According to the Zillow Home Value Index, 10 Illinois towns now have median home prices in the seven figures—and in many cases, they’re still climbing. From lakefront estates in Kenilworth to luxury suburbs on Chicago’s North Shore, these markets have surged well beyond state and national averages. Limited inventory, elite schools, and proximity to Chicago’s financial core continue to draw wealthy buyers, reshaping what used to be quiet towns into high-stakes property markets.
10. Riverwoods – 46.1% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $654,743
- 2011: $605,159 (−$49,584, −7.57% from previous year)
- 2012: $602,326 (−$2,833, −0.47% from previous year)
- 2013: $654,662 (+$52,336, +8.69% from previous year)
- 2014: $706,598 (+$51,936, +7.93% from previous year)
- 2015: $711,073 (+$4,476, +0.63% from previous year)
- 2016: $724,003 (+$12,929, +1.82% from previous year)
- 2017: $717,765 (−$6,238, −0.86% from previous year)
- 2018: $707,805 (−$9,960, −1.39% from previous year)
- 2019: $686,731 (−$21,074, −2.98% from previous year)
- 2020: $651,628 (−$35,102, −5.11% from previous year)
- 2021: $723,596 (+$71,968, +11.04% from previous year)
- 2022: $813,229 (+$89,633, +12.39% from previous year)
- 2023: $838,008 (+$24,779, +3.05% from previous year)
- 2024: $897,695 (+$59,687, +7.12% from previous year)
- 2025: $956,811 (+$59,116, +6.59% from previous year)
Riverwoods’ current median home value of $956,811 reflects a 46.1% increase since 2010, with particularly impressive performance during the recent market cycle following a challenging period from 2017-2020. The community experienced consistent value erosion during those years, losing over 10% of its value, before staging a dramatic recovery with consecutive double-digit gains in 2021-2022. This exceptional rebound, combined with continued strong appreciation through 2025, has established Riverwoods among Illinois’s most exclusive residential communities with median values approaching $1 million.
Riverwoods – Forest Preserve Living
Nestled among pristine forest preserves in Lake County, Riverwoods offers residents an extraordinary lifestyle that combines natural beauty with upscale suburban amenities, creating one of Illinois’s most environmentally distinctive luxury communities. The village is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest land, including the Des Plaines River Trail system, providing residents with unparalleled access to hiking, biking, and nature recreation right outside their doors. This unique setting appeals to affluent buyers who prioritize both luxury living and environmental preservation in a community that successfully balances development with conservation.
Market performance demonstrates Riverwoods’ emergence as a premier destination for luxury nature-oriented living, with the exceptional recovery since 2020 reflecting increased appreciation for communities that offer both sophistication and environmental quality. The outstanding appreciation of over $305,000 in five years suggests sustained buyer confidence in Riverwoods’ unique market position. Current median values approaching $957,000 establish the community among Illinois’s most exclusive markets while delivering the natural amenities and privacy that increasingly drive luxury home purchases in the post-pandemic era.
9. Barrington Hills – 26.9% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $797,005
- 2011: $748,530 (−$48,475, −6.08% from previous year)
- 2012: $704,717 (−$43,812, −5.85% from previous year)
- 2013: $713,065 (+$8,347, +1.18% from previous year)
- 2014: $762,184 (+$49,120, +6.89% from previous year)
- 2015: $769,316 (+$7,131, +0.94% from previous year)
- 2016: $759,876 (−$9,439, −1.23% from previous year)
- 2017: $744,255 (−$15,621, −2.06% from previous year)
- 2018: $758,058 (+$13,803, +1.85% from previous year)
- 2019: $740,316 (−$17,742, −2.34% from previous year)
- 2020: $715,485 (−$24,831, −3.35% from previous year)
- 2021: $811,472 (+$95,987, +13.42% from previous year)
- 2022: $925,777 (+$114,304, +14.09% from previous year)
- 2023: $924,103 (−$1,674, −0.18% from previous year)
- 2024: $985,011 (+$60,908, +6.59% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,011,756 (+$26,745, +2.72% from previous year)
Barrington Hills’ median home value of $1,011,756 represents a modest 26.9% increase since 2010, reflecting the community’s higher starting values and more measured appreciation compared to other expensive Illinois markets. The community experienced extended stagnation and declines through 2020, losing nearly 10% of its value from peak levels, before staging an impressive recovery with exceptional gains in 2021-2022. This dramatic rebound has established Barrington Hills as the first community in our rankings to cross the $1 million median threshold, demonstrating its position among Illinois’s most exclusive residential markets.
