Lake Bluff

Just 35 minutes north of Chicago, homes for sale in Lake Bluff, Illinois offer amazing features like multiple beds and baths, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and walk-in closets

---

The right home can mean a better quality of life overall, and for you, that perfect home may just be in Lake Bluff, Illinois. This lakeside community with a rustic vibe boasts magnificent views of Lake Michigan and tons of high-end homes that exude timeless elegance. Located just 35 miles north of Chicago, Lake Bluff has the peace and tranquil atmosphere that most homeowners long for, along with the convenience of living near big city amenities.

Find out if one of the homes for sale in Lake Bluff, IL has your name on it. Allow me, Jane Lee, a long-time broker and Realtor in Lake Bluff, IL, to tell you more about this charming community, and why it deserves to be the next place you call home.

 

WELCOME TO LAKE BLUFF, ILLINOIS!

The small town of Lake Bluff, IL is a quiet community within Lake County boasting a relaxed atmosphere. It is bordered by Naval Station Great Lakes to the north, Libertyville to the west, Lake Forest to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east. With the town surrounded by nature, anyone looking for peace and quiet can find what they are looking for in homes for sale in Lake Bluff, IL.

Despite its secluded feel, Lake Bluff is close enough to some of Illinois’ larger cities to ensure everything you need is within reach. North Chicago is 5 miles south, Libertyville is 5.7 miles west, and Chicago is 35 miles south.

Lake Bluff history

The area now known as Lake Bluff began life as a military highway in the early 1800s. The first German immigrants – John and Catherine Cloes – saw potential in the area, opening a blacksmith shop near the road.

Soon after, other immigrants began farming the surrounding lands, and a railroad station was built in 1885 to facilitate the movement of goods between Chicago and Green Bay. Back then, the area was called Rockland, with the town center comprising a post office, a general store, a small school, and church.

Lake Bluff was incorporated as a village in September 1895, with its first proper school opening around the same time. A brick railroad station was constructed in 1904, along with the Village Hall the following year. Growth and development soon followed with the development of new businesses and residential areas after the second World War, transforming Lake Bluff into a full-fledged suburb.

The beautiful natural setting provided by Lake Michigan ensured the development of Lake Bluff as a prime location for luxury waterfront living.

What Lake Bluff is known for

Lake Bluff has a tight-knit and supportive atmosphere where neighbors regularly hold get-togethers for everyone to get involved in.

The village got its name from the area’s prominent ridge that runs through the town’s entire eastern Lake Michigan shore. It is home to a thriving local music scene, courtesy of the Bluffinia Concert Festival that occurs every Sunday of summer at the Village Green. The 4th of July Parade, the town’s nationally recognized annual celebration, is another highly anticipated event, as is the Easter Egg Hunt that provides tons of family-friendly fun for kids of all ages

Some of the biggest industries in the area are healthcare, education, real estate, finance, government, transportation, and trade. The diverse range of industries delivers excellent career prospects for anyone looking to move here.

HOMES FOR SALE IN LAKE BLUFF, IL

Lake Bluff offers residents a charming rural atmosphere even if it’s situated just a few miles from the state’s largest city. Many of the homes for sale in Lake Bluff, IL date back to the late 1800s, featuring a wide array of classic architecture from the humble Cottage and Craftsman styles to the more glamorous aesthetics of Victorian and Queen Anne. The area has plenty of modern builds as well, typically featuring Traditional or Revival styles.

The price of homes for sale in Lake Bluff, IL can range from the low six figures for 2-bedroom bungalows, to tens of millions of dollars for sprawling waterfront mansions. Luxury homes in the Lake Bluff, IL real estate market typically start at more than a million dollars. $

Many of the available homes consist of 1- to 2-story single-family homes, with a good selection of 1-bedroom apartments that might suit young professionals who work in the city or empty nesters who want to stay close to family.

The Lake Bluff, IL real estate market is somewhat competitive, so expect other buyers to gun for geographically desirable properties close to the waterfront, along main roads, or major facilities like train stations.

If you want to learn more about the particulars of the community, allow a licensed broker and Realtor in Lake Bluff, IL like me, Jane Lee and my team to accommodate your inquiries.

