Vernon Hills
A lovely Chicago suburb that perfectly blends cozy small-town charm with an investor-friendly atmosphere – this is Vernon Hills, IL. From the exciting things to do in this village to the various real estate options, here’s everything you’ll want to know about Vernon Hills, IL.Table of Contents
Welcome To Vernon Hills, IL!
Just 35 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago, Vernon Hills is a vibrant village in Lake County, Illinois that has a lot to offer. Incorporated in 1958, it has grown from a small rural community into a thriving suburb with a population of almost 27,000 (2022 US Census stats). With easy access to the Windy City and the scenic beauty of the countryside, Vernon Hills is the perfect place to find your new home or investment. This village repeatedly ranks as one of the best places to live in Illinois, and for good reason. Vernon Hills, IL boasts gorgeous homes for sale, excellent schools, plenty of green spaces and recreational opportunities, a low crime rate, and a thriving business district.
History
While Vernon Hills has experienced major growth and development over the last several decades, the area’s history stretches back much further. The land that is now Vernon Hills was first home to Native American tribes like the Potawatomi and Menominee. By the 19th century, Vernon Hills was dominated by vast farms, established by pioneers like W. D. Coon and Theodore Mills. The arrival of the Soo Line Railroad in 1885 further bolstered the agricultural industry, allowing farmers to efficiently transport their crops. For nearly a century, Vernon Hills remained a quiet haven dedicated to agriculture. It wasn’t until 1958 that the village was officially incorporated and adopted the name, “Vernon Hills” – a nod to its location near the historic Vernon Township. The following years saw rapid growth and development as the village transformed from a rural farming community into a thriving suburban area. Today, Vernon Hills is a bustling, affluent suburb that’s home to both major corporations and families drawn to its excellent quality of life. While maintaining its roots, the village has embraced smart growth and modern amenities to become one of the premier suburbs in the Chicago area.Nearby communities
Surrounding Vernon Hills are other villages and towns with their respective charms and vibe.- LIBERTYVILLE. Situated north of Vernon Hills, this village boasts a vibrant downtown area and scenic parks and trails that wind along the Des Plaines River.
- MUNDELEIN. A cultural hub situated northwest of Vernon Hills, this town has several colorful events like the Mundelein Arts Festival. It’s also home to the University of St. Mary of the Lake, a prestigious educational institution that dates back to the 19th century.
- METTAWA. This small village east of Vernon Hills is known for its equestrian estates and scenic trails.
- LINCOLNSHIRE. Lying southeast of Vernon Hills, this upscale community boasts high-end shopping destinations, fine dining establishments, and the renowned Marriott Resort.
- LONG GROVE. This “Village of Unbridled Charm” is a historic town located southwest of Vernon Hills. Its downtown area is lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the 19th century.
Real Estate in Vernon Hills
The Vernon Hills, IL real estate market has been consistently active in the past three years, driven by its strong, business-friendly atmosphere, attractive housing options, and strategic location. Median prices of homes for sale in Vernon Hills, IL during this period range from roughly $400,000 to almost half a million dollars, with properties on the upper end of the price spectrum going as high as $1.9 million. Vernon Hills, IL has a diverse range of homes for sale including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments. A majority of residences you’ll find here (63%) were built between the 70s and just before the turn of the new millennium, followed by relatively new construction (32.1%), built between 2000 and the present.
