I’ve been diving into the latest Zillow Home Value Index data, and the numbers tell a fascinating story about Illinois real estate. What strikes me most is how Chicago’s northern suburbs continue to dominate the luxury market landscape, with towns like Kenilworth and Winnetka maintaining their prestigious positions.
The pandemic era created a remarkable acceleration in home values across these affluent communities. Looking at the data, most of these towns have seen 30-50% growth since 2020 alone—significantly outpacing broader market gains and inflation. This suggests that Illinois’ most expensive communities remain haven assets for wealth preservation and growth.
Another fascinating pattern is the consistency at the top of the market. The same handful of North Shore communities have maintained their position as Illinois’ most expensive real estate for decades, though their relative rankings occasionally shift. This stability speaks to the enduring appeal of these locations with their blend of architectural heritage, excellent schools, and proximity to both Chicago and Lake Michigan.
19. Northfield
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $764,144
- 2020 Home Value: $569,719
- 2015 Home Value: $591,976
- 2010 Home Value: $561,028
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.13%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 29.08%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 36.20%
About Northfield
In Northfield, the median home price of $764,144 represents a significant investment opportunity with consistent appreciation. The town has demonstrated remarkable financial resilience, outpacing inflation with its 34.13% five-year growth rate. Property values here benefit from limited housing supply and the town’s strategic location near major employment centers, making it a steady performer in the Illinois luxury market.
18. Western Springs
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $765,307
- 2020 Home Value: $578,867
- 2015 Home Value: $561,526
- 2010 Home Value: $539,761
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 32.21%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 36.29%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 41.79%
About Western Springs
In Western Springs, the median home price of $765,307 demonstrates strong investment fundamentals with consistent appreciation. The town’s 41.79% fifteen-year appreciation rate showcases its long-term investment potential. Property values here benefit from excellent school districts and transportation links, positioning it as a premium market with sustainable growth prospects and limited downside risk.
17. North Barrington
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $774,924
- 2020 Home Value: $521,361
- 2015 Home Value: $561,929
- 2010 Home Value: $561,392
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 48.63%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 37.90%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 38.04%
About North Barrington
In North Barrington, the median home price of $774,924 reflects exceptional post-pandemic appreciation. The remarkable 48.63% five-year growth rate represents one of the strongest ROI metrics in the region. Property investments here benefit from larger lot sizes and exclusivity factors, creating a premium valuation that continues to attract high-net-worth buyers seeking portfolio diversification.
16. Burr Ridge
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $780,628
- 2020 Home Value: $591,750
- 2015 Home Value: $587,165
- 2010 Home Value: $606,383
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 31.92%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 32.95%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 28.74%
About Burr Ridge
In Burr Ridge, the median home price of $780,628 offers substantial capital appreciation potential. The market here demonstrates notable financial stability with a consistent 30%+ appreciation rate over multiple time horizons. Property investments benefit from the area’s growing luxury commercial developments, positioning Burr Ridge as a premium market with attractive risk-adjusted returns.
15. Kildeer
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $810,227
- 2020 Home Value: $580,327
- 2015 Home Value: $622,832
- 2010 Home Value: $597,532
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 39.62%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 30.09%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 35.60%
About Kildeer
In Kildeer, the median home price of $810,227 represents strong appreciation fundamentals. The impressive 39.62% five-year growth rate significantly outperforms many alternative investment vehicles. Property valuations here benefit from limited development potential and zoning restrictions, creating an exclusive market with substantial barriers to entry that help maintain premium pricing.
14. Mettawa
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $879,248
- 2020 Home Value: $597,912
- 2015 Home Value: $647,955
- 2010 Home Value: $597,498
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 47.05%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 35.70%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 47.16%
About Mettawa
In Mettawa, the median home price of $879,248 demonstrates exceptional investment performance. With an impressive 47.05% appreciation over just five years, this market has delivered equity growth that outpaces most financial instruments. The property market benefits from extremely low density zoning and large estates, creating scarcity value that supports premium pricing and long-term appreciation.
13. Oak Brook
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $881,438
- 2020 Home Value: $655,144
- 2015 Home Value: $667,256
- 2010 Home Value: $637,340
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.54%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 32.10%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 38.30%
About Oak Brook
In Oak Brook, the median home price of $881,438 presents compelling investment fundamentals. The consistent appreciation metrics across multiple timeframes indicate reliable capital growth potential. Property values here are supported by substantial commercial tax base advantages and corporate headquarters presence, creating a financially advantageous position for homeowners with favorable property tax ratios.
12. Wilmette
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $886,561
- 2020 Home Value: $647,065
- 2015 Home Value: $665,703
- 2010 Home Value: $640,895
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 37.01%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 33.18%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 38.33%
About Wilmette
In Wilmette, the median home price of $886,561 represents strong financial performance in the real estate sector. The 37.01% five-year appreciation substantially outpaces standard market indices. Property investment here benefits from North Shore prestige combined with relatively favorable price points compared to neighboring luxury markets, creating an attractive value proposition for high-net-worth buyers seeking appreciation potential.
11. Long Grove
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $892,463
- 2020 Home Value: $602,747
- 2015 Home Value: $652,470
- 2010 Home Value: $615,862
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 48.07%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 36.78%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 44.91%
About Long Grove
In Long Grove, the median home price of $892,463 showcases exceptional investment performance metrics. The impressive 48.07% five-year appreciation rate represents premium returns rarely matched in traditional financial instruments. Property values benefit from the town’s strict development limitations and conservation ethos, creating an exclusive enclave where limited supply continues to drive substantial price appreciation.
