$313,269Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
A friendly, hands-on community near O’Hare
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.
North Lake residents walk their dog's along the Des Plaines river trail.
There are many interesting architectural details 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.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Brett Bulthuis
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Macino,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Northlake, IL sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Northlake, IL over the last 12 months is $312,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open and spacious floor plan, kitchen with breakfast bar, granite counters & SS appliances. Master bedroom suite w/private bath and walk in closet. In unit laundry room and private balcony. Indoor heated 2 parking spots. Security cameras on outside for extra safety. Amazing gazebo area with grill for private parties. Luxury condominium in a secure elevator bldg. Close to 290, 294, I-90, shopping
Beautifully renovated 4-bedroom home in unincorporated Leyden Township, updated in 2022 with modern finishes throughout. Features include newer flooring, updated kitchen with quartz countertops, stone backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary lighting. Home offers two newer bathrooms - one with a bathtub and one with a stand-up shower. Major improvements include a newer roof, newer
Rare Northlake property! Cozy 3bd brick Cape Cod located on North Ave. One of the few residential properties with B-2 commercial zoning while still benefiting from low residential taxes. Lovingly cared for by long-term owner. Home features 1st floor bedroom, full bath, and laundry with 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Bathroom beautifully updated in 2026. Situated on a 50-foot lot with side drive
MOVE IN READY! STUNNING, LIKE A NEW CONSTRUCTION, NEWLY RENOVATED HOME IN HEARD OF HOT NORTHLAKE, READY FOR ITS NEW OWNERS.3 NICE-SIZED BEDROOMS, 2 MODERN FULL BATHROOMS, LARGE GOURMET KITCHEN WITH PLENTY OF 42" WHITE CABINETS, BRAND-NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, AND SLEEK GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, NEW WINDOWS, NEW ROOF, AND SIDING ON HOUSE AND GARAGE, GUTTERS, WATER HEATER, FURNACE, A/C, DICKS, NEW
Beautifully maintained 2-story brick condominium building with this stunning 2nd-floor unit located in the highly desirable King Arthur Court community featuring professionally maintained grounds, landscaped green space, exterior walkway access, convenient surface parking, and one assigned exterior parking space. Renovated in 2026, this move-in-ready home showcases a bright open-concept layout
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod, where classic architectural charm meets modern luxury. Bright living room, dining room and family room with large windows make the space airy and inviting. Completely renovated kitchen offers new cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. New electrical and hardwood floors throughout. The second-floor features beautifully updated
Seize the opportunity to own a sought after Two unit!! Very limited inventory. The time is now! Become a landlord and live rent free!! Your next greatest investment is here: 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 car garage, and over size units! 1st floor features 3 bedrooms 2 baths!! 2nd floor another 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath! Spacious units ready for the next family! 2 car garage, beautiful
********OPEN HOUSE**** SUNDAY JUNE 7***** 2pm -4pm***********A charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Northlake, IL, offering comfort, space, and convenience. This two-story layout features all bedrooms on the upper level for added privacy, with a bright main floor that includes a spacious living room and a dining area with sliding glass doors leading to a rear balcony—perfect for
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