Top neighborhoods in Vernon Hills
GREGG’S LANDING
Located just off Gregg’s Parkway, Gregg’s Landing is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Vernon Hills. This lakefront community surrounds several man-made lakes and features winding streets lined with large, upscale homes. The large properties in Gregg’s Landing showcase a variety of impressive architectural styles from stately traditional brick manors to sleek contemporary designs with floor-to-ceiling windows. Many homes have premier lakefront locations with docks and breathtaking water views. The grounds are immaculately landscaped throughout the neighborhood.LIBERTYVILLE RIDGE
Tucked away in a quiet, natural setting, Libertyville Ridge offers a serene and private atmosphere. This neighborhood has a distinct woodsy, park-like feel with mature trees lining the streets and walking paths winding through preserved natural areas and ponds. Residents may often see wildlife like deer, birds, and other creatures endemic to the area. While Libertyville Ridge feels secluded, it’s quite conveniently located near shopping venues, major routes, parks, and other amenities that Vernon Hills has to offer. The subdivision has its own neighborhood parks and playgrounds, as well. Residents enjoy scenic views as their backyards border greenbelts, forests, or ponds.DEERPATH
Nature lovers flock to the Deerpath neighborhood thanks to its proximity to the Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. Residents could easily walk or bike from their homes to this scenic 165-acre park. Even within the neighborhood itself, greenbelts, parks, ponds, and trees create the feeling of being surrounded by nature. In addition to all the outdoor recreation opportunities, Deerpath is convenient for shopping at Westfield Hawthorn Mall, the Vernon Hills Metra station, and the Village Golf Course. The subdivision has a pleasant aesthetic with a variety of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos spread throughout its winding streets and cul-de-sacs.DOUBLETREE/CANTERBURY FIELDS
This upscale neighborhood boasts spacious luxury homes with at least four bedrooms and well-maintained yards. This is one community where almost all of the homes were built from 1970 to 1999, making it a well-established community where families have taken root and raised their children together. Safe and peaceful, the area boasts a strong sense of community where neighbors are almost like family members who look after one another.PRAIRIE VIEW
If you’re looking for diversity, then the neighborhood of Prairie View is right along your alley. Both the properties and the residents have diverse backgrounds, with more housing options from single-family homes to condos and townhomes. As for the residents, you’ll have a variety of nationalities for neighbors, including the large Asian population residing in this neighborhood. With the bustling Milwaukee Avenue flanking its east side, residents gain easy access to the various dining, retail, and business options there. Parks, playgrounds, and good schools are also in the area, so families with kids will love the family-friendly vibe.Living in Vernon Hills
Getting around
While Vernon Hills offers a suburban feel, it’s conveniently close to the excitement of Chicago. If you’re thinking about commuting to the city, it would only take you less than an hour. Getting in and around by car is easy since it’s well connected to the metro’s main thoroughfares.- I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway – This east-west tollway offers a direct route into Chicago’s downtown area.
- I-290 Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway – This north-south expressway connects Vernon Hills to the western suburbs of Chicago and eventually meets with I-90 further south.
- Edens Expressway (I-94) – Another east-west route, I-94 provides a scenic journey along the North Shore with connections to Chicago’s lakefront.
Corporate hubs
Vernon Hills is a great place to live in but it’s also transforming into an emerging regional corporate center with several business parks in the area. Economic development is one of the village’s major thrusts and it has been lauded for its business-friendly initiatives. That’s why several major corporations have set up headquarters in Vernon Hills, including Hapag-Lloyd, Rustoleum, Brake Parts Inc., and Mitsubishi Electric Automation. Other companies like Cole Parmer, CDK Global, and American Hotel Register Company also have offices here. Most of these corporate entities are located in Vernon Hills’ dedicated business and commercial parks like Westbrook Corporate Center, Continental Executive Park, Hawthorn Hills Square, and Rivertree Court. Other companies may be found along major road corridors like Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road. Thanks to Vernon Hills’ strong corporate base, residents of Vernon Hills and surrounding areas enjoy significant tax revenues and employment opportunities. These incentives are also responsible for the heightened demand for Vernon Hills, IL real estate.Shopping
HAWTHORN MALL
