Welcome to Glencoe
The lifestyle, the journey, the legacy
Luxurious homes and breathtaking lake views await you in the village of Glencoe. The dense Cook County Forest Preserve and several golf courses separate the village from its neighbors to the north and west. This reinforces the exclusive and secluded feel of the town. The downtown area was designed to be the hub of activity, with the remainder of the land designated for parks and residential neighborhoods. This plan has enabled Glencoe to remain the quiet oasis it was intended to be.
Founded in 1869, Glencoe still has many historic structures, some of which were designed by well-known architects. The third-largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright structures can be found in Glencoe. Most of the town’s houses have been in place for a long, though there are some newly built homes. All else being equal, you are more likely to find an older home that has been updated than a new build. Houses in Glencoe are also more likely to have a slightly larger lot size.
What to Love
- Outstanding school system
- Ability to commute to Chicago
- Beautiful and peaceful surroundings
Local Lifestyle
Glencoe is a small village of just under 9,000 people. Locals have access to several nearby parks and a delightful beach with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Mature trees and the sounds of nature envelop the town: it is like living in a gated community without any gates. On any given day, you will see people walking their dogs or riding their bicycles. Some residents join bicycle groups and ride the trails around town.
Downtown has a mixture of restaurants and boutiques, but it is not congested or hectic. The village has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, and the community is welcoming. There are community events, but no pressure to constantly stay busy. Glencoe is a place where everyone knows everyone else. Some families have been living here for generations. Families are attracted to Glencoe by the highly-rated school system and activities for children. Others are enchanted by the scenic landscape and tranquil lifestyle afforded here. The commute to Chicago is not overly burdensome; the Metra train gets to the city in roughly 45 minutes. It is a small tradeoff to live in this vacation-like setting.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Foodstuffs is a small casual deli that serves tasty gourmet dishes. Order a sandwich, seafood, soup, or salad to dine in or carry out — you will not be disappointed. The light and airy surroundings and big windows welcome you into Guildhall, and the American cuisine and attentive service keep you coming back. The wood tones, fireplace, and earthy decor give Valor a charming old-world meets new type of feel. This American bistro serves the most delicious popcorn cauliflower appetizer. Frank & Betsie’s offers European and American cuisine. The restaurant resembles a sophisticated French bistro with white linen tablecloths and flower centerpieces. Their mouthwatering dishes will have you returning for more.
In addition to dining, downtown Glencoe has a variety of specialty shops. Valentina carries women’s fashions and accessories. The boutique has stylish items and a very caring and helpful staff ready to assist you. Hudson Grace is a cozy downtown boutique with select modern home decor and signature pieces. Their staff will guide you whether you need a serving set for entertaining or a gift for a friend.
Things to Do
The annual Winter Solstice Parade, Holiday Skate, and Independence Day Celebration are a few community events Glencoe Park District plans throughout the year. Idyllic Glencoe Beach has everything you want: swimming, boat rental, playground, picnic area, and a concession stand. The lake looks massive, like the ocean, from this vantage point, and on a clear day, you can see Chicago from here.
Friends Park is a play area for children featuring safety surfaces to prevent injury. There is a play train, slide, swings, and objects to climb. The Chicago Botanic Garden is truly mesmerizing. It sits on 385 acres and is visited by over a million people yearly. There are 28 distinct gardens and several natural areas. While they are all beautiful, the 17-acre Japanese Garden, with its three islands and serene waterscapes, is spectacular.
Schools
Glencoe is in School District 35. Students attend local grade schools and then the highly acclaimed New Trier Township school for their high school years.
