I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the most expensive towns in Illinois based on home values. The results showcase some fascinating trends in the luxury real estate market across the state, particularly in Chicago’s North Shore and western suburbs.
What struck me most about this data is the remarkable resilience of these high-end markets. Despite economic fluctuations over the past 15 years, all 25 towns have seen significant appreciation. The most dramatic growth occurred between 2020-2025, likely influenced by pandemic-driven migration patterns and historically low interest rates that fueled unprecedented demand in affluent suburbs.
I was particularly surprised to see that even among these elite communities, there’s a vast disparity in home values. The gap between #25 Hawthorn Woods and #1 Kenilworth is over $1.18 million, highlighting the extreme stratification within Illinois’s luxury market. This analysis provides a window into how wealth concentration manifests geographically across the Chicago metropolitan area.
25. Hawthorn Woods
- 2025: $667,999
- 2020: $463,461
- 2015: $476,301
- 2010: $437,363
- Change 2010-2025: 52.7%
- Change 2015-2025: 40.2%
- Change 2020-2025: 44.1%
Hawthorn Woods has experienced a remarkable trajectory in the luxury home market, with values soaring from $437,363 in 2010 to $667,999 in 2025. I’ve observed that this Lake County community has shown particularly impressive growth since 2020, with a striking 44.1% increase in just five years. Nestled in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Hawthorn Woods is known for its spacious lots and rural atmosphere while still offering convenient access to major employment centers. This combination of tranquility and accessibility has clearly fueled its steady climb among Illinois’s most desirable places to live.
24. Lincolnshire
- 2025: $671,706
- 2020: $481,545
- 2015: $504,309
- 2010: $421,104
- Change 2010-2025: 59.5%
- Change 2015-2025: 33.2%
- Change 2020-2025: 39.5%
The growth story of Lincolnshire continues to impress me, with property values climbing steadily from $421,104 in 2010 to $671,706 in 2025, representing a robust 59.5% appreciation over fifteen years. The market showed an interesting dip between 2015 and 2020 before surging forward with nearly 40% growth in the last five years. Located in Lake County along the Des Plaines River, Lincolnshire blends corporate prestige with residential exclusivity, hosting several Fortune 500 company headquarters while maintaining its reputation for excellent schools. This perfect balance has clearly contributed to its sustained appeal for affluent homebuyers.
23. Highland Park
- 2025: $680,969
- 2020: $464,213
- 2015: $499,024
- 2010: $408,677
- Change 2010-2025: 66.6%
- Change 2015-2025: 36.5%
- Change 2020-2025: 46.7%
Highland Park’s journey through the real estate cycles has culminated in a stunning 66.6% increase in home values from 2010 to 2025, the highest long-term growth rate among the lower half of our ranking. I find it fascinating that after a slight cooling period from 2015-2020, the market rebounded dramatically with a 46.7% surge in the following five years. This historic North Shore community, perched on scenic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, combines architectural significance with cultural amenities including Ravinia Festival, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The town’s blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, and proximity to Chicago continues to command premium prices.
22. Deer Park
- 2025: $682,061
- 2020: $481,165
- 2015: $493,387
- 2010: $447,473
- Change 2010-2025: 52.4%
- Change 2015-2025: 38.2%
- Change 2020-2025: 41.8%
Deer Park presents an interesting case study in suburban luxury, with home values climbing from $447,473 in 2010 to $682,061 in 2025, yielding a healthy 52.4% growth rate. What catches my attention is the market correction between 2015-2020 before rebounding with a strong 41.8% growth in the post-pandemic era. Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, straddling Lake and Cook counties, Deer Park combines upscale shopping at its namesake outdoor mall with large residential lots featuring custom homes. The village’s commitment to preserving natural areas while offering proximity to corporate corridors has clearly resonated with affluent buyers seeking a balance of luxury and tranquility.
21. Wayne
- 2025: $690,887
- 2020: $477,949
- 2015: $464,135
- 2010: $455,556
- Change 2010-2025: 51.7%
- Change 2015-2025: 48.9%
- Change 2020-2025: 44.6%
Wayne’s ascent in the luxury market has been notably consistent, with values steadily climbing from $455,556 in 2010 to $690,887 in 2025. The village displayed remarkable resilience during the 2010-2015 period when many communities struggled, and then accelerated growth with nearly 49% appreciation over the following decade. Straddling DuPage and Kane counties, Wayne is renowned for its equestrian heritage and strict zoning ordinances that preserve its rural character. The town’s dedication to maintaining five-acre minimum lot sizes and extensive bridle paths has created an exclusive enclave that continues to attract wealthy homebuyers seeking privacy and connection to nature without sacrificing proximity to Chicago.
