Known for its thriving downtown and growing shopping district.
One of the best places to live in Illinois, Winnetka is a private suburban community with beautiful beaches
Founded in the late 1860s, Winnetka was named after the Native American word for “beautiful land,” which is quite fitting for this gorgeous residential community. Situated near Lake Michigan, Winnetka is a serene, private community famous for its incredible beaches, excellent school system, and impressive array of quality parks and recreation facilities.
It is designed with family living in mind, which can be felt throughout its many neighborhoods. Winnetka also invokes the charm of living in a small town, while still developing and evolving.
Winnetka is a predominantly family-oriented area with multiple neighborhoods catering to single-family homes. According to Bloomberg's Richest Places index, it is one of the wealthiest communities in the country, second-ranked in Illinois as of 2019. Besides families, retirees and young professionals enjoy living in Winnetka because of its thriving downtown and growing shopping district.
Thanks to its timeless beauty and signature suburban look and feel, Winnetka has served as the backdrop and filming location for multiple films such as Ocean’s 12, Home Alone 2, Breakfast Club, and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Who doesn’t love authentic Italian cuisine? Mino’s in Winnetka is one of the best places to go for decadent pasta dishes, thin-crust pizzas, branzino, and their delicious secret sauce. It’s an upscale restaurant and bar with a commendable list of red wines and an open patio that’s excellent for outdoor dining.
If you’re looking for something unique, try Fred’s Garage, which is a remodeled gas station (hence the name). Serving elevated and reimagined all-American food, patrons enjoy delicious meals in a fascinating atmosphere. Two open garage doors accent the open-air dining to complete the eatery’s overall kitschy vibe.
For shopping, browsing the neapolitan collection is an absolute must. Housing a gorgeous array of designer items from top brands such as Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Kimberly McDonald, and more, this prestigious shopping destination is a 4,200 square foot boutique with wall-to-wall handbags, shoes, exclusive swimwear from Eres and Manuele Canovas, and enough accessories and apparel to make any fashionista’s dreams come true.
Valentina is another fantastic boutique in Winnetka—it’s more low-key than neapolitan, yet still incredibly trendy. Selling a mixture of jewelry, women’s clothing, home goods, and gifts, Valentina is a one-stop-shop for many. They also have multiple locations throughout Northern Chicago, including stores in Glencoe, Lake Forest, and Pacific Palisades.
As summer comes to its natural close and fall kicks in, Winnetka likes to celebrate its annual Fall Festival in a big way. Close to one thousand people congregate to celebrate the best time of year with fun activities like the pumpkin roll, music, inflatables, face painting, Touch-A-Truck, and much more. Plus, with beer, wine, and free ice cream to go around, who could resist?
For a little fresh air and to enjoy a walk, picnic, or simple family gathering, Nick Corwin Park is the best place in Winnetka. It’s a serene little area stretched across just over 6 acres with plenty of benches, playgrounds, drinking fountains, walkways, and soccer fields.
Perhaps the best place for outdoor recreation and sports is Duke Childs Field, a large sports venue composed of a picturesque golf course, a baseball field, and more. It’s also where Winnetka’s Fourth of July fireworks are held every year.
Winnetka residents love celebrating the holidays, too. Halloween on Ice is a beloved pastime where families gather in costume at the Winnetka Ice Arena to skate around to the best Halloween tunes.
The District 36 Public School System serves Winnetka. It has a reputation for excellence modeled after educator Carleton Washburne's educational philosophy.
Among the district schools are several noteworthy private institutions, such as Faith, Hope & Charity, Sacred Heart, North Shore, and Hadley Institute.
Jody continues to be one of the most successful Realtors in Glencoe and the North Shore. Her sales rank in the top 1 percent nationwide year after year. Give her a call to find out how she can help you!
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