Glencoe

Welcome to Glencoe

Lakeside community where life is elevated into luxury

Ensconced on the western shores of Lake Michigan, boarded to the north and west by more than 12,000 lush, forested acres of the Cook County Forest Preserve, the affluent village of Glencoe rests just 30 minutes away from Chicago, Illinois. This peaceful and hip area has been ranked the wealthiest in Illinois and frequently tops lists of the best places to live and the best schools.

Incorporated in 1869, the origins of Glencoe’s name remain a mystery to this day, with some favoring the narrative that it was taken after the city in Scotland, whose seal the town adopted. Since these early years, Glencoe has grown into an elegant small town with a population hovering around 9,000. It’s primarily a residential area with a central business district to meet your day-to-day needs.

Glencoe is home to an impressive array of architectural styles, including buildings and homes designed by renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, David Adler, Howard Van Doren Shaw, and George Washington Maher. From iconic Craftsman homes, Georgian Revival estates, and even Tudor-inspired single-family residences, Glencoe’s rich architectural history ensures that you can find a home perfectly suited to your aesthetic.

What to Love

• Residential vibe with access to Chicago 
• Lake beaches, forests, and tons of natural beauty
• Excellent school system
  ​​​​​​​

People and Lifestyle

Glencoe is quaint, idyllic, and well-tailored for families or anyone looking for a quiet residential life among ample outdoor recreation and away from the commotion of bigger metropolis areas. The population here is well-educated—close to 90% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. With opportunities to commute to Chicago, plenty of scenic beauty, and gorgeous historic homes, Glencoe is the place to be to build the ideal residential life.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Glencoe’s business and shopping area is outfitted to ensure you have plenty of places to choose from when it comes to stocking up on necessities and daily needs. More than that, Glencoe elevates simple, basic errands like grocery shopping into an upscale experience thanks to stores like Foodstuffs. This gourmet grocer is modeled after a European market and offers everything from exquisitely prepared foods to specialty items that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Looking for the perfect arrangement to spruce up your dining room tabletop or a romantic Valentine’s Day bouquet? The Flower Shop In Glencoe has you covered with their expertly-created floral arrangements and flowers for every occasion.

Dining out in Glencoe is always a treat—the restaurants, cafés, and eateries here pour their heart and soul into cultivating some of the finest cuisine around. For a night out, visit Guildhall and try their delicious American bistro fare. Though the environment is warm and relaxed, the food here will take your palate to the next level as you savor exceptional menu options that range from lobster fra diavolo to gourmet grilled cheese with gruyere and caramelized onions. For a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, grab some impeccably-roasted coffee at Hometown Coffee & Juice. This friendly café offers sandwiches, soups, salads, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies, all made with ethically-sourced ingredients.

Things to Do

In Glencoe, there’s ample opportunity to slow down and enjoy the beauty of life. Whether by seeing a lovely performance and experiencing the fine arts, taking the kids to the park, or wandering the stunning natural scenery in gardens and woods, Glencoe will always remind you to take the time to find happiness.

Glencoe is home to the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is set on 385 acres on and around nine islands. Featuring 27 gardens—including the world-renowned Bonsai Collection—and four natural areas, as well as six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Chicago Botanic Garden is where you’ll want to spend days exploring. Head to Glencoe Beach for plentiful outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, sand volleyball, swimming, sail boating, jogging, and biking. If you prefer to stay inland, visit Friends Park—which is perfect for children—or Phil Thomas Park.

Theatre enthusiasts will fall in love with the Writers Theatre, where the shows are innovative, intimate, and absolutely captivating. This venue hosts performances for over 60,000 guests every season, drawing in patrons from all over the nation with its famed excellence.

Schools

Glencoe is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• New Trier Township High School, 10-12, highly-rated public high school
• North Shore Country Day School, PK-12, one of the top private schools in Illinois
  ​​​​​​​