A northwestern Chicago village welcoming continuous growth
Founded in 1866, The village of Palatine was once a small town built around the Chicago and North Western Railway. The village continued to grow in the following decades, welcoming new residents during Chicago’s suburban sprawl in the 1970s and later filling out its remaining space on the map with subdivisions and modern-day amenities.
Today, the suburban city is home to just under 65,000 residents, supporting major industries like education, transportation and warehousing alongside the Weber-Stephen Products corporate office. People moving to the area take note of its convenient location, abundant parks and its transforming downtown district. “I’m a city girl and never thought I would move to a suburb, but we've been here for 25 years now," says Gina Falconetti, resident and owner of Massage by Gina Falconetti. “It’s a very diverse community, which is why I wanted to move here."
Palatine is home to some 65,000 residents.
Palatine's downtown restaurant district gives this little city a big urban feel.
Amazon is a major employer in Palatine at its large distribution center.
Weber's headquarters are based out of Palatine's thriving industrial cooridor.
1/4
Downtown Palatine eats and Northwest Highway shopping
“Downtown Palatine has lots of cute knick-knack sort of shops,” says Susan Storelli, a local resident and the village's communications and events coordinator. “People go downtown to eat for date night. There are lots of cool restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines.” The area is a hub for local establishments, while Northwest Highway functions as the village’s main stretch for big-box shopping. Storelli also notes most head to Woodfield Mall in Schaumberg to the south or Deer Park Town Center to the north for a day of shopping.
Brandt’s of Palatine has been serving the community of Downtown Palatine for over 50 years.
The upscale, open-air Deer Park Town Center attracts shoppers on the Northwest Highway.
Woodfield Mall attracts shoppers from all over Chicagoland.
Nelikona Cafe is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique cafe experience.
1/4
Palatine's public school districts
Community Consolidated School District 15 serves most of the village’s prekindergarten through eighth-grade students and maintains an A-minus rating on Niche. Township High School District 211 enrolls the area’s oldest students and holds an A-plus on Niche, which names it the No. 7 best Illinois school district. Private options include Christian Liberty Academy, Immanuel Lutheran School and St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic School. Harper College, a local community college, was founded in Palatine about 60 years ago. Students in the area can benefit from the Harper Promise Scholarship, which funds two years of college for every student in the district who fulfills relevant requirements.
Palatine High School is is a well ranked choice for students in District 211
Plum Grove Jr High School receives an A- on Niche.com for test scores in Palatine.
Immanuel Lutheran School serves students PK-8 a faith based education in Palatine.
Harper College provides post-secondary education and offers over 100 degree programs.
1/4
Palatine's city-wide events
Residents gather at village-wide events like the Fourth of July Hometown Fest. “There’s a carnival with live music, a parade and activities for people to participate in,” Storelli says. “It’s always great and packed.” Street Fest is another annual staple that occurs downtown at the end of August. “It’s a lot of local vendors and live music,” Storelli says. “It’s a place for the community to come together and have drinks. It has that backyard get-together atmosphere.” Residents can also convene at the city's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in late November, which includes performances from Palatine Children's Chorus and a visit from Santa.
The village has plans to make downtown a place for locals to convene beyond its annual events. In 2022, the Tax Increment Financing District was extended for 13 years, opening the door for more investment in commercial spaces, with initial costs offset by incremental growth from property tax revenues. Other village initiatives include a streetscape improvement project, designed to create multiple public gathering spaces, wider sidewalks and complete pedestrian connections by early 2026.
A variety of local businesses participate in Holidays on the Town in Downtown Palatine.
Celebrate with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Towne Square in Dowtown Palatine.
Palatine kids can get their picture taken with Santa in Towne Square park.
The Christmas tree in Towne Square stands proudly each December as the holidays near.
1/4
Community Park's recreational opportunities
Though Palatine Park District parks appear throughout the village, Community Park remains one of the most frequented spots. “It has a big aquatic center, baseball fields and amphitheater where they do shows in the summer,” Storelli says. Those who enjoy exploring local wildlife visit Deer Grove Forest Preserve’s 2,000 acres, while Twin Lake Golf Course & Recreation Area provides a place for practicing swings alongside kayaking and fishing. Indoors, residents can enroll in Buehler YMCA fitness classes and youth programs or catch shows at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center.
