With lakefront parks, highly rated schools and elegant homes, Wilmette is a North Shore Chicago suburb made for families. “The parks, sailing camps and community here were built for raising kids. Wilmette is very good at it,” says luxury real estate broker Chris Veech with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. After raising her children in nearby Winnetka, she began selling real estate on the North Shore in 2011. “Kids who go to school on the North Side often return to live and raise their own families in Wilmette. I could wish the same for my family.” With a low crime rate, according to the CAP Index, Wilmette is one of the safest suburbs on the North Shore.
With lakefront parks, highly rated schools and elegant homes, Wilmette is a suburb for families.
Wilmette is a conveniently located Chicago suburb near the lake that is appreciated by locals.
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Homes from east to west
The Village of Wilmette runs east to west, with some homes closest to the lake built in the 1800s. Many on the market today date back to the early 1900s and include classic three-story colonials and craftsman-style homes with their original hardwoods, located on streets that are still cobblestoned. Homes in East Wilmette sell from $1.4 million to as much as $8 million for large architecturally significant estates, such as an English Tudor home on 3.25 acres with a dramatic wood-paneled foyer and grand staircase. Newer two-bedroom condominiums along the lakefront or near commercial areas offer a lower-priced alternative starting at $270,000. The farther west, the more recent the builds. “When Wilmette expanded in the 1950s, smaller midcentury homes were built there, giving the suburb more housing options,” Veech says. Ranch-style and other midcentury model homes in this area list between $500,000 and $700,000.
Wilmette has a variety of home styles including this one along a brick paved street.
Many classic homes here date back to the early 1900s and sell for between $1.4 and $8 million.
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Straight-A schools
Several public and private schools serve the Wilmette community and are highly rated by Niche. Central Elementary, for example, offers a mathematics curriculum that is well-known for producing high-proficiency students. Central and three other elementary schools were recently recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools, and Highcrest Middle and Wilmette Junior High received the same recognition. Students finish their education at the acclaimed New Trier High School, which enrolls about 4,000 from across the North Shore. Students can also attend the Catholic schools in Wilmette, which include Saints JFX School, a combined PK-8 run by the Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier parish; Loyola Academy, a private co-ed Jesuit preparatory high school; and Regina Dominican, an all-girls high school with a foundation in Dominican values and tradition.
New Trier Township High School is an excellent public school located in Winnetka.
Central Elementary School serves families of Wilmette.
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From the beach inland
From east to west, there’s always something to do in Wilmette. For beach lovers, Gillson Park features walking trails, heated tennis courts and a playground. It sits alongside Wallace Bowl, an amphitheater that comes alive with summer concerts and theatrical performances. To the west, Centennial Park offers an aquatic center with multiple pools, a community garden, a tennis center and an indoor ice-skating rink. Multiple golf clubs and country clubs also make this suburb ideal for players.
Lakefront Gillson Park is located next to the Baháʼí House of Worship, an architectural wonder.
Pickleball is a very popular sport at Lawler Park.
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Go-to local stores
Locally owned businesses are a mainstay in Wilmette. “Yellow Bird Stationary and Gifts is the place to go for wedding invitations, birth announcements and Christmas cards,” Veech says. Wilmette Bicycle and Sports Shop handles everything related to bicycles and sports equipment, especially hockey gear. A few other favorites include Sophia Steak, a chic and comfortable high-end eatery, and Walker Bros. Original Pancake House, which has been in operation since 1960.
Locally owned businesses are a mainstay in Wilmette, such as Wilmette Bicycle and Sports Shop.
Locally owned businesses are a mainstay in Wilmette, such as Yellow Bird Stationery and Gifts.
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To the Loop and back
Residents can get around town on the Pace Bus and into Chicago on the Purple “L” train or Metra commuter trains. Downtown Chicago is a 20-mile drive on Interstate 94.
The Wilmette Metra Station offers easy access to Downtown Chicago and surrounding areas.
Purple “L” train takes riders downtown to Chicago, just 20 miles south.
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July 3rd celebration
The community celebrates Independence Day on July 3rd with a 5K run, carnival rides and kids' activities, concerts, food and fireworks at the end the day.
Wilmette has everything a suburban Chicago family needs.
Willmette Harbor offers serene views of the lake.
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Worship and community resources
South of Gillson Park, the breathtaking Bahá'í House of Worship with its gardens, intricate stonework and laced dome is the only one of its kind in North America. “Newlyweds often have their wedding pictures taken in the gardens,” Veech says. The temple is open to the public, free of charge, and exists as a devotional space for people of any faith. The nearest hospital is Evanston Hospital a comprehensive acute-care facility, and one of the closest colleges is Northwestern University, ranked a top-10 U.S. university by U.S. News & World Report.
Baháʼí House of Worship in Wilmette is free and open to the general public of any faith.
A person takes it all in with a photo at the breathtaking Baháʼí House of Worship.
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Mary Summerville has been selling real estate in Chicago and the Northshore for 30+ years specializing in single-family homes, condominiums, and development. Mary’s longevity through decades of real estate cycles is a testament to her adaptability and in-depth understanding of the market. Her strengths in the determination of value and negotiating strategy instill client confidence and ease surrounding the process. Mary focuses on getting her clients the best possible outcome while maintaining an understanding of the emotional and financial demands of any transaction.
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