Barrington Hills – Estate Living At Its Finest
Located in Cook and Lake counties approximately 40 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington Hills represents the pinnacle of rural estate living in the Chicago metropolitan area, offering residents expansive properties, equestrian facilities, and preserved natural landscapes that create a countryside atmosphere while maintaining urban accessibility. The village is renowned for its commitment to maintaining rural character through large-lot zoning requirements, with many properties spanning multiple acres and featuring custom estates, horse barns, and private recreational amenities. This exclusive rural lifestyle appeals to ultra-affluent buyers seeking maximum privacy, space, and recreational opportunities.
Market performance reflects Barrington Hills’ status as a luxury estate market that operates somewhat independently from broader suburban trends, with the recent recovery demonstrating renewed interest in rural luxury living following changing lifestyle preferences. The exceptional gains since 2020, with values increasing over $296,000 in five years, suggest sustained demand from buyers seeking the ultimate in private estate living. Current median values exceeding $1 million establish Barrington Hills among Illinois’s most exclusive communities while offering the space, privacy, and rural amenities that define the highest level of luxury residential living in the state.
8. South Barrington – 19.7% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $926,030
- 2011: $847,342 (−$78,689, −8.50% from previous year)
- 2012: $783,097 (−$64,244, −7.58% from previous year)
- 2013: $800,838 (+$17,741, +2.27% from previous year)
- 2014: $854,390 (+$53,551, +6.69% from previous year)
- 2015: $853,855 (−$535, −0.06% from previous year)
- 2016: $846,380 (−$7,474, −0.88% from previous year)
- 2017: $825,824 (−$20,556, −2.43% from previous year)
- 2018: $835,720 (+$9,896, +1.20% from previous year)
- 2019: $813,128 (−$22,592, −2.70% from previous year)
- 2020: $781,761 (−$31,367, −3.86% from previous year)
- 2021: $862,236 (+$80,475, +10.29% from previous year)
- 2022: $983,477 (+$121,242, +14.06% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,012,802 (+$29,325, +2.98% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,069,477 (+$56,675, +5.60% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,108,392 (+$38,915, +3.64% from previous year)
South Barrington’s median home value of $1,108,392 represents a modest 19.7% increase since 2010, reflecting the community’s exceptionally high starting values and the challenges faced by ultra-luxury markets during various economic cycles. The community experienced significant declines through 2020, losing over 15% of its value from 2010 levels, before staging one of the most dramatic recoveries in Illinois real estate history. The exceptional rebound since 2021, with values increasing over $326,000 in four years, has established South Barrington firmly in the exclusive seven-figure median home value category.
South Barrington – Corporate Executive Haven
Strategically positioned in Cook County’s northwest corridor, South Barrington offers residents an exclusive suburban lifestyle that combines luxury residential living with proximity to major corporate headquarters and business centers. The community is particularly renowned for housing executives from nearby Fortune 500 companies, creating a concentration of affluent professionals who value both residential sophistication and business convenience. This executive-oriented character, combined with custom homes on large lots and championship recreational facilities, appeals to business leaders seeking the highest level of suburban luxury while maintaining short commutes to major employment centers.