There are many scenic trails at Deer Grove Forest Preserve.
The views are incredible at Twin Lakes Golf Course and Recreation Area.
There is a Family Aquatic Center that is open in the summer at Community Park.
Children have a blast at the playground at Palatine's Community Park.
1/4
Hopping on Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line
“A lot of people commute into Chicago,” says Falconetti. “My husband takes the train in every day.” Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest line runs through Palatine Station, connecting riders to the Windy City 36 miles southeast. Those driving use Interstate 90 to reach the city and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 16 miles out in the same direction. Other major nearby roadways include state Routes 53 and 68 and U.S. Routes 12 and 14. Residents can also take advantage of Pace Suburban bus stops along Rand Road.
From 1860s homes to late 1990s subdivisions
The median home price in Palatine is currently $330,000, which falls below the national average. The village’s residential landscape spans from downtown Palatine’s mid-1800s homes to the more recently built subdivisions that fill the remainder. After World War II, mid-century suburbs comprising split-level and ranch-style homes began popping up. Homes built after the 1990s sit within Palatine's south and west sides. While many of these single-family homes tend to be more expensive, the area also includes condos and townhouses that sell for less than $200,000.
Modern Cape Cods can be found throughout Downtown Palatine.
Colonial revival home with attached two car garage located in Downtown Palatine.
Split-level home with warm beige siding located in downtown Palatine.
Downtown Palatine has many beautiful 19th century homes in the area.
1/4
Palatine's crime statistics
According to data from the Palatine Police Department, about 10.5 instances of crime occur per 1,000 citizens in Palatine. The rates are generally lower than statewide and national averages. The Palatine Police Department works closely with the community through programs like Kids on Their Own, Crime Free Multi-Housing and several others.
On average, homes in Palatine, IL sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Palatine, IL over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$360,000
Median Sale Price
$350,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$490,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$340,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$224,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
920
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$9
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$234
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
129
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Palatine, IL
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Greenbrier Elementary School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#2 Isaac Fox Elementary School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#3 Kildeer Countryside Elementary School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#4 Hunting Ridge Elementary School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#5 Patton Elementary School
B+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#6 Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#7 Central Road Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#8 Pleasant Hill Elementary School
A
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#9 Fairview Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Lake Zurich Middle School - South Campus
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Woodlawn Middle School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Helen Keller Junior High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 Cooper Middle School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#5 Plum Grove Jr High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#6 Thomas Middle School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 Walter R. Sundling Junior High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#8 Carl Sandburg Junior High School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 William Fremd High School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Lake Zurich High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#3 Adlai E Stevenson High School
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#4 John Hersey High School
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#5 Buffalo Grove High School
A+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#6 Rolling Meadows High School
A+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#7 Palatine High School
A
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#8 District 211 Academy - North
Best Private Schools
#1 Immanuel Lutheran School
A
Niche
#2 Quest Academy
#3 St Thomas Of Villanova School
#4 St. Theresa School, PK and Kindergarten thru 8th grade
Experience: I'm a dedicated real estate professional with 34+ years of experience at Baird & Warner Real Estate. When you work with me, you're not just getting one agent — you're gaining the strength of an entire team. My team and I offer responsive, personalized service for buyers and sellers, tailored to your specific needs.
Looking for an agent who truly listens? Want someone who knows how to market your home effectively so it sells? We’re here for you. Let’s talk!
We proudly serve Adams, Boone, Cook, DuPage, Hancock, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Winnebago Counties, and are members of two MLS systems, giving us expanded reach throughout all of Illinois, plus parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana. As a Homes.com Certified Professional, I also have the tools and resources to assist with buying or selling real estate anywhere in the country.
Customer Service: Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, our specialized team structure ensures you're covered. We have dedicated divisions for: Foreclosure Properties Residential Re-Sale New Construction Luxury Homes Relocation Commercial Real Estate Marketing Strategy Rental Services
Need a real estate attorney, home inspector, or lender for pre-approval (which strengthens your buying power)? Just click to contact us — we’ll connect you with one of our trusted professionals from our comprehensive Team Member List.
Credentials & Recognition: I am certified in Relocation through five top-tier companies: Prudential Relocation Cendant Relocation Sirva Relocation Leading Edge Relocation Companies Paragon Relocation Services
Put us to work for you — and experience the results!
Let’s Get You Moving: Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today — we’re ready to work for YOU.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
