Understanding the North Shore Communities & The Schools

North Shore Communities & The Schools 

While Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, and Glencoe are all part of the North Shore, each community has its own personality and real estate market. Reach out to Kathryn and Kelly Mangel who both grew up on the North Shore and have raised their families here.

Kathryn attended the Wilmette public schools and Kelly went to a Catholic school in Wilmette and then both onto New Trier. As parents of children who have attended both public and private schools, we’ve got you covered! We are relocation and certified real estate agents who has sold over $500,000,000 worth of real estate on Chicagoland’s North Shore.

What makes Winnetka real estate unique?

Winnetka is known for its beautiful residential streets, distinctive architecture, mature landscaping, and proximity to Lake Michigan. Known for the Home Alone house on Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka also has three distinct shopping areas, four beaches and the home of New Trier East High School.

Winnetka offers a wide variety of homes, from historic properties to more contemporary residences. Location within the village can also make a meaningful difference in a property's appeal.

For buyers, understanding the differences between neighborhoods—and considering lifestyle priorities such as transportation, schools, parks, shopping, and proximity to the lake—is an important part of the search. There are different grade schools that combine in 5^th grade at the Skokie School. In 7^th grade, the children attend 7^th and 8^th grade at The Carleton W. Washburne School.

For sellers, showcasing the characteristics that make a particular Winnetka home special can be critical to successful marketing.

What should I know about buying a home in Wilmette?

Wilmette offers a diverse mix of housing, from historic homes and traditional architecture to newer construction and condominiums. This is where Kathryn and Kelly grew up, working at Plaza del Lago and the Gillson Sailing Beach as teenagers.

One of the most appealing aspects of Wilmette is its variety. Buyers can find different architectural styles, lot sizes, neighborhoods, and price points while still enjoying the community's North Shore location. Wilmette boasts four “downtown areas” for shopping, dining and has the famed Gillson Beach with the Wilmette Yacht Club and Gillson Park. The Park District has every program for young children to seniors and their website is impressive.

There are separate grade schools that combine in 5^th Grade and these children attend Highcrest Middle School. In 7^th grade, the children move to Wilmette Junior High School for 7^th and 8^th grade.

When purchasing in Wilmette, we encourage buyers to look beyond the house itself and consider how the location fits their everyday lifestyle.

Why do buyers choose Kenilworth?

Kenilworth has a distinct village feel and is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and Lake Michigan setting.

Because Kenilworth is a smaller community, buyers often appreciate the neighborhood atmosphere, larger property lot size of 75 x 175 in east Kenilworth and a grade school that is Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade.

For sellers, the limited nature of available properties can also make understanding current competition particularly important. Pricing and presentation need to reflect both the individual home and what else is available to buyers at that moment.

What makes Northfield different?

Northfield appeals to buyers looking for a suburban lifestyle with beautiful residential neighborhoods, green space, and convenient access to surrounding North Shore communities. It is the home of New Trier West High School and convenient to getting to the airport or I-294 for the traveling clients.

Northfield's housing options and neighborhood characteristics can vary, making it especially important for buyers to identify what matters most to them before beginning their search. The lot sizes can be more expansive in Northfield and it offers a wide variety of housing options and rental properties.

In Northfield, children attend kindergarten to 3^rd grade at Middlefork Primary School. From grades 4^th through 8^th grade, the children go to Sunset Ridge School.

For sellers, highlighting the lifestyle associated with the property—not just the physical features of the home—can help prospective buyers understand its value.

What should I know about the Glencoe real estate market?

Glencoe is especially known for its natural beauty, lakefront setting, architecture, parks, and strong sense of community.

Glencoe homes can vary significantly in age, architectural style, lot size, and proximity to the lake or village amenities.

Children in Kindergarten through second grade attend South School. After completing 2^nd grade, the children transition to West School for grades 3^rd & 4^th. From grades 5^th through 8^th, the children are at Central School in Glencoe.

For buyers, determining which elements of the Glencoe lifestyle are most important can help narrow the search. For sellers, understanding how those same characteristics influence buyer demand can help with positioning and marketing.

We're here to help! Call us today to talk north shore school opportunities for your family or to help set up a school tour today.