Market performance demonstrates South Barrington’s resilience as an ultra-luxury market, with the dramatic recovery since 2020 reflecting renewed confidence among high-net-worth buyers in the community’s executive appeal and lifestyle amenities. The exceptional appreciation of over 40% in just four years suggests sustained demand from affluent buyers who prioritize both luxury living and business convenience. Current median values exceeding $1.1 million position South Barrington among Illinois’s most exclusive communities while offering the corporate proximity and executive amenities that define the highest tier of suburban luxury living.
7. Lake Forest – 40.0% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $827,697
- 2011: $767,265 (−$60,433, −7.30% from previous year)
- 2012: $732,701 (−$34,564, −4.50% from previous year)
- 2013: $791,337 (+$58,636, +8.00% from previous year)
- 2014: $862,946 (+$71,609, +9.05% from previous year)
- 2015: $880,023 (+$17,077, +1.98% from previous year)
- 2016: $883,683 (+$3,660, +0.42% from previous year)
- 2017: $864,404 (−$19,280, −2.18% from previous year)
- 2018: $842,553 (−$21,851, −2.53% from previous year)
- 2019: $811,020 (−$31,533, −3.74% from previous year)
- 2020: $758,310 (−$52,710, −6.50% from previous year)
- 2021: $857,290 (+$98,980, +13.05% from previous year)
- 2022: $983,478 (+$126,188, +14.72% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,016,436 (+$32,959, +3.35% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,090,780 (+$74,343, +7.31% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,158,510 (+$67,730, +6.21% from previous year)
Lake Forest’s current median home value of $1,158,510 represents a solid 40.0% increase since 2010, with particularly impressive performance during the recent market cycle following a challenging period from 2017-2020. The community experienced significant value erosion during those years, losing over 14% of its value, before staging one of the most dramatic recoveries among North Shore communities. The exceptional rebound since 2021, with consecutive double-digit gains bringing values to historic highs, has firmly established Lake Forest among Illinois’s most exclusive seven-figure markets.
Lake Forest – North Shore Prestige Redefined
Situated along Lake Michigan’s pristine shoreline in Lake County, Lake Forest represents the historic heart of North Shore prestige, combining century-old traditions of wealth and sophistication with modern luxury amenities. The city is renowned for its magnificent lakefront estates, tree-lined streets designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and architectural treasures that include some of the Midwest’s most significant historic mansions. This combination of natural beauty, architectural heritage, and cultural sophistication creates one of America’s most distinguished residential communities, consistently attracting buyers who value both luxury and legacy.
Market performance demonstrates Lake Forest’s resilience and enduring appeal as one of Illinois’s premier luxury destinations, with the remarkable recovery since 2020 reflecting renewed confidence in the community’s fundamental strengths and historic prestige. The exceptional appreciation of over $400,000 in just four years suggests Lake Forest has regained its competitive position among America’s most desirable suburban communities. Current median values exceeding $1.15 million represent the premium associated with North Shore legacy while delivering the lakefront lifestyle, educational excellence, and cultural sophistication that have defined Lake Forest for over a century.
6. Hinsdale – 29.6% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $908,074
- 2011: $847,027 (−$61,047, −6.72% from previous year)
- 2012: $803,857 (−$43,170, −5.10% from previous year)
- 2013: $842,031 (+$38,174, +4.75% from previous year)
- 2014: $917,233 (+$75,201, +8.93% from previous year)
- 2015: $928,041 (+$10,809, +1.18% from previous year)
- 2016: $927,657 (−$384, −0.04% from previous year)
- 2017: $932,093 (+$4,436, +0.48% from previous year)
- 2018: $928,497 (−$3,596, −0.39% from previous year)
- 2019: $908,874 (−$19,624, −2.11% from previous year)
- 2020: $866,112 (−$42,762, −4.70% from previous year)
- 2021: $933,345 (+$67,233, +7.76% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,004,123 (+$70,778, +7.58% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,016,162 (+$12,039, +1.20% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,092,158 (+$75,996, +7.48% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,177,268 (+$85,110, +7.79% from previous year)
Hinsdale’s median home value of $1,177,268 represents a modest 29.6% increase since 2010, reflecting the community’s exceptionally high starting values and the measured appreciation typical of established luxury markets. The community experienced relatively minor declines during economic downturns, losing about 4.7% during the 2020 period, before demonstrating steady recovery with consistent gains. The impressive 7.79% increase in 2025 continues an upward trajectory that has brought values to historic highs, establishing Hinsdale’s position among Illinois’s most expensive residential communities.
