Lakeside homes and high-end lifestyles in South Barrington
With over 40 lakes and ponds in over a dozen subdivisions, Southwest Barrington marries country charm and sophisticated living with plenty of elbow room. “Homebuyers who search in this area are looking for homes with more interior and exterior square footage,” says Melanie Parsons, a Realtor for Keller Williams Success Realty and a Barrington-area native. “Most of the homes sit on lots that are a half-acre or more. All the lakes are another big draw for those searching for a waterfront lifestyle.” With a median price of $2.1 million, homes tend to come with lavish features ranging from in-ground pools to high-end appliances. But they’re also paying to send their kids to Barrington Community Schools, consistently ranked among the best across Chicagoland. The CAP Index Crime Score for South Barrington is a 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Impressive homes with plenty of square footage and large lots
Nestled next to serene freshwater lakes are subdivision communities, some gated, some not. In these tucked-away neighborhoods, immaculately designed custom builds and modern mansions display midcentury, Tudor, Mission Revival and Colonial Revival architectural styles. Horseshoe driveways greet manicured lawns, which sit on expansive lots equipped with multiple-car garages. Mature trees are throughout, creating a sense of natural privacy. Most homes built in the 1970s and ‘80s sell from about $500,000 to $800,000. Some larger homes from the same era, along with homes from the ‘90s and 2000s, sell for up to $1.6 million. South Barrington’s median home price is $2.1 million and can reach about $5 million for newer and larger properties, including nearly 15,000 square foot estates.
Barbara B. Rose Elementary School is one of the best in the state
Families can send their children to Barrington Community Schools, ranked among the top-performing districts in the Chicagoland area. Barbara B. Rose Elementary School receives an A-plus and is named the best public elementary school in Illinois by Niche. Barrington Middle School scores an A grade, and Barrington High School also gets an A-plus. The school offers myriad ways for students to prepare for college or careers, including the Business INCubator course, where young entrepreneurs create, market and then pitch their business ideas to real investors for a chance to win funding.
Hit the tennis courts or connect with local wildlife
In subdivisions such as the Glen, residents can wake up to views of fishermen reeling in their first catch of the day from the well-stocked neighborhood lakes. The community is near South Barrington Club, a popular tennis club with a fitness center and gym. At the heart of town is Stillman Park, which offers over 80 acres of naturally worn paths that curve around the lake and snake through woodlands and prairies. The park is home to birds of prey, which all live at the Stillman Nature Center. Residents can plan a trip to get up close and personal with eastern screech owls, red-shouldered hawks and peregrine falcons or take a hike on the out-and-back or loop trails. Additional outdoor recreation areas include Marvin Dunteman Park and New Community Park, which feature mulched play areas and picnic tables for alfresco dining. Leashed pups are also welcome to join in on the fun.
A recipe for a perfect night out at the Arboretum
The Arboretum of South Barrington is the go-to retail and dining destination on the neighborhood's southwestern edge. The open-air mall is home to trendy home goods, fashion and cosmetics brands, but it’s also ideal for a night out at the dine-in movie theater Star Cinema Grill or for bowling and bocce at Pinstripes. Southwest Barrington also has a refined yet casual culinary scene; residents can catch some beachy vibes at The Hampton Social or head to local microbrewery, Lucky Monk, for a flight of seasonal brews. Residents grab groceries from Target or shop for organic produce from local homesteads such as Goebbert’s Farm.
Take I-90 into Chicago in 45 minutes
Interstate 90 runs south of the neighborhood, allowing residents to drive into Chicago in around 45 minutes. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is also less than 30 minutes away via the Interstate. Emergency services are close to home at Ascension St. Alexius hospital, and the nearby Prairie Stone business park gives some residents a quick and easy commute. Alongside corporate facilities, Prairie Stone is also home to the state-of-the-art NOW Arena, where the Windy City Bulls play.
Photography Contributed By
Brett Bulthuis
