Suburb Spotlight: Northbrook Illinois Real Estate
It's time for another chapter in our Suburb Spotlight series! So far we've been all over the northern suburbs, highlighting lively communities like Arlington Heights, Glenview and Highland Park. Next up is Northbrook, Illinois. If you're looking for a blend of excellent schools and a welcoming community, Northbrook Illinois is well worth your consideration. Join us as we explore why Northbrook ranks as a top place to live by detailing its educational accolades, robust local economy and strong community atmosphere — all delivered in an inviting, suburban package.
Key Takeaways
Northbrook, IL offers a robust educational system with top-tier elementary schools like Greenbriar Elementary and secondary schools like Glenbrook North High School, that emphasize comprehensive learning and critical thinking.
With a diverse economy propelled by over 3,000 businesses, Northbrook supports a strong service industry and benefits from active engagement by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce.
A rich cultural scene with community events, accessibility to various recreational areas, efficient public services and the commitment to nature conservation underscore the high quality of life in Northbrook.
Northbrook's Educational Landscape
Northbrook Illinois School District 30
The Northbrook area is served by five unique elementary school districts:
District 27
District 28
District 30
District 31
Consolidated School District 21
Each high school district brings its unique flair to the educational landscape of public schools, enriching the learning experience for kids all throughout Northbrook Illinois.
The village of Northbrook simplifies the process of locating a property’s school district with a convenient "Know Your Neighborhood" tool. This resource is just one example of how Northbrook is committed to making education accessible and convenient for its residents.
Elementary Excellence
With a total of 39 public elementary schools, Northbrook, IL offers plenty of options when it comes to early education. Each school consistently delivers a high standard of education, providing a solid foundation for the children in the area. The schools are organized into districts, each with its unique set of schools. For instance, District 27 includes Hickory Point, Shabonee and Wood Oaks, while District 28 serves the northeast area with Meadowbrook, Greenbriar and Westmoor schools.
Greenbriar Elementary School is among the most sought after schools, with exceptional features such as:
A student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1
Wholesome learning environment for its 361 enrolled students
An early childhood program offered by District 28. A testament to Northbrook’s commitment to catering to the diverse needs of its youngest scholars.
Secondary School Success
As students transition from junior high, they are welcomed into Glenbrook North High School. Serving over 2,100 students, the school offers an enriched curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, exploration and independence.
Glenbrook North extends beyond textbooks and exams, fostering innovative educational programs such as the advanced honor research program and the INCubator class. These initiatives allow students to engage in independent learning and tackle real-life problems.
Investments in modernized learning environments and professional teacher development underline the school’s commitment to providing top-quality education. With a whopping 96% graduation rate and a majority of teachers holding advanced degrees, Glenbrook North High School underscores Northbrook’s commitment to high educational standards.
Higher Learning Hubs
Aerial view of Oakton Community College
Continuing education and degree programs are within reach for Northbrook residents, thanks to Oakton Community College. The college offers a variety of associate degrees and is an excellent stepping stone toward a four-year degree or a career.
For those who prefer online learning, Franklin University has more than 50 online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Elmhurst University — located just a short distance from Northbrook — also boasts a variety of educational opportunities. Offering a range of on-campus bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — with some also available online — Elmhurst University opens up a world of opportunities for Northbrook residents.
Economic Pulse of Northbrook
Entrance to Northbrook Court shopping mall
At the heart of Northbrook’s thriving economy is the service industry. Some key sectors include:
Professional services
Healthcare
Administration
Retail
Manufacturing businesses
Northbrook’s economic landscape is quite diverse. Northbrook hosts over 3,000 businesses, generating more than 45,000 jobs collectively. The Northbrook Chamber of Commerce plays an instrumental role in facilitating economic development, offering a variety of programs and services, including monthly networking programs and professional development opportunities.
Cultural Fabric of Northbrook
Residents enjoying Northbrook’s Fourth of July parade
A vibrant community like Northbrook is naturally teeming with cultural diversity. Throughout the year, Northbrook hosts a range of community events, such as:
The patriotic 4th of July parade
The Northbrook Grand Prix
Illuminate Northbrook for holiday festivities
Cultural fairs celebrating diversity
The renowned Northbrook Days festival
These events not only entertain but also bring the community together, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. Institutions like the Northbrook Public Library and the Northbrook Historical Society are also known for creating a sense of community as they both provide a wealth of programs for residents of all ages.
Adding a musical note to this cultural symphony is the Northbrook Symphony. If you're looking for even more, additional attractions, such as the Kohl Children’s Museum and the Chicago Botanic Garden, are just a short drive away.
Recreational Offerings and Natural Beauty
Couple taking a walk in Northbrook’s River Nature Trail
Northbrook’s commitment to environmental sustainability has helped it become recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1994. This commitment is evident in the village’s various environmental initiatives, such as the Earth Day Recycling Extravaganza, which educates residents on sustainability and supports the village’s Climate Action Plan.
For those who love the great outdoors, the Northbrook Park District is a treasure trove of recreational opportunities. It offers exceptional services and manages local parks and facilities, ensuring residents have plenty of options to stay active. Future plans include extending the Skokie Valley Bicycle Trail, further enriching the recreational options in Northbrook.
The River Trail Nature Center also deserves a shoutout, providing residents with opportunities to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.
Governance and Public Services
The government of Northbrook is based on the council-manager form. The village government comprises a Village President, a six-member Board of Trustees and the Village Clerk, all working together to serve the community.
In the U.S. Congress, Northbrook residents of Cook County are represented by Jan Schakowsky in the 9th District and Brad Schneider in the 10th District, while Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth serve as U.S. Senators.
The village government fosters community engagement through events like the State of the Village address and education meeting, where the Village President reflects on past achievements, outlines future objectives and discusses the outcome of any close referendum.
Commuting in Northbrook
Northbrook offers a variety of convenient commuting options, including:
The Metra train system’s Milwaukee District North (MD-N) Line, which connects Northbrook to Chicago with over 25 daily trips.
Pace Bus, which provides several routes through the village.
Northbrook is also well-connected by:
Major highways such as I-94, Federal Highway 41, State Highways 43 and 68, and I-294. All of which facilitate easy access to the village
Commuter parking lots that are accessible 24/7 with a daily fee of just $1 for daily commuters
Air travel, being just 17 miles from O’Hare International Airport. Other airports like Midway and Chicago Executive are also within driving distance.
Northbrook's Commitment to Community
The spirit of community is at the heart of Northbrook. This is reflected in its diverse religious institutions, including:
The Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago
Christian congregations
Jewish congregations
Muslim congregations
Hindu congregations
Residents use media outlets such as WGBK radio station, NCTV Cable Channel 17 and the Northbrook Star and Northbrook Herald newspapers to stay informed about local events and news. Northbrook also hosts numerous community-building events, fostering a strong sense of community and enhancing neighborhood ties.
Perhaps most impressively, Northbrook has a sister city relationship with Diegem, Belgium, a bond that has promoted cultural exchange and global community connections since 1966.
Wrapping Up
From its educational excellence and economic opportunities to its cultural diversity and recreational offerings, Northbrook truly is a charming village with a heart. Its strong commitment to community, environmental sustainability and quality of life makes it a wonderful place to live, work and play.
If you're looking for a place to call home in Northbrook Illinois, feel free to give me a call at 773-415-4500 or visit my contact page. My years of experience in the real estate industry can help you navigate the Northbrook real estate market with ease.