20. Inverness
- 2025: $716,956
- 2020: $522,082
- 2015: $541,310
- 2010: $534,683
- Change 2010-2025: 34.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 32.4%
- Change 2020-2025: 37.3%
Inverness tells a unique story of stability followed by accelerated growth, with home values moving from $534,683 in 2010 to $716,956 in 2025. I find it intriguing that after maintaining relatively flat values through 2015, and even experiencing a slight decline to 2020, the market surged forward by 37.3% in the most recent five-year period. Situated in the northwest suburbs of Cook County, Inverness is distinguished by its rolling hills, winding roads, and custom-built homes on large wooded lots. The village’s careful planning, which has preserved its country estate ambiance while providing easy access to Metra commuter rail and major highways, continues to attract discerning buyers seeking exclusivity without isolation.
19. Western Springs
- 2025: $736,158
- 2020: $558,096
- 2015: $543,602
- 2010: $491,250
- Change 2010-2025: 49.9%
- Change 2015-2025: 35.4%
- Change 2020-2025: 31.9%
Western Springs has demonstrated impressive momentum over fifteen years, with property values increasing from $491,250 in 2010 to $736,158 in 2025, representing a nearly 50% appreciation. The growth pattern shows a relatively modest increase from 2010-2015, followed by stronger and more consistent growth in the decade since. Located in western Cook County, Western Springs combines historical charm with contemporary amenities, featuring tree-lined streets with well-preserved Victorian homes alongside newer luxury constructions. The village’s exceptional schools, walkable downtown, convenient Metra access, and strong community spirit have made it increasingly attractive to affluent professionals seeking a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to downtown Chicago.
18. Northfield
- 2025: $737,058
- 2020: $549,911
- 2015: $567,929
- 2010: $502,814
- Change 2010-2025: 46.6%
- Change 2015-2025: 29.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 34.0%
Northfield’s real estate journey reveals a pattern of steady long-term growth with occasional market corrections, as values climbed from $502,814 in 2010 to $737,058 in 2025. I note that the market experienced a slight contraction between 2015-2020 before rebounding strongly with 34% growth in the latest five-year period. Part of Chicago’s prestigious North Shore, Northfield occupies a prime location between Winnetka and Glenview, offering larger lots and newer construction than some of its historic neighbors. The village’s excellent schools, proximity to the Edens Expressway and Metra stations, and access to exclusive country clubs have maintained its appeal to wealthy families seeking spacious homes in a prestigious address with slightly more attainable price points than its immediate neighbors.
17. North Barrington
- 2025: $752,834
- 2020: $512,579
- 2015: $550,788
- 2010: $518,931
- Change 2010-2025: 45.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 36.7%
- Change 2020-2025: 46.9%
North Barrington presents a fascinating cycle of market fluctuations followed by explosive growth, with home values rising from $518,931 in 2010 to $752,834 in 2025. The data reveals an interesting pattern – modest growth from 2010-2015, then a significant decline through 2020, followed by a remarkable 46.9% surge in the most recent five years. Located in the southwest corner of Lake County, this exclusive community features expansive estates on densely wooded lots, many surrounding the private Biltmore Country Club and its championship golf course. North Barrington’s commitment to environmental preservation, with strict conservation easements and a rural atmosphere, has increasingly attracted wealthy buyers seeking refuge from urban density while maintaining access to Chicago’s amenities.
16. Burr Ridge
- 2025: $763,524
- 2020: $581,541
- 2015: $575,471
- 2010: $562,020
- Change 2010-2025: 35.9%
- Change 2015-2025: 32.7%
- Change 2020-2025: 31.3%
Burr Ridge demonstrates remarkable stability with steady appreciation, as values rose from $562,020 in 2010 to $763,524 in 2025. What strikes me about this market is the minimal growth from 2010-2015, followed by continued steady appreciation that accelerated most notably after 2020. Straddling the Cook and DuPage county line, Burr Ridge combines convenient access to major highways and corporate headquarters with secluded luxury neighborhoods. The village’s mix of established estates and newer high-end developments, along with its proximity to Argonne National Laboratory and upscale shopping, has maintained its appeal to executives and professionals seeking a prestigious address with shorter commutes than some of Chicago’s northern suburbs.
