical Landmarks
Schmidt-Burnham log house in Winnetka Illinois
Winnetka is rich in history and culture. The town is home to several historical buildings and landmarks, including the museum at 411 Linden Avenue and the Schmidt-Burnham Log House, both owned by the Winnetka Historical Society. These buildings act as a symbol of the town’s rich history and offer a chance for residents and visitors to learn about its past.
Beyond its historical significance, Winnetka also boasts a thriving arts scene. The town has been the setting for several popular films and television series, including:
‘Home Alone’
‘Sisters’
‘The League’
‘I Didn’t Do It’
This cultural significance adds to the appeal of Winnetka as a place to live and visit.
Daily Living: Shopping, Dining, and Amenities
Winnetka’s downtown area features a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and essential services. The town encourages a ‘shop local’ concept, and its streets are lined with boutiques and stores that offer a unique shopping experience. Some of these include Ellen’s on Elm, Bunny and Babe, and The Neapolitan Collection, which offer designer women’s fashion and accessories.
The dining scene in Winnetka is equally diverse, with options ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Hometown Coffee & Juice, Kyoto Sushi, and Pomeroy are just a few of the dining options available in town. Pomeroy, in particular, offers an intimate atmosphere and serves French cuisine, providing a delightful dining experience.
Besides shopping and dining, Winnetka provides many essential services for its residents. The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library provides a wide range of resources, including books, video and audio items, periodicals, and internet access. The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce fosters economic growth and engagement in the local business and civic communities, further enhancing the quality of life in Winnetka.
Connectivity and Commute: Getting Around Winnetka
Winnetka boasts a comprehensive transportation system, including Metra commuter rail service that provides residents with convenient commuting and exploration options. The town is well-connected by roads, and although traffic levels may be elevated during rush hours, driving is typically smooth within the village. The Metra and Pace Suburban Bus services ensure reliable public transportation, making it easy for residents to commute to work or visit the surrounding areas.
Evenings may experience heavier traffic in Winnetka, typically starting around 3pm and easing by 7pm. However, the public transportation system and well-planned road network ensure a relatively simple commute for residents, making daily travel in and around Winnetka convenient and hassle-free.
Winnetka by the Numbers: Demographics and Statistics
Winnetka’s demographics reveal a diverse and affluent community. The town has a population of over 13,000, with the most populous demographic being between the ages of 25 and 64. The population density of Winnetka is 3,122.99 per square mile, reflecting the town’s suburban character.
The age distribution in Winnetka is evenly spread, with 32.4% of the population being under 18, and 16.5% being 65 years or older. The median age in the town is 42.1 years, pointing to a mature and stable community. Moreover, the town’s median income for a household is over $250,000, reaffirming Winnetka’s status as one of the wealthiest places in the United States. The average household size in Winnetka is 2.91 individuals, with a total of 4,412 households in the town.
Real Estate Market Snapshot
Beautiful home near Winnetka’s shoreline
The real estate market in Winnetka presents a variety of property types, including:
Single-family homes
Luxurious estates
Ranch-style homes
Split-level homes
Contemporary homes
The median home price is $1,030,000, reflecting the town’s affluent character and high standard of living. These property types cater to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
Over the last five years, the real estate market in Winnetka has seen steady growth, adding to the town’s appeal for home buyers. The market is generally considered to be more expensive compared to neighboring areas, further cementing Winnetka’s status as a desirable and upscale place to live.
Final Thoughts
Winnetka is a charming village that features an incredible lifestyle, excellent schools, and a close-knit community. From its delightful living experience, job opportunities, and active community life to its top-rated schools, upscale neighborhoods, and a thriving real estate market, Winnetka offers a quality of life that is second to none.
If you’re thinking about calling Winnetka home, feel free to get in touch. My years of experience in Chicago’s northern suburbs can help make your real estate journey a little less stressful. I look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winnetka Illinois a good place to live?
Winnetka is a beautiful village located on the North Shore of Chicago, with stunning lakefront views and lush green spaces. It has a population of 12,658 and offers residents a suburban feel. Furthermore, there are many restaurants and parks that make it one of the best places to live in Illinois.
Why is Winnetka so expensive?
Winnetka's location near Chicago and Northwestern University make it a top place to live, driving up its real estate prices.
What do people in Winnetka do?
People in Winnetka enjoy a tight-knit community with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, such as parks and beaches, as well as various events held throughout the year. They also have access to lakefront homes and the nearby shore.
What is the dominant architectural style in Winnetka?
Winnetka is characterized by its dominant English Tudor architectural style.