The City of Friendly People – or Northlake – developed slowly, but with purpose. In the 1960s, it became the home turf to the tallest hotel in Chicago's western suburbs, incidentally the same year Northlake made news for a runaway circus elephant who had been frightened by a plane flying into O’Hare. In the years that followed, developing government departments and infrastructure change began to shape the area into the city it is today. Industry and warehouse buildings have been wrangled to the western outskirts, leaving the rest for residential avenues and green space. “Between the public library and the Veterans Park District, we have a very hands-on and active community,” says Laura Bartnik, the Northlake Public Library Director. And when folks are ready to get out of town, whether east to Chicago or farther, it’s an easy venture. “You can hop on the expressway and quickly get downtown, and the proximity to O’Hare Airport is a big draw, too,” says Cathy Cundiff, a real estate agent with Compass Realty. But it’s Northlake’s sense of togetherness that keeps people around. “It’s very family-oriented. People really get along,” Cundiff adds.
There are many affordable in Northlake.
Homes neatly organize in a grid when viewed from above in Northlake.
O'hare is a major employer for residents in Northlake.
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Bungalows and Split levels with individuality
Canopied by mature oak and elm trees, sidewalks weave through most of the residential pockets in Northlake and connect Chicago cottages and Cape Cods to their split-level neighbors. “It’s a great place for new families looking for starter homes, but we also have a lot of senior living complexes. It’s a varied housing stock – no two houses look the same,” Bartnik says. Older properties from the mid-1900s might offer 1,000 square feet of space and cost as low as $200,000, while newer or renovated dwellings grow to 1,500 square feet and about $400,000. This range keeps the city from falling into housing monotony.
Housing options are available to match many budgets in Northlake.
There are many architecturally unique homes in Northlake.
Brick cottages are a common sight in Northlake.
Ranch housing styles vary in Northlake.
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Riding I-290 or the Metra east to Chicago
Northlake is a little more than 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, which can be accessed by Interstate 290 and Interstate 294 – both of which border the city. Metra riders can hop on at the Berkeley stop on the south side or the Franklin Park station on the north side. Several Pace bus stops are scattered around town, mainly near the retail-concentrated sections of the highways. “We’re about 15 minutes from O’Hare, but not too close that you hear the noise. The landing strips typically go east to west, and Northlake is to the south out of that flight path,” Bartnik says.
Metra Lines run frequently near North Lake, making commuting a breeze.
O'hare conveniently is very close for residents looking to catch a flight in Northlake.
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Big name shopping and Mexican food variety
North Avenue, on the south side of the city, gets crowded on Saturdays as residents flock to run their errands at big box stores such as Sam’s Club and Walmart. On the east side along Mannheim Road, shoppers can hit T.J. Maxx and Burlington before grabbing groceries at the family-owned Tony’s Fresh Market. “We have some fabulous Mexican restaurants in town, all different styles from marisco to Nayarit cuisine,” Bartnik says. “Cilantro and Mi Palenque are popular spots, but here at the library we’re partial to Alejandra’s.” Another local favorite is Shwings, a family-run restaurant that serves wings and fried shrimp.
Farmers Best grocery store provides North Lake with everyday goods and fresh produce.
North Lakes local Home Depot delivers all your hardware needs conveniently.
Carnitas Don Alfredo is pork based institution in the North Lake area, with several locations.
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Fresh air at Centerpoint Preserve
Locals stretch their legs on the paved walking trail through Centerpoint Preserve, which also offers 32 acres of athletic fields and a dog park. Connected to Centerpoint is the Grant Park Recreation Center, a great resource to access a full gymnasium and rentable multi-purpose rooms. “The rec center provides low-cost preschools, fitness classes and youth sports leagues,” Bartnik says. “And Nagle-Perri Park just got a brand-new playground and splash pad.”
Residents love to connect with nature and get fresh air at Centerpoint Preserve in Northlake.
Nagel-Perri Park's colorful playground is inviting to the kids in Northlake.
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Giving back at Northlake Library
Northlake Public Library offers more than just traditional services to community members from birth to seniors. “We provide a Library of Things where people can check out items like ice cream makers, telescopes and laptops,” Bartnik says. “Our children’s department is always bustling. A lot of parents bring their kids here so they can play safely while they take a much-needed break.” She adds that the library also hosts community events like Bluey Fest and Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Another helpful service is Kindred Hospital, conveniently located on the south side of Northlake.
Northlake Public Library is open to all ages in Northlake.
Residents appreciate having a quiet place for study at Northlake Public Library in Northlake.
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Bilingual curriculum in Northlake schools
Younger students in Northlake can spend kindergarten through second grade with a 12-1 student-teacher ratio at Whittier Primary, graded a C by Niche. They can continue to enjoy the same student-teacher ratio for third through fifth grade at Riley Intermediate, graded a C-minus. Learners advance to Northlake Middle, with a C Niche grade, whose curriculum accommodates bilingual and ESL students. West Leyden High School, which Niche grades a B-plus and ranks in the top 28% of best public high schools in Illinois, serves the area’s older students.
Whittier Elementary School provides a safe environment for students in Northlake.
J.W. Riley Elementary School offers plenty of fun after school activities in Northlake.
Northlake Middle School has great academic opportunities for students in Northlake.
West Leyden High School offers courses in Reading and Math in Northlake.
Born and raised in Chicago, Noah Robinson has helped families realize their dream of home ownership. Noah has received degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Noah has taken the knowledge and experience that he has learned as a small business owner to help people find the home that best meets their needs. Noah has two children who both attended Jones College Prep in the South Loop, and Noah loves to help people feel welcomed into becoming a part of the South Loop Community.
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