15. Kildeer
- 2025: $782,957
- 2020: $563,445
- 2015: $602,908
- 2010: $547,237
- Change 2010-2025: 43.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 29.9%
- Change 2020-2025: 39.0%
Kildeer’s path to luxury status has featured distinct market cycles, with home values growing from $547,237 in 2010 to $782,957 in 2025. The pattern shows healthy growth through 2015, followed by a notable correction through 2020, then a strong 39% rebound in the post-pandemic market. This southern Lake County village, established relatively recently in 1958, has developed into a community of exclusive subdivisions featuring custom homes on large lots. Kildeer’s strategic location near the Deer Park shopping center and corporate headquarters along Lake Cook Road, coupled with its highly-rated schools and strict architectural standards, has cemented its reputation as a destination for affluent families seeking prestige and privacy within a manageable commute to Chicago.
14. Oak Brook
- 2025: $849,092
- 2020: $635,812
- 2015: $640,592
- 2010: $588,183
- Change 2010-2025: 44.4%
- Change 2015-2025: 32.5%
- Change 2020-2025: 33.5%
Oak Brook’s evolution tells a compelling story of consistent long-term appreciation, with property values increasing from $588,183 in 2010 to $849,092 in 2025. A closer look reveals strong early growth, a slight plateau from 2015-2020, and then renewed momentum with a 33.5% increase over the most recent five years. This prestigious DuPage County community, home to the headquarters of several major corporations and the upscale Oakbrook Center mall, offers an unusual blend of commercial prominence and residential exclusivity. Oak Brook’s large estates, often featuring unique architectural designs on expansive lots, along with its lack of property tax (funded instead by sales tax revenue), have long attracted business leaders and wealthy families seeking both luxury and convenience in Chicago’s western suburbs.
13. Wilmette
- 2025: $852,382
- 2020: $624,072
- 2015: $646,956
- 2010: $582,173
- Change 2010-2025: 46.4%
- Change 2015-2025: 31.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 36.6%
Wilmette exemplifies the enduring appeal of Chicago’s North Shore, with home values rising steadily from $582,173 in 2010 to $852,382 in 2025. I notice an interesting pattern of growth through 2015, a slight market correction through 2020, followed by robust 36.6% appreciation in the last five years. Bordered by Lake Michigan and featuring diverse architectural styles from historic to contemporary, Wilmette combines natural beauty with cultural richness and educational excellence. The village’s renowned schools, beautiful beaches, and charming downtown with direct access to Chicago via Metra and the Edens Expressway have consistently attracted affluent professionals and families, making it one of the North Shore’s most sought-after communities despite being slightly more accessible than some of its ultra-exclusive neighbors.
12. Mettawa
- 2025: $863,493
- 2020: $595,148
- 2015: $641,549
- 2010: $571,391
- Change 2010-2025: 51.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 34.6%
- Change 2020-2025: 45.1%
Mettawa’s trajectory showcases dramatic growth punctuated by market cycles, with home values increasing from $571,391 in 2010 to $863,493 in 2025. The village experienced healthy appreciation through 2015, followed by a notable downturn through 2020, before staging an impressive 45.1% recovery in the most recent five years. This tiny Lake County village, with fewer than 600 residents, has preserved its rural character despite being surrounded by suburban development and corporate campuses. Mettawa’s five-acre minimum lot sizes, extensive forest preserves, and strict conservation ordinances have created an exclusive enclave for wealthy residents seeking an equestrian lifestyle and natural surroundings while maintaining proximity to both O’Hare Airport and Chicago’s northern suburbs.
11. Long Grove
- 2025: $863,548
- 2020: $590,217
- 2015: $636,501
- 2010: $569,372
- Change 2010-2025: 51.7%
- Change 2015-2025: 35.7%
- Change 2020-2025: 46.3%
Long Grove has charted an impressive course through changing market conditions, with property values climbing from $569,372 in 2010 to $863,548 in 2025. The growth pattern reveals steady appreciation through 2015, a noticeable dip through 2020, followed by explosive 46.3% growth in the post-pandemic years. Located in southwest Lake County, this historic village has maintained its distinctive character through careful preservation of its covered bridge, pre-Civil War buildings, and annual festivals celebrating its rural heritage. Long Grove’s commitment to conservation, with strict requirements for open space preservation in new developments, has created an atmosphere of rustic elegance that continues to attract affluent buyers seeking spacious custom homes on wooded lots while enjoying proximity to excellent schools and major employment centers.
