Thinking about trading your Chicago walk-up for a North Shore backyard? You are not alone. Many city families look to Highland Park for a steadier commute, more green space, and a close-knit, lakefront lifestyle. In this guide, you will get a clear picture of commute options, housing styles, parks and culture, everyday conveniences, and a step-by-step plan to find the right fit. You will also see how a curated tour can save time and stress. Let’s dive in.
Highland Park gives you a practical mix of convenience and breathing room. You have commuter rail access to downtown, several driving routes, and everyday errands close by. The housing stock is diverse, from classic single-family homes to townhomes and newer builds. Lakefront access, trails, parks, and cultural events create a weekend rhythm that many families use year round.
The Metra Union Pacific North line serves Highland Park with multiple stations, including the main Highland Park stop and Ravinia. Trains run frequently on weekdays, with more options during peak periods, and regular service on weekends. Door-to-downtown times typically run about 35 to 60 minutes depending on express or local trains. If you plan to ride often, look into station parking permits, bike rules, and schedule alerts, and remember that festival nights can bring heavier ridership.
If you drive, your primary routes are I-94 and US-41/Skokie Highway. Non-peak trips to downtown can be 30 to 45 minutes. Rush hours often push travel to 45 to 75 minutes or more, especially with construction, weather, or event traffic. Budget for downtown parking and tolls, and consider park-and-ride at Metra if that simplifies your morning.
Pace suburban buses offer local and limited regional connections. Seasonal shuttles support Ravinia Festival nights. For active commuters, the Green Bay Trail and neighborhood sidewalks support biking and walking, though weather and distance matter. Metra allows bikes on certain trains, so check current rules before you plan a two-wheeled commute.
O’Hare and Midway are reachable by car via I-94 and I-294, with travel times that vary. Public transit requires transfers, often a mix of Metra, CTA or Pace, and rideshare. If you fly often, proximity to the interstates and consistent rideshare availability can be helpful.
You will find many early twentieth century homes along with Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles on tree-lined streets. These homes often offer established lots and mature landscaping. If you want character and charm, this is where you start.
There are mid-century modern and ranch homes throughout Highland Park. Many offer a chance to renovate or expand. If you want to customize, plan for inspections, system updates, and a renovation budget.
Infill new construction and gut-renovations are common, providing modern layouts while preserving neighborhood character. Downtown and near-transit areas include condos and townhomes for lower-maintenance living. These options are popular with families who value walkable errands and less yard work.
Lake-adjacent areas and estate pockets tend to have larger lots and, in some cases, lake access. Interior neighborhoods usually feature moderate North Shore lots that work well for play space and gardens. Include property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance in your budget, and check flood zone considerations if you are shopping near the lake.
Highland Park’s public lakefront and beaches are a standout. Families often time their routines around summer beach days and seasonal activities. Before you go, check seasonal rules for parking, hours, and lifeguard coverage.
You can access a network of community parks and nearby Lake County Forest Preserves. The Green Bay Trail runs north-south and is popular for walking, running, and cycling. Nature programming and interpretive trails support year-round outdoor learning.
The Ravinia Festival shapes the summer calendar with family-friendly performances and evening concerts. Downtown and neighborhood districts host markets and seasonal events that keep weekends lively. On show nights, expect extra traffic and heavier transit use.
You will find a mix of supermarkets, specialty food shops, bakeries, and seasonal farmers markets in and near downtown. Larger retail centers are a short drive for bigger errands. Many families prioritize walkable essentials and quick highway access for the rest.
NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Highland Park Hospital provides local emergency and routine care. Regional hospitals and specialists are accessible across the North Shore and Chicago. If you have children, map pediatric care and urgent care locations before you move.
Daycare availability varies and early outreach is wise, especially for infants and toddlers. Youth sports, music and arts classes, swim lessons, and after-school options are available through parks and private providers. Popular programs can fill quickly, so plan ahead.
Beth starts with a focused intake, confirming your commute preferences, must-have features, budget and timeline, and family logistics. She aligns on renovation tolerance and car count so parking and garage needs are clear. Pre-approval helps position you for on- and off-market opportunities.
You receive a curated list of 8 to 12 properties that match your top priorities. Each listing includes commute notes to stations and downtown, proximity to parks and groceries, and a one-line summary of why it fits. This keeps tours efficient and on target.
For additional options, Beth leverages a local network to access pocket opportunities where appropriate. Outreach follows MLS and licensing rules and presents you as a qualified, flexible buyer. This can surface homes before they go public.
Tours are sequenced to reduce drive time and include a Metra station stop to test your commute. If you have kids, Beth adds a playground break near a favorite listing so you can see how the neighborhood feels. For Ravinia-focused buyers, she can time an evening visit or provide visuals of event-night logistics.
If you need flexibility, Beth offers video walk-throughs, drone views of larger lots, and recorded commute segments. After tours, you get pricing context, recent sales, and a clear offer plan. Inspections and due diligence are organized quickly.
Ready to start? Connect with Beth Alberts to design a Highland Park tour that reflects your commute, home style, and day-to-day life.
Compass
1866 2nd Street, #100A
Highland Park, IL 60035
Beth Alberts