Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago, the village of Barrington is an affluent commercial center that prides itself on its community involvement and providing the convenience of a big city. “For me, it’s all about the sense of community," says Rebbeca Bennett, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce chamber administrator. “Working in the chamber has also been a blessing because I got to know board members who are business owners, heads of restaurants, and others who all look out for one another.”
Given its proximity to Chicago, Barrington has access to the Metra, a commuter rail system that connects residents to the city and surrounding communities. Parks are also a premium in the village, earning the title of Barrington Park District. The leading industry in the town varies by profession, with tech services, manufacturing, and finance being the primary occupations.
Large red brick homes, tucked behind trees add to the charm of South Barrington.
You will find many historic homes near the downtown area of South Barrington.
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State-of-the-art facilities at Barrington Park District
Few small towns, let alone major cities, offer a park district to their residents. The Barrington Park District is a fully inclusive network of parks scattered across the village, featuring everything from state-of-the-art fitness centers to after-school care and youth sports activities. “It’s gonna be one hot and popping summer because, you name it, we have it,” says Jodi Krauss, superintendent of recreation for the Barrington Park District. “Many surrounding towns don’t have park districts, so it’s the gathering place for everyone.”
The park district includes three parks in Barrington: Citizens Park, a 45-acre local favorite for dog owners and 5K enthusiasts; Langendorf Park, which houses the main facilities of the Barrington Park District, including the 4,500-square-foot fitness center; and Ron Beese Park, the district’s largest park, with two football fields, four soccer fields, and two baseball fields.
Canlan Sports Recreation Center near South Barrington offers a variety of sports leagues.
A man takes a dog for a walk on the trails in Baker's Lake Nature Preserve in South Barrington.
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Celebrate Memorial Day at Barrington’s Art Festival
The popularity of the Barrington Arts Festival is an understatement for residents. This decade-long tradition is showcased every summer during Memorial Day weekend. Around 125 artists descend upon the community to display their work for family and friends. The village is bustling all weekend, with restaurants, cafes, and retail stores supporting the event. An awards party hosted by the Village of Barrington is always held on Saturday night and is free to the public.
U.S. News & World Report award-winning high school
Barrington 220 Community Unit School District is the only school district in Barrington, serving nearly 8,000 pre-K-12 students with an A-plus rating on Niche. The district oversees 13 schools, including Barrington High School, which is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the nation. The award-winning high school also pairs students with kindergarteners to serve as mentors in areas like culinary arts, musical exploration, and more. Four-year universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, are closer to Chicago city limits.
The Grove Avenue Elementary School is a great starting spot for children of South Barrington.
Barrington High School serves students in grades 9-12 near South Barrington.
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Hough Street is the main hub for restaurant and retail
Along the 8-mile Route 59 thoroughfare that passes through Barrington lie several local shops and dining options for residents. Locals can travel slowly on the freshly paved road to choose from authentic Italian spots downtown, such as Francesca’s Famiglia. “Francesca’s is always buzzing. However, not too far outside the village is Region Kitchen and Bar. Now, when I tell you everyone loves Region Bar & Kitchen, I’m not kidding,” says Rebbeca Bennett, chamber administrator for the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. Jewel-Osco and Heinen’s, two regional supermarket chains, are also located on Hough Street to satisfy residents' grocery needs.
The outdoor dining area at Francesca's Famiglia in South Barrington is fantastic.
Shakou restaurant in South Barrington is a great place to get sushi.
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Million-dollar homes located in South Barrington
With a population of 10,400, Barrington's median home price is $600,000, above the national average. Cape Cods and brick-lined ranch-style homes typically range from $350,000 to $700,000. Homes in nearby neighborhoods, such as South Barrington, feature French and Colonial-style homes with landscaped lawns, and their prices range from $800,000 to $1.3 million.
Baker's Lake Nature Preserve is a beautiful place for residents of South Barrington to escape.
Homes in South Barrington have a lot of character and come in all shapes and sizes.
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Metra connects residents to downtown Chicago, surrounding cities
The Chicago Metra is the village's commuter rail system. Residents use the Metra daily to commute downtown for work or to connect to surrounding communities. Freshly paved roads can be seen along Hough Street and Route 59, which runs north-south. Interstate 90, the longest interstate highway in the country, is 6 miles south for drivers. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 23 miles away. Residents should also know that Canadian National, a freight train company, brings heavy traffic through the village. Local officials are working to mitigate this traffic by securing funding of up to $18 million to begin grade separation.
Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, crime rates in Barrington have been very low over the past two years. There are few to no extreme weather or environmental concerns in the area.
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