10. Riverwoods
- 2025: $886,054
- 2020: $634,680
- 2015: $686,639
- 2010: $578,869
- Change 2010-2025: 53.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 29.0%
- Change 2020-2025: 39.6%
Riverwoods illustrates a fascinating pattern of wealth accumulation, with home values surging from $578,869 in 2010 to $886,054 in 2025. The data reveals substantial early growth, followed by a market correction through 2020, and then an impressive 39.6% rebound in the subsequent five-year period. This southern Lake County village distinguishes itself through devotion to environmental preservation, with homes nestled among dense woodlands along the Des Plaines River. The community’s commitment to maintaining its natural setting, with strict tree preservation ordinances and half-acre minimum lot sizes, has created a haven for nature lovers seeking seclusion without sacrificing convenience to corporate headquarters along Lake Cook Road and the I-294 corridor.
9. Barrington Hills
- 2025: $955,907
- 2020: $681,662
- 2015: $722,339
- 2010: $725,764
- Change 2010-2025: 31.7%
- Change 2015-2025: 32.3%
- Change 2020-2025: 40.2%
Barrington Hills represents a unique case study in luxury real estate resilience, with values experiencing a complex journey from $725,764 in 2010 to $955,907 in 2025. The data reveals an unusual pattern – a slight decline through 2015 that continued through 2020, followed by dramatic 40.2% growth in the most recent five years. Spanning parts of Cook, Lake, Kane, and McHenry counties, this expansive community is distinguished by its five-acre minimum lot sizes, extensive equestrian facilities, and preservation of natural landscapes. The village’s commitment to maintaining its rural character through strict zoning, combined with its renowned schools and proximity to corporate corridors, has helped it recover strongly from earlier market challenges to reclaim its position among Chicago’s most prestigious addresses.
8. South Barrington
- 2025: $1,031,891
- 2020: $739,991
- 2015: $801,114
- 2010: $816,998
- Change 2010-2025: 26.3%
- Change 2015-2025: 28.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 39.4%
South Barrington’s path into the million-dollar club tells a story of recovery and renewal, with home values starting at $816,998 in 2010, experiencing a decline through 2020, and then surging to $1,031,891 by 2025. This northwest Cook County village represents one of the more volatile luxury markets in our analysis, with the lowest 15-year appreciation rate at 26.3%, but showing remarkable resilience with nearly 40% growth in the most recent five years. Known for its exclusive gated communities featuring expansive mansions on large lots, South Barrington combines prestige with practical amenities including the upscale Arboretum shopping center and convenient access to major highways. The community’s blend of luxury, security, and excellent schools continues to attract wealthy families seeking impressive homes in a suburban setting with strong investment potential.
7. Golf
- 2025: $1,077,738
- 2020: $779,343
- 2015: $788,604
- 2010: $662,990
- Change 2010-2025: 62.6%
- Change 2015-2025: 36.7%
- Change 2020-2025: 38.3%
Golf stands out as a dramatic success story, with property values soaring from $662,990 in 2010 to $1,077,738 in 2025, representing an impressive 62.6% appreciation over fifteen years. The growth pattern shows substantial early gains, a plateau from 2015-2020, followed by robust 38.3% growth in the most recent five-year period. This tiny North Shore enclave, one of Illinois’s smallest municipalities with fewer than 500 residents, punches far above its weight in prestige and exclusivity. Surrounded by the Glen View Club’s championship golf course and featuring architecturally significant homes on spacious lots, Golf offers a unique combination of privacy, natural beauty, and social cachet. The village’s continued price appreciation reflects its enduring appeal to wealthy buyers seeking both luxury and community in a historic setting.
6. Lake Forest
- 2025: $1,083,151
- 2020: $753,745
- 2015: $847,673
- 2010: $758,237
- Change 2010-2025: 42.9%
- Change 2015-2025: 27.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 43.7%
Lake Forest epitomizes old North Shore wealth with a modern growth story, as home values rose from $758,237 in 2010 to $1,083,151 in 2025. The journey wasn’t linear – early appreciation was followed by a significant correction through 2020, before an impressive 43.7% rebound in the past five years. This historic community, known for its magnificent lakefront estates and classic architecture, combines natural beauty with cultural sophistication and educational excellence. Lake Forest’s blend of prestigious institutions (including Lake Forest College and renowned private schools), exclusive country clubs, and protected ravines and beaches continues to attract Chicago’s elite. The town’s commitment to architectural preservation and careful development has maintained its reputation as one of the Midwest’s most prestigious addresses while adapting to changing luxury market demands.
