Highland Park

Scenic greens and serene waters – Highland Park, IL from above

Highland Park, IL, is a superb place to call home, offering a perfect blend of elegance, community, and cultural richness. The town is renowned for its picturesque neighborhoods, scenic lakefront, and top-rated schools, making it an attractive choice for families. Highland Park boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with theaters, galleries, and cultural events contributing to a lively atmosphere. The town’s commitment to green spaces, including beautiful parks and access to Lake Michigan, provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Highland Park’s charming downtown, filled with boutique shops and diverse dining options, enhances its appeal as a welcoming community. With excellent schools, cultural amenities, and a commitment to preserving natural beauty, Highland Park stands out as a great place to live, offering a high quality of life in an aesthetically pleasing and community-oriented environment.

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Homes for sale in Highland Park, IL

Located along Lake Michigan’s scenic North Shore, Highland Park captures the hearts of visitors and residents alike with its picturesque lakefront, vibrant downtown area, and rich cultural scene. A quick 25-mile drive from Chicago, this welcoming suburb proves that you don’t have to choose between peaceful living and urban energy.

Read on to learn more about Highland Park and what it has to offer.

HOMES FOR SALE IN HIGHLAND PARK, IL

Highland Park has earned its reputation as one of Chicago’s most desirable suburbs, and it’s not hard to see why. With its tree-lined streets, lakefront properties, and historic charm, the town stands out as a prime location for homebuyers seeking both luxury and character.

While its North Shore neighbors like Glencoe and Lake Forest are known for their prestige, Highland Park offers more house and value for your money. The schools are excellent, the commute to Chicago is manageable, and there’s always something happening in town.

Property types

What makes house-hunting in Highland Park, IL interesting is the variety. The city’s housing stock is diverse, featuring everything from historic houses for sale to brand-new construction. Single-family homes, in particular, dominate Highland Park’s landscape with properties ranging from charming mid-century ranch houses to grand estates on multi-acre lots.

Many of the homes for sale in Highland Park, IL combine timeless charm with convenience. Hardwood floors, intricate moldings, expansive bay windows, and other architectural details are preserved while integrating modern kitchens, smart home technology, and energy-efficient designs during interior upgrades.

Those seeking a more urban or low-maintenance lifestyle will find a selection of townhouses and condominiums in convenient locations near Downtown Highland Park, IL. New developments and custom homes for sale continue to emerge all over the city as well, complete with open floor plans, large windows for natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.

Architectural styles

Highland Park’s real estate market also stands out for its architectural diversity. Akin to living in a museum of architectural styles, the city is home to Grand Victorian mansions, elegant Georgian Revival homes, and Prairie-style residences. Striking modern homes have also found their place here. More recently, the new construction homes in Highland Park have leaned toward modern farmhouse designs, contemporary estates, and custom luxury properties that incorporate sustainable features and spa-like amenities.

Top neighborhoods/subdivisions

Highland Park has a variety of neighborhoods that will match your vision of home. Some of them are just steps away from Downtown’s restaurants and boutiques while others give you sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

• Located in the southern part of Highland Park, Braeside is known for its tree-lined streets and diverse architectural styles. From Tudor homes to mid-century modern properties, the historic homes here give it a timeless charm that’s hard to find these days. Despite its quiet, small-town feel, you’re still just minutes from great restaurants and shops.

• Sheridan Road Corridor is home to some of the most coveted properties north of Chicago. These showstoppers boast stunning views of Lake Michigan, with private beaches that allow you to start your day with a peaceful walk along the shore.

• In the heart of the city is Highland Park Estates, a spacious neighborhood that appeals to growing families. The homes here sit on generous lots and provide the perfect venue for backyard gatherings or that garden you’ve always wanted to plant. Highland Park Estates’ central location allows your kids to bike to school; plus, you’re never far from everything in town.

• The Ravinia District is full of creative energy, especially during its namesake festival season. Here, you’ll find cozy cafes, independent boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in town. This neighborhood has a charming, village-like feel, where locals gather for live music, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year.

• Tucked away on Highland Park’s west side, Hybernia feels like a world of its own. The high-end homes here are designed to live in harmony with the surrounding landscape of ponds and wetlands. The views of the restored prairie grasses and native wildflowers are just a few of the features that make this neighborhood so distinctive.

LIVING IN HIGHLAND PARK

Education

When it comes to education in southeastern Lake County, the schools in Highland Park are second to none. Both public and private schools here are highly rated, well-rounded, and enriching. Highland Park is primarily served by North Shore School District 112 for elementary and middle schools and Township High School District 113 for high school students.

