Welcome to Northfield
The comfortable, gracious village where nature enthusiasts and luxury lovers find complete harmony
Tucked slightly inland from the beaches of Lake Michigan between the Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka, and Glenview, the charming village of Northfield is a halcyon of tree-lined streets and an easy, small-town lifestyle. Known as the “comfortable corner of the northeast,” Northfield is all about relaxation and keeping things laid-back.
Originally incorporated in 1926 under a different name, Northfield developed largely as a railway stop for those going to and from the Chicago area. At just 2.5 square miles in size, this tiny town packs a suburban punch despite the fact that it’s conveniently intersected major arteries such as Edens Expressway and Willow Road.
Local architectural design spans the centuries in Northfield, and there are a great number of mid-century and historic homes available that reflect a myriad of popular styles throughout the 1900s. Colonial mansions dripping with grandeur, spacious country homes of the 1940s, and massive, multimillion-dollar estates aren’t uncommon in Northfield, with one particular allure to the area being the feeling of privacy that comes from tree-sheltered driveways and large lots.
What to Love
- Residential homes zoned for acreage minimums
- Equestrian-friendly lots and homes with stable amenities
- Only 20 minutes from Chicago via I-94 W
Local Lifestyle
From the bike paths that meander into the Skokie Lagoons and the Erickson Woods to the on-site home pastures for horses, Northfield is a great place for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. The community is strong here and highly invested in the betterment of the town. There are plentiful local events and a great sense of pride in supporting independent businesses.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
As with many small towns and suburbs of Chicago, local is king in Northfield. The commercial areas of the village are populated with niche specialty shops, lovely cafes, restaurants, and upscale boutiques that never fail to dazzle. Community-driven gyms like Shred help residents keep up with a healthy lifestyle and meet their fitness goals, while luxe shops like
Peachtree Place are stocked with gifts in a wide range of categories, including home décor and jewelry.
There’s no shortage of dining in Northfield, either, whether that means driving through busier highways for national-chain brands or making a special occasion out of a meal at one of the irresistible local restaurants.
Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe is the expert on all things dessert, and their menu expands out to include savory breakfast and lunch items as well as bread and coffees. Buzzy and ever-alive with activity, The Happ Inn Bar and Grill is an unbeatable community gathering spot, particularly considering that their wide range of dishes will be appetizing to nearly any palate. And for a world-class Chicago hot dog, no one can beat U Dawg U.
Things to Do
With natural scenery abundant in green space and well-manicured lawns, it’s no surprise that some of Northfield’s greatest attractions are its parks. Clarkson Park, for instance, offers residents ice skating in the winter and a summer water splash pad in the warmer months.The park is additionally the venue for many of the town’s events, including the weekly Market & Music held during July and August. This much-anticipated affair brings folks together for a community market, local food vendors, fresh produce from in-town farms, games for the kids, great beer and drinks, and an evening concert.Northfield is big on celebrations, and that extends into holidays. The Fourth of July Bike Parade kicks off the month with a bang, and in September, the town’s annual Northfield State Fair and Ribfest combines live music with food and beverages from Stormy’s Tavern and Grill. The evening is finished with a spectacular fireworks display.
Schools
Northfield is home to a number of excellent schools. Northfield includes the Sunset Ridge School District, a highly rated public school system that serves grades PK & K-8. The new Sunset Ridge was completed in 2017 and most notable for their LEED-certified architecture. Other top educational opportunities include:
- Sunset Ridge School District: a highly ranked LEED-certified school
- New Trier Northfield Campus (freshman only campus) is a highly rated public high school for freshman only
- Hyde Park Day School, 1-8, highly rated private school