LIVING IN LAKE BLUFF, IL

Explore Lake Bluff’s charming mom-and-pop shops

---

With a growing reputation as one of the best places to live in Illinois, it’s easy to see why the Lake Bluff, Il real estate market is attracting a lot of attention from luxury home buyers across the country.

Beautiful natural surroundings, quiet neighborhoods, a rich history, a charming downtown area with mom and pop shops, and a distinct local culture – these are just a few of the qualities that make houses for sale in Lake Bluff, IL some of the most sought after properties in the state.

Get to know what life would be like in Lake Bluff, IL.

Getting around

Homes for sale in Lake Bluff, IL are easy to get to, thanks to major State Routes IL Rt 176 (Rockland Road) and IL Rt 43 (Waukegan Road). Both roads run through the town’s two business parks, boosting the community’s accessibility.

Metra’s Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line makes a stop in Lake Bluff. The station lies on the intersection of Sheridan Road and East Scranton Avenue, near the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. The train also has a station just outside of the town’s northern boundary at Sheridan Road, the Great Lakes station. Both stations are also served by the 563 Bus, which provides weekday service between Downtown Waukegan and Rosalind Franklin University Clinics in North Chicago.

The nearest international airport is the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, roughly 26 miles away. There are also two local airports within 20 miles: Waukegan National Airport 10 miles to the north and Chicago Executive Airport 19 miles to the south.

Rideshare services are also widely available in Lake Bluff, including Blacklane, Curb, Lyft, and Uber. Traditional taxi cabs may also be hailed on the street or contacted directly for pickup.

Schools

Parents with school-age children will enjoy the excellent public schools in Lake Bluff including Lake Bluff Elementary (K to 5), Lake Bluff Middle (6 to 8), and Lake Forest High (9 to 12). All of these schools are highly rated in school-rating websites such as Niche and GreatSchools.

Options include the private schools Safe Haven School Lake Bluff (4 to 12) and Forest Bluff School (pre-K to 8).

Lake Forest College, which is two miles away, provides scholarships worth up to $36,000 annually. It is also one of the most affordable colleges in the Chicago area. Other options for higher education include Trinity International University and College of Lake County, located six miles and 10 miles from Lake Bluff, respectively.

Dining

You’re never too far away from a delicious meal in Lake Bluff. The town is packed with excellent restaurants so you’ll have plenty of options. Here are a few of Lake Bluff’s top restaurants:

• Inovasi is a modern restaurant bringing a fresh approach to its North Shore cuisine. Locally sourced ingredients go into their best-selling soups, salads, sandwiches, and seafood with a few international flavorings thrown in. Think yuzu, French cheeses, and an Italian chocolate dessert. Enjoy the warm, chic setting that immediately puts guests in a relaxed state of mind. Inovasi also has a rooftop garden where you can enjoy food and drinks when the season permits.

• Maevery Public House is an upscale vintage-style restaurant that serves American comfort food with a twist. Top dishes such as deviled eggs, brisket, and roasted pork guarantee you’ll be back for more. More than the food, Maevery is especially popular for its craft cocktails that are as eye-catching as they are delicious.

• The Silo is practically a Lake Bluff landmark. Opened in 1968, the long-running pizza place is a must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in the North Shore culture. Starting with the now famous deep dish pizza, The Silo now serves other specialty pizzas, as well as a long list of mouthwatering stuffed potatoes and sugary delights.

Shopping

Shopping in Lake Bluff, Illinois offers a charming, small-town experience with a focus on local businesses and unique finds. The village’s historic downtown area is home to a variety of boutiques, specialty stores, and small businesses that provide a personalized shopping experience. You’ll find stores offering home decor, gifts, antiques, clothing, and gourmet foods.

The Lake Bluff Artisan Guild supports local arts and crafts, while the Lake Forest Book Store, a long-running independent shop, provides a physical place for bookworms to browse in peace. Additionally, there are quaint cafes and restaurants where shoppers can enjoy a meal or a coffee.

From summer to early fall, the Lake Bluff Farmers Market provides locals with an array of the freshest produce, baked goods, and local crafts. The market has been around for over 30 years, opening every Friday morning. Aside from the products, it also has live music and entertainment.