North Shore School District 112 offers high-quality education for K-8 students. The district includes eight elementary schools and two middle schools, all known for having strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities. The district also goes beyond the basics by offering innovative programs like STEM education, dual-language learning, and hands-on enrichment activities.

These are the schools in North Shore School District 112:

• Braeside Elementary School
• Indian Trail Elementary School
• Ravinia Elementary School
• Red Oak Elementary School
• Sherwood Elementary School
• Wayne Thomas Elementary School
• Edgewood Middle School
• Northwood Middle School
• Oak Terrace Elementary School

At the high school level, Township High School District 113 serves students in Highland Park and the village of Deerfield. The district includes Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School, both consistently ranked among Illinois’ top-performing schools. Apart from its wide range of AP and honors courses, Township High School District 112 also has a diverse selection of extracurriculars, from award-winning arts and music programs to competitive athletics.

Getting around

Highland Park offers extensive transportation options that connect residents to Chicago and the rest of the North Shore. The city’s infrastructure supports a variety of travel needs, from daily commutes to weekend outings.

• PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Metra Union Pacific North Line serves Highland Park through four stations: Highland Park, Ravinia, Braeside, and Fort Sheridan. To reach Downtown Chicago, it only takes around 40 minutes to get there via train. Residents may also get around via the Pace Suburban Bus, which serves the Chicago metropolitan area and its surrounding suburbs.

• ROAD NETWORK: U.S. Route 41 runs through Highland Park, linking it to Downtown Chicago and other North Shore communities. The nearby Edens Expressway (I-94) also offers another quick and major route to Downtown Chicago.

• CYCLING AND WALKING PATHS: Highland Park is bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling routes and multi-use trails. The Green Bay Trail, which runs through the city, is a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians. The city’s tree-lined streets, lakefront paths, and parks make walking a pleasant and practical option, especially in Downtown Highland Park and the Ravinia District.

• AIR TRAVEL: For longer trips, O’Hare International Airport is about 18 miles away and has both domestic and international flights. Chicago Midway Airport is another option, approximately 30 miles south. Private and charter flights are also available at Chicago Executive Airport in nearby Wheeling.

Dining and shopping

Highland Park offers a vibrant dining and shopping scene. Whether you’re craving casual comfort food or looking to explore unique shops, the city’s diverse restaurant and retail options cater to every taste.

• LOCAL RESTAURANTS: Highland Park’s dining scene is full of local restaurants, upscale eateries, and international cuisine. Bluegrass Restaurant is one local favorite, serving Cajun and American fare with fresh seafood and slow-cooked barbecue. For Italian cuisine, Viaggio is well-known for its classic Italian dishes and extensive wine list. Abigail’s American Bistro is another standout because of its seasonal farm-to-table cuisine.

• CASUAL DINING AND BARS: For a more laid-back dining experience, Michael’s Hot Dog Stand has been a Highland Park institution since 1978 with its Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and fries. Madame ZuZu’s, a vegan café and tea house owned by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, offers an eclectic menu of plant-based dishes and loose-leaf teas.

• GROCERY STORES AND SPECIALTY MARKETS: Highland Park offers convenient grocery shopping options with a variety of national chains and specialty stores. Locally-owned grocer Sunset Foods has high-quality meats, fresh produce, and gourmet selections while national chains Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods Market provide a wide range of pantry staples and organic products.

• SHOPPING: Downtown Highland Park is a walkable shopping district with a mix of boutiques, high-end retailers, and home décor stores. Some of the local shopping options include Central Boutique, Rock N Rags, The Guild, and the Style Shack. For everyday shopping, residents head to retail complex Port Clinton Square.

• FARMERS’ MARKETS: Highland Park’s Ravinia Farmers Market is a long-standing community event held every Wednesday from June to October at Jens Jensen Park. Shoppers usually find fresh produce, artisan bread, homemade jams, and handcrafted goods here, all sourced from local farmers and vendors.

Parks and recreational activities

Life in Highland Park revolves around its stunning natural landscape, from pristine lakefront to sprawling parklands. With more than 700 acres of green space and direct access to Lake Michigan, residents find endless ways to stay active outdoors, whether it’s hitting the trails, cycling through the city, or spending a day on the water.

• ROSEWOOD BEACH: One of Highland Park’s most beloved outdoor destinations, Rosewood Beach is an award-winning, eco-friendly beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach’s nature center brings the local ecosystem to life through engaging educational programs that showcase Lake Michigan’s wildlife and ongoing conservation work.