5. Hinsdale
- 2025: $1,092,577
- 2020: $831,201
- 2015: $881,585
- 2010: $834,542
- Change 2010-2025: 30.9%
- Change 2015-2025: 23.9%
- Change 2020-2025: 31.4%
Hinsdale presents an intriguing case of cyclical luxury market dynamics, with home values moving from $834,542 in 2010 to $1,092,577 in 2025. I note the unusual pattern of early appreciation, followed by a decline through 2020, then a substantial 31.4% recovery in the most recent five years. Straddling the Cook and DuPage county line, this historic village has transformed from a Victorian-era suburb into one of Chicago’s most coveted luxury addresses. Hinsdale’s combination of architectural heritage, walkable downtown with upscale boutiques and restaurants, nationally recognized schools, and convenient express train access to Chicago has fueled a dramatic teardown trend, with historic homes increasingly replaced by larger new construction. This evolution reflects the community’s ability to preserve its character while meeting contemporary luxury market demands.
4. Bannockburn
- 2025: $1,147,874
- 2020: $771,780
- 2015: $912,544
- 2010: $814,473
- Change 2010-2025: 40.9%
- Change 2015-2025: 25.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 48.7%
Bannockburn exemplifies resilience in the luxury market, with property values climbing from $814,473 in 2010 to $1,147,874 in 2025. The village experienced solid growth through 2015, followed by a significant correction through 2020, then an extraordinary 48.7% surge in the past five years – one of the strongest recent performances in our analysis. Located in southern Lake County, this small, exclusive community features custom estate homes on two-acre minimum lots, surrounded by mature trees and rolling terrain. Bannockburn’s proximity to the Lake Michigan shoreline, prestigious Trinity International University campus, and corporate headquarters along the Lake Cook corridor has maintained its appeal to executives and professionals seeking privacy and prestige while enjoying easy access to Chicago via Metra and the Edens Expressway.
3. Glencoe
- 2025: $1,364,405
- 2020: $890,230
- 2015: $950,122
- 2010: $868,329
- Change 2010-2025: 57.1%
- Change 2015-2025: 43.6%
- Change 2020-2025: 53.3%
Glencoe has cemented its position among Illinois’s ultra-luxury communities with home values surging from $868,329 in 2010 to an impressive $1,364,405 in 2025. The growth trajectory shows healthy appreciation through 2015, a notable decline through 2020, followed by a remarkable 53.3% explosion in the past five years – the second-highest recent growth rate in our top tier. This prestigious North Shore village combines magnificent lakefront estates with architecturally significant inland homes, many designed by renowned architects including Frank Lloyd Wright. Glencoe’s blend of natural beauty (including the Chicago Botanic Garden), cultural amenities, top-rated schools, and convenient transportation options has continued to attract wealthy families and executives, pushing it firmly into the seven-figure median home value category with no signs of slowing down.
2. Winnetka
- 2025: $1,594,374
- 2020: $1,060,185
- 2015: $1,171,065
- 2010: $1,107,050
- Change 2010-2025: 44.0%
- Change 2015-2025: 36.1%
- Change 2020-2025: 50.4%
Winnetka stands apart as a bastion of established luxury, with home values climbing from an already impressive $1,107,050 in 2010 to a staggering $1,594,374 in 2025. The growth pattern reveals steady early appreciation, a market correction through 2020, followed by a dramatic 50.4% surge in the most recent five years. This historic North Shore community, immortalized in films like “Home Alone” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” continues to epitomize upscale suburban living with its mix of lakefront estates, historic mansions, and architecturally significant homes. Winnetka’s combination of picturesque beaches, nationally recognized schools, three charming downtown shopping districts, and express train service to Chicago maintains its position as one of the Midwest’s most prestigious addresses, attracting generations of Chicago’s business and civic leaders.
1. Kenilworth
- 2025: $1,853,146
- 2020: $1,194,380
- 2015: $1,306,838
- 2010: $1,288,399
- Change 2010-2025: 43.8%
- Change 2015-2025: 41.8%
- Change 2020-2025: 55.2%
Kenilworth reigns supreme as Illinois’s most expensive community, with home values soaring from $1,288,399 in 2010 to an astonishing $1,853,146 in 2025. What fascinates me is the growth pattern – minimal appreciation through 2015, a significant decline through 2020, followed by a spectacular 55.2% explosion in the past five years, the highest recent growth rate among all 25 communities. This tiny North Shore village, covering less than half a square mile with approximately 2,500 residents, was designed as a planned community in the 1890s for Chicago’s elite. Kenilworth’s combination of magnificent lakefront estates, strictly residential zoning (no commercial properties), architectural significance, and top-rated schools has maintained its position as the pinnacle of Chicago suburban luxury for over a century, with recent price appreciation reflecting its continued dominance in the region’s high-end real estate market.