Hinsdale – Western Suburbs Royalty
Located in DuPage County just 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, Hinsdale represents the pinnacle of western suburbs luxury living, combining historic elegance with modern sophistication in one of Illinois’s most prestigious residential communities. The village is renowned for its tree-lined streets, magnificent historic homes, and meticulously maintained neighborhoods that create an atmosphere of refined elegance. Hinsdale’s reputation is anchored by its exceptional municipal services, world-class recreational facilities including the exclusive Hinsdale Golf Club, and a charming downtown district that features upscale shopping and dining establishments catering to discerning residents.
Market performance reflects Hinsdale’s status as one of Illinois’s most stable and desirable luxury markets, with consistent appreciation that demonstrates the community’s enduring appeal to affluent buyers who prioritize educational excellence and community prestige. The steady growth pattern, with minimal volatility during challenging periods, indicates strong underlying demand from buyers who view Hinsdale as a long-term residential investment. Current median values exceeding $1.17 million represent the premium associated with western suburbs royalty while delivering the educational excellence, community amenities, and residential quality that have made Hinsdale synonymous with suburban luxury for over a century.
5. Golf – 54.7% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $775,653
- 2011: $663,584 (−$112,069, −14.45% from previous year)
- 2012: $686,316 (+$22,732, +3.43% from previous year)
- 2013: $741,185 (+$54,869, +7.99% from previous year)
- 2014: $795,945 (+$54,760, +7.39% from previous year)
- 2015: $839,359 (+$43,414, +5.45% from previous year)
- 2016: $819,566 (−$19,793, −2.36% from previous year)
- 2017: $824,003 (+$4,437, +0.54% from previous year)
- 2018: $861,328 (+$37,326, +4.53% from previous year)
- 2019: $844,723 (−$16,606, −1.93% from previous year)
- 2020: $823,303 (−$21,419, −2.54% from previous year)
- 2021: $926,382 (+$103,079, +12.52% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,070,097 (+$143,715, +15.51% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,059,867 (−$10,231, −0.96% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,127,984 (+$68,117, +6.43% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,199,337 (+$71,354, +6.33% from previous year)
Golf’s current median home value of $1,199,337 represents an impressive 54.7% increase since 2010, with particularly exceptional performance during the recent market cycle. After experiencing a significant decline in 2011 that reduced values by over 14%, the community showed steady recovery through the decade before staging a dramatic surge during 2021-2022. The remarkable 15.51% increase in 2022 was among the highest recorded in Illinois that year, demonstrating Golf’s emergence as one of the state’s most dynamic luxury markets and establishing it firmly in the exclusive seven-figure median home value category.
Golf – Exclusive North Shore Enclave
Situated in Cook County along the prestigious North Shore corridor, Golf represents one of Illinois’s most exclusive and tightly-knit residential communities, characterized by its small size, custom estates, and commitment to maintaining an intimate, private atmosphere. The village encompasses just over one square mile and maintains a population of fewer than 500 residents, creating an extraordinarily exclusive environment where neighbors know each other and community character is carefully preserved. This intimate scale, combined with large residential lots and architectural controls, appeals to ultra-affluent buyers seeking maximum privacy and exclusivity while remaining connected to Chicago’s economic and cultural opportunities.
