$971,948Average Value$401Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
A North Shore retreat
With its small town charm and proximity to Lake Michigan, it’s no coincidence Lake Bluff feels like a retreat at times. “Lake Bluff originally developed as a vacation community for people coming from Chicago. I find that it still maintains that sort of quaint, insulate small community feel,” says Annie Royster Lenzke, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Dawn McKenna Group, who’s made nearly 40 sales in Lake Bluff. “We’re also a sister community with Lake Forest, so that’s nice because you can still enjoy both communities.” Royster Lenzke herself has lived in Lake Bluff her entire life. “It’s a very special place,” she says. The village is among the string of communities that make up the largely affluent and suburban North Shore of the greater Chicago area. Its downtown exudes small town character with its low-rise red brick buildings and rows of vintage glass storefronts. Completing the scene is the peaceful, three-shaded Lake Bluff Village Green and its easily recognizable gazebo. Then to the east, a number of activities can be enjoyed along the sandy and rocky shores of Lake Michigan. “It’s right on the water. It’s kind of unique from a housing perspective. There really isn’t anywhere else where you can be as close as you can to the lake as in Lake Bluff,” Royster Lenzke says.
From yoga and volleyball to sailing at Sunrise Beach
While there are several green spaces and recreational spots across the village, the Lake Bluff Village Green is a frequent meetup point. The gazebo alone can be quite its own attraction, especially during the Holiday season when it glows alone at night with a Christmas tree. Enhancing the scene, particularly on days when the grounds are smoothly blanketed in snow, are blue and green LED spheres hung in surrounding trees. The park is also the site of the Lake Bluff Farmers Market, which runs on Friday mornings from June to October. During the warmer months, residents can find a variety of activities at Sunrise Beach — at Sunrise Park — along the cool waters of Lake Michigan. Activities can range from beach volleyball and yoga to sailing with the Lake Bluff Yacht Club, which even has some national level competitors. The Lake Bluff Golf Club on Rockland Road offers an 18-hole course and neigbors the Lake Bluff Paddle Tennis Club. For a scenic walk on a natural path through the forest, there’s the 14-acre Ravine Park.
Dine and shop in Lake Bluff’s charming downtown
Much of the local dining scene can be found downtown along Scranton Avenue. Some of the brick buildings here date back to near the turn of the 20th century, while others are more modern, but were designed with classical touches. Several sections of the sidewalks in this easily walkable downtown have been turned into outdoor patio spaces for some of the restaurant, and it’s not uncommon to see groups seated outside for lunch during the warmer months. Those looking to pair a salad and cocktail with some cuts of dry aged New York Strip can dine in the elegant spaces of Inovasi. More upscale American fare with an extensive wine selection exist at the Maevery Public House. Flights and even growlers of craft brews can be found next door at the Lake Bluff Brewing Company. Those looking for big box and grocery shopping can travel west on West Rockland Road to the area around the Carriage Way shopping center, where there’s both a Target and Heinen’s grocery store.
From cozy mid-centuries to stately million-dollar houses
Much of Lake Bluff’s residential areas are comprised of quiet and narrow streets lined by dense groups of mature trees that include oaks, elms and pines. The natural canopy can provide ample shade to both the streets and front yards, and almost completely surround the homes in certain pockets of the village to give some residents an added touch of privacy. The homes reflect a mix of styles and generations, generally ranging from quaint and older cottages to modern builds. Home styles here include ranch-style houses with variations like split-levels and mid-century, the latter of which feature distinct features like skillion roofs. There are also modern Traditionals and Colonial Revivals, some of which are quite stately and feature distinct exterior traits like turret roofs. Price points can go from under $600,000 for a mid-century ranch-style to over $900,000 for a Traditional or Colonial Revival. Then, even larger homes built in the 2000s, but featuring some classic exterior traits, can go from just under $1.5 million to over $4 million.