• SUNSET WOODS PARK: This 38-acre recreational hub at the heart of Highland Park features sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, walking paths, and two expansive playgrounds, including a new inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. The park is a popular spot for picnics, community events, and family outings. In the winter, residents enjoy sledding down the park’s hills.

• HELLER NATURE CENTER: For those who love hiking and wildlife exploration, Heller Nature Center offers 97 acres of preserved natural areas that include woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. The park has several miles of walking trails that offer plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The center also hosts outdoor education programs, nature camps, and environmental workshops.

• DANNY CUNNIFF PARK: One of the most sports-focused parks in Highland Park, Danny Cunniff Park is home to soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and a fitness trail. The park’s walking and biking paths connect to Highland Park’s larger trail system.

• NORTH SHORE YACHT CLUB: This club has been an institution of Highland Park’s maritime community since 1935. Located along Lake Michigan’s scenic shoreline, it welcomes members of all skill levels and offers everything from beginner kayaking lessons to advanced sailing certification.

• GOLFING: Highland Park, IL, is home to several prestigious golf clubs that offer top-tier courses, excellent amenities, and a strong golfing community. Established in 1896, Exmoor Country Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Midwest. Another premier golfing destination is Northmoor Country Club, a private, member-owned club featuring 27 holes of beautifully landscaped fairways. Sunset Valley Golf Club, on the other hand, is open to the public and is known for its rolling fairways and state-of-the-art clubhouse.

• RECREATION CENTER OF HIGHLAND PARK: Keeping the community active all year long, this modern facility houses everything fitness enthusiasts need, from a comprehensive weight room to an indoor pool complex. The recreation center’s full-size gymnasium hosts pickup basketball games and various sports programs while its dedicated studios offer group exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, and strength training.

Attractions and events

Highland Park has long been a haven for creatives, musicians, and architecture enthusiasts. From the world-class performances at the Ravinia Festival to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes that dot the city, Highland Park is a community that values culture, history, and innovation.

• HISTORICAL LANDMARKS: Highland Park’s architectural legacy shines brightest through its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces. The Ward W. Willits House, which was completed in 1902, represents Wright’s first true Prairie-style home. The Mary M.W. Adams House features low, hipped roofs and deep eaves while the George Madison and Alice Millard House features Wright’s signature horizontal lines and open interior spaces.

• THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK: A cultural cornerstone since 1960, Highland Park’s own art center offers an array of exhibitions, art classes, and workshops for all ages. Visitors may explore contemporary artworks in its galleries or participate in hands-on sessions ranging from painting to ceramics.

• RAVINIA BREWING COMPANY: When it comes to craft beers and beverages, this brewery is the city’s go-to spot. Its signature beers like the Food Truck Pilsner and Baldwin Porter pay homage to local landmarks while their seasonal offerings keep beer enthusiasts coming back.

• RAVINIA FESTIVAL: As North America’s oldest outdoor music feast, the Ravinia Festival has been a staple in Highland Park’s cultural scene since 1904. Held from June to September, this long-standing summer festival transforms the 36-acre Ravinia Park into a magical concert venue where world-class performers take the stage.

• BITTER JESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL: This summer-long battle of the bands has become a launching pad for emerging musicians across the Midwest. Featuring genres from indie rock to jazz fusion, the Bitter Jester Music Festival has weekly performances that culminate in a grand finale on the 4th of July.

• PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL: For one weekend every August, Downtown Highland Park turns into an outdoor gallery that features works from over 260 of the country’s finest artists. Celebrating over four decades of artistic excellence, this renowned event fills the streets with an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, photography, and craftwork.

EXPLORE THE HOMES FOR SALE IN HIGHLAND PARK, IL

From its architectural treasures to its vibrant arts scene, Highland Park offers a lifestyle that balances sophistication with small-town charm. Whether you’re strolling through the city’s many parks, enjoying a summer evening at Ravinia, or just taking in the beautiful lakefront views, you’ll understand why so many choose to call Highland Park home.

When it comes to finding your dream home for sale in Highland Park, IL, you deserve to work with the best in the business. With over 31 years of experience, unmatched market expertise, and a track record of over $285 million in sales in 2024 alone, our Highland Park, IL real estate agents at the Jane Lee Team are committed to helping you buy or sell with confidence.

Reach out to us today at 847.295.0800 or send an email.