Market performance demonstrates Golf’s emergence as a premier destination for ultra-luxury living, with the exceptional gains since 2020 reflecting increased demand from buyers seeking the ultimate in exclusive residential experiences. The outstanding appreciation of over $376,000 in just four years suggests sustained interest from ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value Golf’s unique combination of exclusivity, privacy, and North Shore prestige. Current median values approaching $1.2 million establish Golf among Illinois’s most expensive communities while offering the intimate scale and exclusive character that define the highest level of luxury residential living in the Chicago area.
4. Bannockburn – 37.3% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $903,393
- 2011: $836,138 (−$67,255, −7.44% from previous year)
- 2012: $827,579 (−$8,559, −1.02% from previous year)
- 2013: $902,723 (+$75,145, +9.08% from previous year)
- 2014: $949,038 (+$46,314, +5.13% from previous year)
- 2015: $945,043 (−$3,995, −0.42% from previous year)
- 2016: $978,099 (+$33,056, +3.50% from previous year)
- 2017: $918,659 (−$59,440, −6.08% from previous year)
- 2018: $888,754 (−$29,905, −3.26% from previous year)
- 2019: $861,883 (−$26,871, −3.02% from previous year)
- 2020: $800,620 (−$61,263, −7.11% from previous year)
- 2021: $916,579 (+$115,959, +14.48% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,026,430 (+$109,851, +11.98% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,082,370 (+$55,940, +5.45% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,156,136 (+$73,766, +6.82% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,240,066 (+$83,930, +7.26% from previous year)
Bannockburn’s median home value of $1,240,066 represents a 37.3% increase since 2010, with remarkable performance during the recent market cycle following a challenging period from 2017-2020. The community experienced significant value erosion during those years, losing over 18% of its value, before staging one of the most dramatic recoveries in Illinois real estate history. The exceptional rebound since 2021, with values increasing over $439,000 in four years, has established Bannockburn firmly among Illinois’s most exclusive seven-figure markets and demonstrates the community’s underlying strength and appeal to ultra-affluent buyers.
Bannockburn – Corporate Executive Paradise
Strategically positioned in Lake County’s premier corporate corridor, Bannockburn offers residents an unparalleled combination of luxury residential living and proximity to major business centers, making it the preferred address for C-suite executives and senior professionals throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The village is surrounded by Fortune 500 corporate headquarters and serves as home to many of the region’s most influential business leaders, creating a concentration of wealth and influence that supports exceptional property values and community amenities. This executive-oriented character, combined with custom estates on expansive lots and world-class recreational facilities, appeals to business leaders who demand the highest level of residential luxury while maintaining convenient access to major employment centers.
Market performance demonstrates Bannockburn’s resilience as an ultra-luxury executive market, with the dramatic recovery since 2020 reflecting renewed confidence among high-net-worth buyers in the community’s unique value proposition combining corporate convenience and residential excellence. The exceptional appreciation of over 50% in just four years suggests sustained demand from affluent executives who prioritize both luxury living and business accessibility. Current median values exceeding $1.24 million position Bannockburn among Illinois’s most exclusive communities while offering the corporate proximity and executive amenities that define the highest tier of suburban luxury living for business professionals.
3. Glencoe – 49.2% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $996,383
- 2011: $895,517 (−$100,866, −10.12% from previous year)
- 2012: $840,731 (−$54,786, −6.12% from previous year)
- 2013: $889,279 (+$48,548, +5.77% from previous year)
- 2014: $988,645 (+$99,367, +11.17% from previous year)
- 2015: $1,009,680 (+$21,035, +2.13% from previous year)
- 2016: $1,003,463 (−$6,218, −0.62% from previous year)
- 2017: $975,216 (−$28,247, −2.81% from previous year)
- 2018: $991,180 (+$15,965, +1.64% from previous year)
- 2019: $960,945 (−$30,236, −3.05% from previous year)
- 2020: $932,131 (−$28,813, −3.00% from previous year)
- 2021: $1,050,308 (+$118,176, +12.68% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,248,411 (+$198,104, +18.86% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,288,823 (+$40,412, +3.24% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,403,411 (+$114,588, +8.89% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,486,796 (+$83,385, +5.94% from previous year)
Glencoe’s current median home value of $1,486,796 represents a solid 49.2% increase since 2010, with extraordinary performance during the recent market cycle that has established it among Illinois’s most exclusive residential communities. After experiencing moderate declines through 2020, the community staged one of the most impressive recoveries in North Shore history, highlighted by an exceptional 18.86% surge in 2022 that represented one of the largest single-year gains among Illinois luxury markets. This dramatic rebound, followed by continued strong appreciation, has propelled Glencoe into the exclusive tier of communities with median home values approaching $1.5 million.
