10 Things We Love About Living on the North Shore

Stretching from Evanston to Lake Bluff, Chicago’s North Shore is one of the region’s most coveted places to call home. Each community has its own personality, yet all share signature qualities: beautiful homes, leafy streets, easy access to Lake Michigan, nationally ranked schools, and a strong sense of community. Add in the quick commute to downtown Chicago, and it’s easy to see why the North Shore blends suburban charm with city convenience.

Here are ten reasons we love living—and working—here:

10 Things We Love About Living on the North Shore

Shopper’s Paradise

From regional destinations like Westfield Old Orchard and Northbrook Court to stylish local boutiques, shopping on the North Shore is a mix of high fashion and hidden gems. Find runway-ready collections at Frances Heffernan or Neapolitan Collection in Winnetka, discover one-of-a-kind pieces at Sunflower Boutique in Highland Park, or hunt for designer deals at North Shore Exchange in Glencoe and Wilmette, where every purchase supports local charities.

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Best Golf…by Par

Golf is practically a way of life here. The North Shore is home to four of Golf Digest’s top 10 courses in Illinois—Shoreacres, Old Elm, Skokie, and Conway Farms—all private clubs steeped in tradition. Public courses abound, too, including Glenview Park Golf Club, Winnetka Golf Club, Wilmette Golf Club, and Sunset Valley in Highland Park. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual weekend golfer, there’s a course calling your name.

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Chicago Botanic Garden

Spanning 385 acres in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-class destination for nature, education, and conservation. Meander through the tranquil Japanese Garden, admire the Bonsai collection, or stroll the English Walled Garden. Seasonal highlights—from summer art exhibitions to Lightscape in winter—make it a year-round favorite for residents and visitors alike.

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Live Music

Summer on the North Shore means music. Ravinia Festival draws international stars and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to its open-air pavilion and iconic lawn. The Winnetka Music Festival turns village streets into a two-day concert venue featuring genres from folk to funk. And in Highwood, live bands keep the party going in beer gardens and local bars nearly every night of the week.

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Historic Hotspot

History is everywhere here, from Evanston’s Charles Gates Dawes House to Wilmette’s awe-inspiring Bahá’í Temple. The Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie offers immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits, while North Shore neighborhoods showcase architectural treasures by Frank Lloyd Wright, David Adler, Keck & Keck, and other legends. Living here means being surrounded by both history and innovation.

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Hit the Beach

Lake Michigan is the North Shore’s greatest natural amenity. Each town offers its own sandy retreat: Lighthouse Beach in Evanston, Tower Road Beach in Winnetka, Gillson Beach in Wilmette, Glencoe Beach with watercraft rentals, and Lake Bluff’s secluded Sunrise Beach. From swimming and sailing to paddleboarding with your pup, there’s a shoreline spot for everyone.

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Foodie Haven

Dining on the North Shore has never been more exciting. Upscale newcomers like Le Colonial in Lake Forest and Sophia Steak in Wilmette and Lake Forest bring big-city polish with neighborhood warmth. Winnetka favorites like Avli, Mino’s, and Tocco deliver Greek and Italian flavors, while Guildhall in Glencoe elevates cocktails and contemporary dining. For casual bites, Buck Russell’s, Michael’s, Barnaby’s, and La Taquiza keep locals coming back.

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Easy Commuting

Getting to the city is simple. The Metra’s Union Pacific North line runs through every lakefront town, while the Milwaukee District North line serves communities further west. The CTA Purple Line connects Wilmette to Wrigley Field and beyond, and expressways like I-94 and I-294 make driving an option, too. Convenience is built into North Shore living.

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Northwestern University

Evanston’s crown jewel, Northwestern University, adds vibrancy to the region. Beyond academics, the school brings Big Ten sports, world-class art at the Block Museum, and the serene Shakespeare Garden to the community. It’s both a cultural anchor and a source of Wildcat pride for the entire North Shore.

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Diverse Housing

Luxury estates may headline the market, but the North Shore offers homes at nearly every price point. From vintage walk-ups and townhomes to new high-rises and lakefront mansions, housing is remarkably diverse. Communities like Evanston and Highland Park are also leaders in affordable housing initiatives, ensuring economic variety alongside architectural beauty.