Highland Park Real Estate

Cosmopolitan luxuries protected beneath lush greenery

Approximately 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, Highland Park is a beautiful, affluent, and upbeat suburban community located along the shores of Lake Michigan. A vibrant downtown district, many celebrations commemorating the arts, and beautiful beaches along the shoreline have brought the best of all worlds to one of the greater Chicago area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

In the mid-1800s, Highland Park was settled on what was then mostly undeveloped forests and scattered farms. With just a population of 500 in the beginning, Highland Park has evolved into a luxurious, cosmopolitan suburb, with several landmarks and homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Willits House, designed by famed architect Frank Loyd Wright.

What to Love

Several vast estates positioned on oversized lots protected beneath dense treetops
Downtown Highland Park is home to shopping, dining, and is very walkable
Several architecturally significant sites
Just 18 miles from O’Hare International Airport and 25 from downtown Chicago

Local Lifestyle

Residents of Highland Park appreciate their community’s natural beauty, artistic culture, and luxuries throughout even the most simple of everyday activities. High-end dining and luxurious boutiques are a stone's throw away within Downtown Highland Park’s picturesque old-fashioned setting. On the east side of town, many beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan are popular spots for swimming and enjoying the great outdoors. The community’s undying affection for their natural beauty is a major priority, evidenced by the Ravines Project, an extensive effort to restore and revitalize green spaces very unique to the community of Highland Park.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Highland Park is located 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, but locals rarely feel the need to head into the central city to shop, dine, or entertain themselves. Downtown Highland Park is a luxury shopping experience home to local boutiques carrying fine clothing and accessories, home decor and gifts, and a wide array of elevated daily essentials. Upscale eateries and other local businesses line the streets of the very walkable central business district. Downtown Highland Park is close to the North Shore Yacht Club, City Hall, and a growing number of brand-new multifamily residences.

Another chance to appreciate local cuisine can be experienced each week throughout the summer on Food Truck Thursdays. In addition to the several food trucks lining the streets offering everything from loaded sandwiches to lighter salads, the gathering also features live music. Highland Park locals can also enjoy live music at Ravinia Festival. Since 1905, Ravinia Festival has hosted outdoor concerts every summer from June to September. Classical music and jazz are played on an open green lawn, attracting over 500,000 people annually. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, snacks, and beverages, but a recently renovated dining pavilion includes new restaurants serving tacos, burgers, barbecue, and other perfect picnic staples.

More quiet afternoons are enjoyed on Rosewood Beach. A national award-winning beach situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Rosewood features a natural cove, a separate swimming site, and a recreational beach. It is one of the most popular spots to enjoy warmer summer temperatures north of the city.

Things To Do

Highland Park is fully dedicated to the Ravines Project, restoration and revival of the community's iconic natural scenery. One spot to enjoy and appreciate the unmatched beauty of Highland Park is at Lincoln Park, open from dawn till dusk each day. A playground, basketball court, baseball field, and other sporting fields are located just a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. Millard Park is another beautiful sight to see, and another favorite spot among locals to enjoy the beauty of the shore. Over 1,000 feet of the Lake Michigan waterfront is the perfect spot for a relaxing day of swimming just off of the ravine.

Schools

Highland Park is home to some of the best schools in the greater Chicago area. Just a few examples are:

Braeside Elementary School, kindergarten-5th grade; located in a historic campus, BES boasts a low student-teacher ratio of 14:1
Edgewood Middle School, grades 6-8; a lengthy list of extracurricular activities include athletic teams, artistic organizations, clubs, musical programs, and more
Highland Park High School, grades 9-12; Niche.com ranked HPHS as the 13th-best high school in the state of Illinois

If you are thinking about moving to the area, call Ali Lerner to get started in Highland Park real estate.

Highland Park