This iconic shopping center is a Vernon Hills landmark. Anchored by major department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, Hawthorn Mall boasts a vast selection of popular apparel brands, trendy accessories shops, and electronics stores. Plus, there’s a tempting array of restaurants and cafes where one may refuel after a shopping spree.MELLODY FARM
Mellody Farm offers a charming alternative to expansive malls. This open-air center features a delightful collection of specialty stores, from independent boutiques showcasing unique clothing and homeware to artisan shops brimming with locally made crafts and gifts. Foodies will love the gourmet grocery stores and trendy cafes lining the walkways.Dining
GARDEN BERRY CAFE
Located on the village’s eastern portion, this quaint cafe has become a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. The all-day menu features comfort food staples like pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh ingredients. With friendly service and reasonable prices, Garden Berry Cafe is the perfect spot for a casual meal.CITY WORKS EATERY AND POUR HOUSE
This lively gastropub offers a menu filled with American favorites with a gourmet twist. Their portions are generous, and they have a great selection of burgers, pizzas, and salads with a twist. City Works also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, perfect for parents to enjoy while the kids savor their meals.PEQUOD’S
Living so close to the Windy City, you’ll have a plethora of pizza joints to choose from. But the standard for good pies here is Pequod’s. Established in 1971, Pequod’s is a Chicago institution, renowned for its legendary deep-dish pizzas. Drop by the original location at Morton Grove, which is just 20 minutes away from Vernon Hills.Parks and outdoor attractions
LAKE CHARLES PARK
This 20-acre park features a scenic lake surrounded by walking trails and greenery. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of Vernon Hills, with a gazebo, fishing pier, and playground, all of which make it an ideal spot for a picnic or just relaxing by the lakeside. The park also hosts summer concerts and events on the lawn.CENTURY PARK ARBORETUM
Visit this 4-acre public garden for a breath of fresh air and a horticultural experience. It showcases over 100 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers arranged in beautiful themed gardens. Wander along the winding paths, stop to admire the waterfall and pond, or catch outdoor concerts during the summer months. The arboretum also offers educational tours and programs.HALF DAY FOREST PRESERVE
As one of the largest forest preserves in Lake County, Half Day offers a true escape into nature. It features 3,700 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, prairies, oak woodlands, and savannas. A highlight is the 109-acre Half Day Lake, a prime spot for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The preserve has over 30 miles of trails winding through various landscapes. Popular routes include the 2-mile Inland Trail which circles Half Day Lake and the 4-mile Rolling Ridge Trail which passes through woodlands and prairie remnants. Equestrians may explore the trails on horseback, as well.Arts and culture
CUNEO MANSION AND GARDENS
This historic 1920s mansion was once the home of the wealthy Cuneo family. Today, it operates as a museum and events venue surrounded by picturesque gardens. Tour the lavish 37-room palazzo and check their calendar for outdoor theater productions and other cultural events held on the grounds.MARRIOTT THEATRE
Just up the road in Lincolnshire is one of the largest and most celebrated musical theater companies in the nation. The Marriott Theatre produces Broadway-quality musicals, plays, and comedies year-round. It’s an ideal spot for a night out enjoying top-notch professional theater.THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Renowned as one of the world’s great art museums, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for arts and culture lovers. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, just a 45-minute drive from Vernon Hills, the Art Institute houses an astonishing collection of over 300,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of artistic expression.Explore Homes For Sale in Vernon Hills, IL with Jane Lee
Navigating the real estate market of Vernon Hills, IL becomes a breeze when you have a reliable local expert helping you out in your endeavor. Let me, top Northern Illinois Realtor Jane Lee, be that expert. With over three decades of experience in the Vernon Hills real estate market, I have an in-depth understanding of the area’s diverse neighborhoods and housing options. Together with the rest of The Jane Lee Team, we take pride in providing personalized service and guidance to our clients throughout the entire home-buying process. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor, we’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs and find the perfect Vernon Hills property to match your lifestyle and budget. Get in touch with us today to start exploring the wonderful homes for sale in Vernon Hills, IL. Give us a call at 847.295.0800 or send a message here.View Properties for Vernon Hills