Wilmette

Living in Wilmette, Illinois

Wilmette is a classic North Shore village offering an elegant balance of scenic beauty, strong community, and suburban lifestyle with easy access to Chicago. Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s known for its leafy streets, charming downtown, and desirable schools, making it highly appealing for both families and professionals.


Key Highlights

Scenery & Lifestyle

  • Wilmette features beautiful lakefront access, beaches, parks, and open green spaces. Gillson Park and Beaches are local favorites for walking, sunsets, and recreation. 

  • Tree-lined roads, varied architecture — including vintage homes, period details like leaded glass, stonework, and newer homes — gives the area character and charm. 

Downtown & Amenities

  • The downtown area is very walkable, with local restaurants, cafés, shops, and places like Plaza del Lago offering boutique and lifestyle retail. 

  • Cultural amenities include the Wilmette Theatre, community events, local festivals, and a strong park district with many recreational facilities. 

Schools & Family Appeal

  • Wilmette is served by highly rated public school districts (District 39, Avoca District 37) and feeds into New Trier High School, which is widely recognized for its academic strength. 

  • Strong sense of community and family-friendly offerings (parks, youth programs, safe neighborhoods) make it a popular choice for those raising children. 

Commute & Access

  • Wilmette is about 14–15 miles north of downtown Chicago. It has good transit connections (Metra, CTA Purple Line) that make commuting feasible. 

  • Proximity to the lake, natural features, and neighboring suburbs gives residents a suburban feel without losing access to urban opportunities. 

Real Estate & Cost of Living

  • Home values in Wilmette are high; the median home value is generally in the upper tier for the Chicago suburbs. 

  • Housing options include historic single-family homes, large lots, newer construction in some areas, as well as townhomes/condominiums closer to transit or downtown. 

  • Property taxes and cost of living reflect the premium—amenities, schools, location, and lifestyle come at a cost.

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