Originally a 19th century pioneer settlement, the village of Glencoe has evolved into the kind of community that residents inevitably come back to. Located within the north shore area of Chicago, “people come to Glencoe because we’re small,” says Ashley Kain Spector, a lifelong resident and Broker with Compass. “It’s walkable for everything, our schools are wonderful. Our turnover rate with the older generation is really low. They don’t mind paying higher taxes because they want the place to be amazing. We put so much into our town and community that people who come here, stay; and that’s where our uniqueness lies.”
The village of Glencoe strikes a balance between nature and community.
Hometown Coffee is a popular spot among Glencoe residents.
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Drawn to Lake Michigan
Lakefront Park is home to Glencoe Beach, centered around the community’s main attraction: Lake Michigan. Open sunrise to sunset, the park offers season passes to avoid daily admission fees. To the west, Skokie Lagoons is an 894-acre nature preserve popular for boating, fishing and hiking along the Skokie River. The northern end is home to Chicago’s Botanic Garden, where a beer garden and café accompany unique exhibitions displaying flora from across the globe. “The two most popular parks in the area are Friends Park in the middle of town and Woodlawn Park, which is really close to South School,” Spector says. “Neighborhood kids go to hang out and you don’t have to feel uncomfortable, it’s safe and community-oriented.” Those looking for exclusive amenities can head to Lake Shore Country Club, while golfers can look forward to upcoming renovations at Glencoe Golf Club.
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is a 385-acre garden with gardens and natural habitats.
Glencoe Beach has a fishing dock for local fishers to take advantage of.
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Hanging out on Vernon Street
Glencoe’s downtown scene is central gathering place for both quick errands and casual hang outs. “Vernon is considered our ‘Main Street,’” Spector says. “That’s the middle of town. We have a bunch of coffee shops, but Hometown is a whole experience. They serve food, but people really go there to meet up and sit—it’s a hang out place. Everyone walks or bikes over, kids go after school.” Among Vernon Avenue’s small businesses, Hometown is one of many locally-loved eateries. Guildhall provides an elegant bistro ambiance comparable to Merlo’s, a white tablecloth Italian restaurant across the street. When it comes to casual, “Meg’s has been around for a really long time. I remember as a kid that was our go-to for brunch, and the pizza place Little Red Hen is my daughter’s favorite.” As for groceries, Foodstuffs is an artisan grocery option serving gourmet sandwiches at the deli. But Grand Food Center is a bit larger, just around the corner on Village Court.
Glencoe has restaurants and boutique shops in town, with nearby access to many parks and nature.
Glencoe is a family-friendly village located on the North Shore of Chicago.
Old-growth trees shade the intertwining residential streets of Glencoe, where unique design is held in high esteem. Many of the village's homes are custom built, constructed with natural materials like stone, brick and wood. From Cape Cods to Prairie Foursquares, Colonial and Tudor Revivals, homebuyers can expect lakeside homes exceeding 3,000 square feet to surpass $1 million—and those with a view reaching beyond $6 million. Regardless, properties offer spacious front yards and driveways set back from the road, lining sidewalks with wide road verges for safer strolls. Farther inland, home prices average between $800,000 and $2 million. Humble ranch-style homes, bungalows and townhomes go for between $200,000 and $600,000, many that are walkable from town.
Residential streets hold unique architectural styles, from Prairie style to French Colonials.
Contemporary Georgian style homes are some of the most sought-after homes in Glencoe.
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Fireworks on the beach
The Glencoe Park District is known to host events throughout the year, most notably on the eve of Independence Day. “We do fireworks each year on our renovated beach,” Spector says, referring to Lakefront Park’s Glencoe Beach. “They have food trucks and a DJ, even inflatables for the kids. Our family loves going every year.” Residents benefit from seasonal passes to make the most of the park district’s events, like “Watts Below Zero,” a winter carnival at Watts Park with an ice-skating rink and bumper cars. From Thanksgiving Turkey Trots to a mud run and easter egg hunt in the spring, family-friendly festivities are near constant in Glencoe.
Glencoe Beach is a wonderful place to swim and fish.
Beautiful homes back up to Lake Michigan in the Glencoe neighborhood.
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Age-centered schools in Glencoe District 35
Students in the community are initially zoned for Glencoe District 35, where schools are organized into age-centered buildings. South School serves prekindergarten through second grade students, while West School enrolls third and fourth grade, earning an A on Niche. Central School earns the same grade, covering fifth through eighth grade. From there, students move on to New Trier High School in Winnetka. Earning an A-plus on Niche, New Trier is ranked as the eighth best public high school in the state, offering more than 150 extracurriculars. The high school boasts a nationally recognized swim club as well as several state championship titles across multiple athletic teams.
New Trier Township High School is an excellent public school located in Winnetka.
West School serves students in grades 3-4.
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Riding the Metra to Ogilvie Center
Residents of Glencoe are about 22 miles from Downtown Chicago on Route 41, but the community offers a handful of alternatives to driving. Located in the heart of the village, the Glencoe Metra takes riders less than an hour to Ogilvie Center. Bus stops are offered along Green Bay Road, while those who prefer the L train can head 8 miles south to catch the Purple Line at Linden station. Out-of-state travelers fly out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, about 18 miles southwest. Meanwhile, the closest emergency room is located at Evanston Hospital, less than 7 miles south on Green Bay Road. Designated bike lanes are most reliable on Sheridan Road, though Old Green Bay Road runs parallel and connects to Green Bay Trail.
Glencoe Metra Station allows residents to go to and from downtown Chicago.
The Glencoe Metra Station allows residents to conveniently travel around the Chicago area.
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