Welcome to Winnetka
Welcome to the arbored streets, colorful downtown, and golden sands of Lake Michigan’s shore.
A village in the truest sense of the word, Winnetka is a vibrant community steeped in tradition that deeply appreciates its classic beauty. The residents of Winnetka are connected and civil-minded, meaning that here, the best is always just around the corner as the village works to improve its amenities, preserve its heritage, and maintain its charismatic small-town spirit.
Winnetka was incorporated in 1869 and has blossomed into a warm, family-friendly village that’s even been named among the best places to live by top reporting outlets such as CNN. Just 20 miles from the urban excitement of Chicago, Winnetka is both a convenience and a respite, with commuters able to dash to-and-fro while those seeking a quieter lifestyle can stay in its sheltered boundaries.
The Village of Winnetka is rich in historic architecture, and this extends to its residential real estate. It has retained many of the original estates of the affluent residents who shaped this shorelined town. Sprawling mansions, waterfront estates, wooded acres with mature landscaping saturate Winnetka in sophistication. With a variety of architectural design, you’ll encounter everything from the stately English Tudor to French manor and red brick colonial with new custom homes and swanky condos throughout.
What to Love
- Under an hour north of Chicago and only 30 minutes from the Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport
- Top-ranked schools, including several among the top 10 in the state
- Strong family values and sense of community
Local Lifestyle
Classic and classy to its core, Winnetka is the kind of village in which friendly faces populate the residential streets, and your favorite local shops all know you by name. Incredible recreational facilities and a picturesque landscape create the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, and families will love the wonderful schools and suburban feel.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Winnetka’s adorable downtown district lies along Green Bay Road and boasts a hearty collection of local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you want to pick up the latest fashion trends at Bunny and Babe or peruse the home goods and furniture at Material Possessions, a day shopping in downtown Winnetka is a day full of high-quality wares.
Dining in Winnetka runs the gamut from gourmet, artisanal sandwiches at Stacked and Folded, the new French hot-spot, Pomeroy. The area is also well-known for its exquisite Italian fare, including the effortlessly chic Mino’s.
Another beloved institution, Tocco combines the flair of Italian design and fashion with the country’s fresh flavors for an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's owner, Bruno Abate, was even born and raised in Italy and brought his passion to Tocco’s table through carefully curated menus and interior design.
Things to Do
Winnetka’s heart for fostering a strong community bond is seen through the presence of the village’s many local events, some of which bring in visitors from all over the Chicago Metropolitan area. The annual Winnetka Music Festival, for instance, is sponsored by ValsList and showcases musicians across all genres in addition to food from local vendors and great drinks.The Winnetka Children’s Fair has been running for more than 70 years, a charity event produced by the Winnetka Community Nursery School. For decades, kids and families have been coming together for a celebration that includes rides, games, food, animals, and more at this treasured event.When they’re not celebrating, the residents of Winnetka are out making use of the area’s abundant natural scenery, park spaces, and lake activities. Tower Road Beach serves up endless summertime fun with swimming opportunities and an on-beach playground, and the Village Green park provides several acres of lush lawn and playspaces.
Schools
Winnetka is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Crow Island Elementary School, PK & 1-4, highly rated public elementary school featuring gorgeous historic architecture
- New Trier Township High School (East Campus), 10-12, highly rated senior public high school, ranked #9 in the state
- North Shore Country Day School, PK & K-12, highly rated private school ranked #3 in the state