Glencoe – North Shore Sophistication Personified
User:JeremyA, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Positioned along Lake Michigan’s pristine shoreline in Cook County, Glencoe represents the epitome of North Shore sophistication and cultural refinement, combining natural beauty with architectural distinction and educational excellence that has attracted Chicago’s most prominent families for over a century. The village is renowned for its magnificent lakefront parks, including the scenic Glencoe Beach and extensive ravine system that provides residents with unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities rarely found in suburban communities. This combination of lakefront living, preserved natural areas, and historic neighborhoods creates one of America’s most distinguished residential environments, consistently attracting buyers who value both luxury and cultural sophistication.
Market performance demonstrates Glencoe’s position as one of Illinois’s premier luxury destinations, with the remarkable recovery since 2020 reflecting renewed confidence in the community’s fundamental strengths and historic prestige among North Shore communities. The exceptional appreciation of over $554,000 in just four years suggests Glencoe has not only recovered from earlier challenges but has established itself as a premier choice for ultra-affluent buyers seeking the ultimate North Shore lifestyle. Current median values approaching $1.49 million represent the premium associated with North Shore legacy while delivering the lakefront lifestyle, educational excellence, and cultural sophistication that have defined Glencoe’s appeal to discerning buyers for generations.
2. Winnetka – 36.1% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $1,248,828
- 2011: $1,115,122 (−$133,706, −10.71% from previous year)
- 2012: $1,026,748 (−$88,373, −7.92% from previous year)
- 2013: $1,075,462 (+$48,713, +4.74% from previous year)
- 2014: $1,188,614 (+$113,152, +10.52% from previous year)
- 2015: $1,231,399 (+$42,785, +3.60% from previous year)
- 2016: $1,198,550 (−$32,849, −2.67% from previous year)
- 2017: $1,149,434 (−$49,117, −4.10% from previous year)
- 2018: $1,141,306 (−$8,127, −0.71% from previous year)
- 22019: $1,123,425 (−$17,882, −1.57% from previous year)
- 2020: $1,091,632 (−$31,793, −2.83% from previous year)
- 2021: $1,235,554 (+$143,922, +13.18% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,460,223 (+$224,669, +18.18% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,516,143 (+$55,920, +3.83% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,606,716 (+$90,573, +5.97% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,699,086 (+$92,370, +5.75% from previous year)
Winnetka’s median home value of $1,699,086 represents a 36.1% increase since 2010, reflecting the community’s exceptionally high starting values and the measured appreciation typical of ultra-luxury markets. The community experienced significant declines during 2011-2012, losing over 17% of its value, followed by gradual recovery and extended stagnation through 2020. However, Winnetka has demonstrated exceptional performance during the recent market cycle, with the remarkable 18.18% surge in 2022 representing one of the largest single-year gains in Illinois luxury real estate history, establishing the community as Illinois’s second-most expensive residential market.
Winnetka – The Crown Jewel Of The North Shore
Located along Lake Michigan’s most prestigious stretch of shoreline in Cook County, Winnetka stands as the undisputed crown jewel of the North Shore, representing over a century of American suburban excellence and serving as home to some of the nation’s most influential families. The village is internationally renowned for its magnificent lakefront estates, tree-lined streets designed by the Olmsted Brothers, and architectural treasures that include works by Frank Lloyd Wright and other legendary architects. This extraordinary combination of natural beauty, architectural heritage, and social prestige creates what many consider America’s most perfect suburban community, consistently attracting buyers who represent the pinnacle of success in business, politics, and cultural endeavors.