Highly rated Lake Bluff schools and Montessori option
Children and teens here have access to some highly rated public schools. They include Lake Bluff Elementary School, Lake Bluff Middle School and Lake Forest High School, which all respectfully received grades of A, A and A-plus from ratings site Niche. The extracurricular activities at Lake Bluff Middle include clubs focused on environmental science, gaming and chemistry. There’s also another option in the village at the Forest Bluff School, a private Montessori school that received an A-minus from Niche. The school begins taking students in at 18 months and teaches up to eighth grade. The school is notable for the activities geared toward its youngest enrollees. For instance, annual activities include lectures and sessions for both expecting parents and those with toddler-age children.
Summer concerts on the Green and July 4
Residents during the summer often bring their children, as well as some food, to the space to enjoy Bluffinia, a free concert series that occurs on Sundays at the Village Green. “It’s very cute,” Royster Lenzke says. Other community events include the Easter Egg Hunt at the Lake Bluff Recreation Center in late March and the village’s well known 4th of July Parade.
Metra rail routes to Chicago
A few highways run highways through Lake Bluff, providing commuter routes both to Chicago and other northern Chicagoland suburbs. U.S. Highway 41 connects to Interstate 94, which provides a major part of the route south toward Chicago. Metra’s Union Pacific North rail line makes a stop just north of the village’s bounds at Sheridan Road, as well as near the downtown of the intersection of Sheridan and East Scranton Avenue. The rail station neighbors the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. The Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is located just south of Lake Bluff, about a 4-mile drive from the village. Lake Bluff is a roughly 28-mile drive north of Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Important community facts
Lake Bluff has an overall CAP Index crime score of two out of 10, placing a couple points below the national average.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannon Towson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lake Bluff Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Mawman Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Sunrise Park and Beach
Trails
Beach
Playground
Artesian Park Field House
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Ravine Park
Trails
Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve
Village Green
Blair Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
38 min drive
Train
Lake Bluff Station
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lake Bluff
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lake Bluff, IL sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Lake Bluff, IL over the last 12 months is $1,075,612, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare offering in East Lake Bluff with seasonal Lake Michigan views. This oversized corner lot, just a block from the lake, features a stately brick colonial renovated by LaDuke Associates and landscaped by Chalet Nursery. The storybook entrance leads to a spacious dining room with a custom marble fireplace and French doors to the patio. The light-filled living room and primary suite offer lake
Kim ShortsleJameson Sotheby's International Realty
Now ready for immediate occupancy, this stunning home in a fairy tale setting has the most spectacular outdoor spaces and swimming pool anyone could wish for! The pool is open for family fun and entertaining and the privacy abounds, even though you are within easy walking distance to everything that makes the Village of Lake Bluff so special, like Sunday Bluffinia Concerts on the Village Green,
Deborah FischerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Welcome to East Lake Bluff's North Woods, its contemporary design and spacious layout is perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. The three-story open foyer creates a grand entrance with incredible ravine views. The kitchen is fit for a gourmet chef. The four private bedrooms with en suite baths are a great feature for guests or family. The primary suite includes sitting area, luxurious
Rare opportunity for a lovingly cared-for family home on a private, acre+ lot in Lake Bluff without the price point that would be expected. Rear garage entry for maximum curb appeal, potential for a 5th bedroom in the basement, and a remarkable amount of both internal and external space. Wooded on three sides with a deep lot to heighten the possibilities the parcel can offer. Walking distance
This enchanting, historic East Lake Bluff gem is tucked away on a rarely found half-acre lot, just 2 blocks from Lake Michigan. Idyllic wrap-around porches and balcony enjoy seasonally changing ravine views. Story book perennial gardens border the picturesque property. Grand front entrance leads you through your formal living room with original pumpkin pine floors and fireplace. Dramatic
Kim ShortsleJameson Sotheby's International Realty
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannon Towson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,358
Median Age
45
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$182,113
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$197,032
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
76.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