For more extensive shopping options, residents often visit nearby towns like Lake Forest or larger retail centers like the Deer Park Town Center, just a short drive away. Overall, shopping in Lake Bluff offers a relaxed, community-focused experience with a unique selection of goods.

Outdoor recreation

Lake Michigan and its natural surroundings provide Lake Bluff with an almost inexhaustible list of year-round outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking are just a few of what those who want to live a life of endless adventure can look forward to.

• Sunrise Beach. Captivating experiences await on Sunrise Beach’s uncrowded shoreline, where visitors can have a relaxing recline under the sun or wade into the cool and calm waters of Lake Michigan. Practically a hidden gem, Sunrise Beach’s simplicity and seclusion is what makes it a winner. Away from the crowd that flock to Lake Michigan’s more popular beaches, visitors can freely enjoy the guarded swimming beaches, covered picnic shelters, fireplaces and grills, and kayaks for rent. The beach charges a fee for non-Lake Bluff residents.

• Oriole Grove Trail. This 86-acre natural preserve, which locals call Jensen Woods, lies on the border of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. It boasts 1.35 miles of grass trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Biking, however, is not allowed. Like Sunrise Beach, it’s relatively crowd-free even in summer. Visitors can bring their pets as long as they are leashed, cleaned after, and kept on the trail at all times.

• Skokie Valley Bikeway. This 25-mile paved rail-trail offers beautiful scenery and plenty of shade so you can pedal to your heart’s content anytime of day. It’s a shared-use path, so expect to see joggers, walkers, skateboarders, and personal transporter commuters along the route with you.

Arts and culture

Lake Bluff is an upscale suburb with a rich historical and cultural heritage. If you want to know about its storied past, get to know local artists, or listen to some homegrown music, Lake Bluff’s local arts and culture scene has something that caters to your interests and passions.

• Lake Bluff History Museum is where the community’s story truly comes alive. Founded in 1982 through the efforts of two dedicated educators – social studies teacher Kathleen O’hara and District librarian Janet Nelson – the museum seeks to preserve, share, and celebrate significant past events that helped shape the Lake Bluff community. A vast collection of exhibits, catalogs, and memorabilia helps visitors understand and appreciate Lake Bluff’s place in American history.

• Artists on the Bluff is a collective comprising local and regional artists that include sculptors, painters, photographers, and multimedia masters. Situated within the Lake Bluff train station, Artists on the Bluff is the community’s major arts institution that holds regular exhibits showcasing the work of its members. The gallery also serves as a gathering place for artists to build connections and foster collaborations.

Nightlife

Lake Bluff doesn’t really have a pub scene to speak of, but it does have a handful of bars on Rockland Road where locals can enjoy a drink, chat with neighbors, and enjoy live music on particular nights. Here are three of Lake Bluff’s best haunts:

• Lake Bluff Brewing Company may be small by brewery standards, but this community beer hall boasts award-winning beer while showcasing the work of local artists. A rotating beer menu provides customers with a wider variety of brews to try.

• Bratski’s is a popular sports bar where patrons can enjoy their drink and their game with classic bar chow such as wings, burgers, fries, and more.

• Donelli’s Pub and Eatery is known for elevating home-cooked meals to mouthwatering delights. This family-owned pub offers almost everything from homemade pizzas to crispy salads and a long list of meat sandwiches. Live music is also on the menu every Tuesday night.

FIND YOUR HOME IN LAKE BLUFF, IL WITH BROKER AND REALTOR JANE LEE

As a prominent Realtor in Lake Bluff, IL associated with RE/MAX, I have helped numerous luxury home buyers find success in their real estate transactions.

Whether buying or selling, you can rely on me, Janet Lee, and my team to put experience and local knowledge to work for you. My accomplishments include receiving the RE/MAX Circle of Legends Award, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, and RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction Award.

Every award recognizes my ability to deliver exceptional results for my clients. Call 847.295.0800 or send me an email to begin exploring the desirable houses for sale in Lake Bluff, IL today!

View Properties for Lake Bluff