Market performance reflects Winnetka’s status as one of America’s most prestigious residential addresses, with the dramatic recovery since 2020 demonstrating the enduring appeal of the village among ultra-high-net-worth buyers who view Winnetka as the ultimate suburban address. The exceptional appreciation of over $607,000 in just four years suggests Winnetka has not only maintained its competitive position but has strengthened its appeal among buyers seeking the absolute pinnacle of suburban luxury living. Current median values approaching $1.7 million represent the premium associated with America’s most distinguished suburban community while delivering the lakefront lifestyle, educational excellence, and social prestige that have made Winnetka synonymous with suburban perfection for over a century.
1. Kenilworth – 33.1% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $1,441,431
- 2011: $1,300,245 (−$141,186, −9.79% from previous year)
- 2012: $1,222,643 (−$77,602, −5.97% from previous year)
- 2013: $1,267,242 (+$44,599, +3.65% from previous year)
- 2014: $1,346,839 (+$79,597, +6.28% from previous year)
- 2015: $1,360,976 (+$14,137, +1.05% from previous year)
- 2016: $1,364,336 (+$3,360, +0.25% from previous year)
- 2017: $1,271,132 (−$93,204, −6.83% from previous year)
- 2018: $1,276,000 (+$4,868, +0.38% from previous year)
- 2019: $1,267,309 (−$8,691, −0.68% from previous year)
- 2020: $1,223,997 (−$43,312, −3.42% from previous year)
- 2021: $1,415,998 (+$192,001, +15.69% from previous year)
- 2022: $1,679,337 (+$263,339, +18.60% from previous year)
- 2023: $1,775,511 (+$96,174, +5.73% from previous year)
- 2024: $1,850,189 (+$74,678, +4.21% from previous year)
- 2025: $1,918,507 (+$68,318, +3.69% from previous year)
Kenilworth’s median home value of $1,918,507 represents a modest 33.1% increase since 2010, reflecting the community’s extraordinarily high starting values and the unique dynamics of ultra-luxury markets. The village experienced significant volatility through 2020, with values declining nearly 15% from 2010 levels before staging one of the most dramatic recoveries in American real estate history. The exceptional rebound since 2021, highlighted by an extraordinary 18.60% surge in 2022, has established Kenilworth as Illinois’s most expensive residential community and one of America’s most exclusive suburban addresses.
Kenilworth – The Ultimate American Suburb
Situated on a pristine stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline in Cook County, Kenilworth represents the absolute pinnacle of American suburban living, combining unparalleled exclusivity with architectural magnificence in what many consider the nation’s most perfect residential community. The village encompasses just 0.6 square miles and maintains a population of fewer than 2,500 residents, creating an extraordinarily intimate environment where every detail reflects the highest standards of residential excellence. Founded in 1889 as a planned community for Chicago’s elite, Kenilworth has maintained its exclusive character through careful planning, architectural controls, and a commitment to preserving the vision of its founder, Joseph Sears, who intended to create America’s most beautiful suburb.
Market performance reflects Kenilworth’s status as America’s most prestigious suburban address, with the dramatic recovery since 2020 demonstrating the village’s unique appeal among ultra-high-net-worth individuals who view Kenilworth as the ultimate residential achievement. The exceptional appreciation of nearly $695,000 in just four years suggests sustained demand from buyers who represent the absolute pinnacle of American success and who view Kenilworth not merely as a residence but as a symbol of having reached the highest levels of achievement. Current median values approaching $1.92 million establish Kenilworth as Illinois’s most expensive community and position it among America’s most exclusive residential addresses, delivering a lifestyle that combines lakefront magnificence, architectural distinction, and social prestige in a way that no other American suburb can match.