10. Riverwoods
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $912,707
- 2020 Home Value: $641,336
- 2015 Home Value: $696,896
- 2010 Home Value: $638,027
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 42.31%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 30.97%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 43.05%
About Riverwoods
In Riverwoods, the median home price of $912,707 demonstrates strong wealth preservation characteristics. The 42.31% five-year ROI significantly outperforms traditional investment vehicles. Property values benefit from the area’s conservation-focused development restrictions and estate-sized lots, creating an enduring value proposition that continues to attract investors seeking both lifestyle amenities and financial appreciation.
9. Barrington Hills
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $967,604
- 2020 Home Value: $692,455
- 2015 Home Value: $735,960
- 2010 Home Value: $751,793
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 39.74%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 31.48%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 28.71%
About Barrington Hills
In Barrington Hills, the median home price of $967,604 offers unique investment characteristics. The 39.74% appreciation since 2020 represents significant equity growth in a compressed timeframe. Property values benefit from the area’s strict five-acre minimum zoning requirements, creating inherent scarcity that supports premium pricing despite larger maintenance costs typically associated with estate properties.
8. South Barrington
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,054,168
- 2020 Home Value: $757,131
- 2015 Home Value: $822,587
- 2010 Home Value: $881,625
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 39.23%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 28.15%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 19.57%
About South Barrington
In South Barrington, the median home price of $1,054,168 represents substantial capital investment with strong appreciation metrics. The market here has demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebounding from post-2008 valuation challenges to deliver 39.23% returns over five years. Property values benefit from newer construction stock and larger floorplans compared to older luxury markets, attracting affluent buyers seeking modern amenities.
7. Lake Forest
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,107,412
- 2020 Home Value: $757,584
- 2015 Home Value: $861,788
- 2010 Home Value: $809,384
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 46.18%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 28.50%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 36.82%
About Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, the median home price of $1,107,412 showcases exceptional investment performance. The impressive 46.18% five-year appreciation rate represents significant wealth accumulation potential. Property investments benefit from the town’s historic architectural significance and lakefront premium, creating an enduring value proposition that consistently attracts ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking both prestige and financial returns.
6. Golf
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,131,481
- 2020 Home Value: $811,341
- 2015 Home Value: $813,022
- 2010 Home Value: $742,516
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 39.46%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 39.17%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 52.38%
About Golf
In Golf, the median home price of $1,131,481 demonstrates exceptional long-term investment performance. With a remarkable 52.38% fifteen-year appreciation rate, this market has delivered consistent wealth generation for property owners. The extraordinarily limited housing inventory in this tiny enclave creates inherent scarcity value, supporting premium pricing and making it one of Illinois’ most financially exclusive residential markets.
5. Hinsdale
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,135,879
- 2020 Home Value: $856,258
- 2015 Home Value: $910,555
- 2010 Home Value: $874,058
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 32.66%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 24.75%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 29.95%
About Hinsdale
In Hinsdale, the median home price of $1,135,879 represents substantial wealth concentration with strong hedging characteristics. Despite having the lowest appreciation rate among the top-tier markets, the financial stability and prestige of this western suburb remain unmatched. Property investments benefit from exceptional school district performance metrics and high-end commercial amenities, creating a value proposition that continues to attract affluent professionals.
4. Bannockburn
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,169,124
- 2020 Home Value: $774,178
- 2015 Home Value: $911,713
- 2010 Home Value: $859,884
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 51.02%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 28.23%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 35.96%
About Bannockburn
In Bannockburn, the median home price of $1,169,124 demonstrates extraordinary post-pandemic appreciation potential. The astonishing 51.02% five-year gain represents elite financial performance in the real estate sector. Property values benefit from the town’s extremely low-density development pattern and proximity to corporate headquarters, creating an exclusive market with substantial barriers to entry and limited supply constraints.
3. Glencoe
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,426,415
- 2020 Home Value: $926,999
- 2015 Home Value: $991,050
- 2010 Home Value: $968,244
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 53.87%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 43.93%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 47.32%
About Glencoe
In Glencoe, the median home price of $1,426,415 represents exceptional investment performance across all timeframes. The market here has delivered industry-leading 53.87% returns in just five years, dramatically outpacing both inflation and standard investment benchmarks. Property values benefit from the area’s lakefront premium and limited development options, creating a scarce asset class that continues to attract significant investment capital.
2. Winnetka
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,643,550
- 2020 Home Value: $1,088,371
- 2015 Home Value: $1,208,066
- 2010 Home Value: $1,214,230
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 51.01%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 36.05%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 35.36%
About Winnetka
In Winnetka, the median home price of $1,643,550 represents significant wealth preservation and growth potential. The impressive 51.01% five-year appreciation rate demonstrates the market’s extraordinary financial resilience. Property investments benefit from the area’s blue-chip reputation and land value premium, creating an ultra-luxury market that has consistently delivered strong returns while maintaining its position as Illinois’ second most valuable residential market.
1. Kenilworth
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $1,879,274
- 2020 Home Value: $1,217,187
- 2015 Home Value: $1,325,772
- 2010 Home Value: $1,389,417
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 54.39%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 41.75%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 35.26%
About Kenilworth
In Kenilworth, the median home price of $1,879,274 represents Illinois’ ultimate luxury real estate investment. The extraordinary 54.39% five-year appreciation rate leads all premium markets in the state. Property values benefit from the community’s unmatched exclusivity, limited housing stock, and lakefront premium positioning, creating Illinois’ most financially elite housing market with consistent demand from ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking both prestige and appreciation.
