Highland Park

Homebuyers don't just choose the Chicago neighborhood of East Highland Park for its diverse architecture, highly rated public schools, casual dining options and its world class music venue. "East Highland Park has so much to offer," says Realtor Allison Silver, who sells houses in the neighborhood with Compass. "We have a great city council. The mayor and city manager love the town and support everyone here. People who come here fall in love with the people, the community and the lifestyle." The neighborhood has multiple amenities within walking distance. "It's a big city in a little town. You've got great parks, golf courses, the yacht club, boating access and beach access," Silver says. Residents occupy mid-century homes and late-century condos within a short walk of trendy restaurants, a public rail system and the beach. The housing is diverse in style and period. "It's right on Lake Michigan," Silver says. "You've got so many charming old homes. You've got homes from the 1800s, new constructions and mid-century moderns." The well-manicured lots line windy suburban streets. The architectural offerings include houses designed by prominent American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Perhaps the most famous is the Willits House, which was constructed in 1901 and is often cited as one of the first Prairie School houses. Homebuyers can purchase a 1950s ranch-style home for between $440,000 and $650,000. Brick four-square houses built between the turn of the century and the 1940s sell for between $400,000 and $560,000. Assessors value 1920s brick bungalows at between $360,000 and $540,000. Along Lake Michigan, 1920s mansions sell for as high as $4.7 million. Modern-style houses from the 1990s and early 2000s are valued between $1.2 million and $2.6 million. Homebuyers buy 1920s Colonial Revival-style and Tudor Revival-style houses for between $1 million and $1.5 million. A five-bedroom turn-of-the-century prairie-style home designed by George Maher sold for $1.3 million in 2023. There are also townhouses and condos. A 1980s brick condo renovated in 2023 sells for between $240,000 and $320,000, and a 1960s townhouse sells for around $400,000. The area's highly rated public schools make East Highland Park a stable and desirable place for parents and young couples. "The schools are outstanding, and that's part of why most people who grew up here come back," says Realtor Margie Brooks, an East Highland Park resident who also sells homes in the neighborhood with Baird & Warner. Students can attend Indian Trail Elementary, Edgewood Middle and Highland Park High School. Indian Trail Elementary School received an A rating from Niche and a 2020 National Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence. The public elementary school also boasts a state-of-the-art greenhouse donated by an anonymous donor in 2018. Edgewood Middle School received an A-minus rating from Niche and was renovated in 2021. Edgewood's after-school programs include the broadcasting club, an art club and a robotics club. Highland Park High School received an A-plus rating from Niche and is ranked the 24th best public high school in Illinois by the site. Notable alumni include Rachel Brosnahan, the Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor from the Netflix Series "House of Cards" and the Amazon Prime Series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." For groceries, folks shop at Sunset Foods, off Green Bay Road. When locals prefer to eat out, there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops along 1st Street. The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan owns Madame Zuzu's, a café that sells global teas, coffee and vegan pastries and hosts live music, poetry and comedy. The café frequently prepares new vegan recipes and isn't afraid to replace menu items with something new. Walker Bros. is a longtime local breakfast chain serving pancakes, omelets and sandwiches in an old-school space. Michael's Grill & Salad Bar is popular for its burgers and wraps and also caters for events. There are also restaurants along St. Johns Avenue, one street over. That Little French Guy is a bakery and café known for its rustic digs, fresh salads and the aroma of baked bread. Tamales is a block down the street and serves hardy Mexican dishes like enchiladas and beef burritos. The restaurant is a cozy escape in the winter months when the cold wind blows off Lake Michigan. The neighborhood has multiple public parks that residents often walk to. Sunset Woods Park is 38 acres, eight of which are designated natural areas consisting of mesic closed savanna and ephemeral wetlands. Wildlife includes red-tailed hawks, grey squirrels, bluebirds, various songbirds, skunks and opossums. Amenities include walking paths, concessions, two playgrounds for different age groups, a baseball field, a multi-use field and basketball and tennis courts. Along Lake Michigan, Moraine Park is popular for laid-back recreational options like nature walks and picnics. Folks like to spend warm days sunning and swimming at its sandy beach. The park also has a dog beach that is open from mid-April through mid-November. It's a good place for pets to interact and swim without bothering folks on the main beach. People also take advantage of the lake aside from just using the beaches. Residents join the North Shore Yacht Club to paddle board, sail or motor in Lake Michigan. "The lake is outstanding for boating, fishing and the beaches," Brooks says. There are multiple bike paths throughout the city for residents to enjoy. Many residents step right outside of their houses and hop on the Robert McClory Bike Path, a paved 25-mile trail that can take people all the way to Kenosha. The sandy Rosewood Beach is a popular summer spot on Lake Michigan. On weekends, folks hit the fairways at Sunset Valley Golf Club. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located on the neighborhood's southwestern border. It is made up of several islands connected by bridges and has 27 display gardens, including an English walled garden, a Japanese garden and an aquatic garden. In the southern portion of the neighborhood, Ravinia Festival hosts concerts throughout the year. The 450-seat Bennett Gordon Hall's summer concert series includes shows by Ravinia's Steans Music Institute. The pre-professional conservatory offers a vocals program, a jazz program and a piano and strings program. The venue has a 3,350-seat Pavillion where the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs. People have picnics during performances on the Lawn. The 850-seat Martin Theatre hosts the Martinis at the Martin cabaret series, chamber music and opera performances. Residents walk to take painting and sculpting classes at The Art Center Highland Park on Sheridan Road. History buffs can visit the Sylvester Millard House, a late 19th-century log cabin. For a movie night, Wayfarer Theater, on 2nd Street, shows new film releases. The city operates public bus stops on Saint Johns Avenue and Green Bay Road. Residents take Interstate 94 about 27 miles south to Chicago. There are Metra stations in the southern half of the neighborhood along St. Johns Avenue. The line takes residents as far north as Kenosha and as far south as Chicago. The closest airport is Chicago O'Hare International Airport, about 19 miles southwest of the neighborhood.