Rated as one of the best places to live and raise kids in Illinois, Glenview is a Chicago suburb located in Cook County. It is one of the most sought-after destination for retirees, families and professionals looking to buy a home or rent one near Chicago.
Some of the features that make Glenview a very desirable place to live in are top-rated schools, low crime rate, excellent amenities including restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls and bars, and also nightlife (despite the area having a dense suburban feel).
Since most people are long-time residents, Glenview is an established housing market - home to a lot of close-knit communities. Most homes are owner-occupied. The high ratio of owner-occupied homes makes it an ideal destination for retirees and married couples.
This guide will explain all you need to know about this Chicago suburb.
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Let’s discuss some of the most notable features of Glenview and a few reasons why you should consider moving to this Chicago suburb:
Glenview history and demographics
With a history of over 150 years, Glenview has gone through massive transformation and gratification over the past 4-5 decades. The farmers settled down in the area in the 1830s.
The area consisted of primarily agriculture and forest land. Originally called as South Northfield, the locals renamed it as Glenview in 1895. Five years later, it was incorporated.
Glenview is known for the Glenview Naval Air Base – built in 1940s. It became the headquarters for the U.S. Naval and Marine Air Reserve Training Command. The base closed in 1995, and developers turned the site into a mixed residential and retail area. The base's golf course became part of Glenview Park District.
Today, Glenview is home to nearly 50,000 people. Asians make up about 13% of the population. A significant number of Glenview residents speak Spanish also.
The population in Glenview increased at a such a rapid pace over the 5 decades that the population density grew to 3,322 per square miles which is 1394% higher than the Illinois average and 3566% higher than the national average. The median age in Glenview is 45 which is approximately 21% higher than the Illinois average of 37.
Almost 90% of the residents (above the age of 15 years) are married. Over half of them have kids under the age of 18.
The median age in Glenview is 45 which is approximately 21% higher than the Illinois average of 37.
This demographic data indicates that Glenview is a great place for families to raise kids.
Glenview is considered one of the safest places in Illinois due to the low crime rate.
Glenview has a violent crime rate of 73 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
These family-friendly features are the reason why most people never leave Glenview after laying down roots here.
Some of the Glenview sub-divisions popular among home buyers and renters include:
· Swainwood,· Sunset Ridge,
· Bonnie Glen,
· Sleepy Hollow,
· and the Willows.
Schools in Glenview
There are nearly 35 schools in Glenview – some of them with a GreatSchools rating of 10. Most homes in Glenview are served by Glenview Central Consolidated School District, Avoca School District, Northbrook Glenview School District and East Maine School District.
These are some of the top-rated public schools in Glenview based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity. Click to see the full list of schools sorted by rating. About the GreatSchools rating
Elementary public schools
· Romona Elementary School
· Avoca West Elementary School
· Hynes Elementary School
· Willowbrook Elementary School
· Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
· Glen Grove Elementary School
Middle schools
· Marie Murphy School
· Wilmette Junior High School
· Maple School
· Golf Middle School
· Field School
High schools
· Glenbrook South High School
· Maine East High School
The quality of schools and education in Glenview is one of the biggest draws for families.
Things to do in Glenview, IL
Since Glenview is bordered by 1,131 acres of forest preserve to the east and west, it offers an excellent opportunity to live close to the nature and enjoy greenery and wildlife. While music, history and culture dominate Chicago, Glenview is all about wildlife, fun activities for kids and nature.
Here are the top 15 attractions in and around Glenview which are popular among not only local residents, but also travelers from across the country:
· Chicago Botanic Garden: Located nearly 10 minutes’ drive from Glenview, this botanic park features many different types of plants including waterlilies, jasmine, lavender, and roses.
· The Grove: You can spend an entire day here learning about native plants and animals and walking the winding nature trails rich in flora and fauna. This is a great place to be at for learning about history and environment. The Grove is in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
· Skokie Lagoons: If you love boating, you would definitely want to visit Skokie Lagoons. Like Chicago Botanic Garden, Skokie Lagoons is situated in Glencoe and is a nature preserve with seven interconnected lagoons. 
· Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area: Looking to spend quality time filled with a lot of fun activities including biking and hiking? You should head over to Edward L Ryerson Conversation Area. It’s located in Riverwood, nearly 15 minutes’ drive from Glenview. Inside this area, there is Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods where you can get involved in a lot of activities including painting and drawing, art, photography, music, literature and film. It’s also home to the Environmental Graphiti exhibition where you can learn about the science of climate change.
· Kohl Children's Museum: If you have a kid aged up to 10 years, you would love to visit this museum. painting, clay sculpture, recycled art and multi-sensory experiences are some of the activities that your kids can get themselves immersed in here.
· Harms Woods: This place is very popular among birdwatchers, hikers, dog-walkers, cyclists, in-line skaters and cross-country skiers. Chicago River divides Harms Woods into two parts. If you love nature, you would definitely want to be here.
· Funtopia: It’s great place for adventure-loving kids. Here your kids can learn climbing and several offer different types of related activities.
· Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center: If you love art exhibitions and are a history buff, this museum and education has a lot of things in store for you. The center is located about 12 minutes’ drive from Glenview.
· Gallery Park: What once served as runway for the Glenview Naval Air Station is now a 150-acre area filled with a lot of fun and fitness activities and environment enjoyment. Regardless of your age, you will find something to enjoy here – ranging from lake trail and water fountains to a children’s garden.
· Historic Wanger Farm: It’s a great place to see animals in a natural environment. There is a museum where you get to learn a lot about farming.
· Oil Lamp Theater: With a seating capacity of 100 people, Oil Lamp Theater is a very cozy, small venue. You can enjoy plays here while sipping wine from your own bottle. snacks and chocolate chip cookies are also served.
· Techny Basin Conservation Area: Located right in the middle of Glenview, this conservation area features beautiful biking, walking and cycling paths along the West Fork River.
· Flick Park: If you are in mood for a picnic with family and friends, you should just head over to this park. You can sit by the pond and see the ducks and geese right from the picnic table. Take a walk through the beautiful garden with oversized flowers.
· Chicago Illinois Temple: This building with a great architectural beauty features six white-tipped spires rising from each corner of the building and two manicured gardens. It is one of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
· Glenview History Center: Here you will learn all about the history of Glenview. Spread over nearly 100 acres, the center features a sewing room, a toy room and café and a large seating area.
Real estate market trends: where to buy or rent a home in Glenview
The family-friendly amenities have caused the real estate prices to rise sharply in Glenview over the past few years. The median listing price in Glenview is nearly $500,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The wide selection of homes however makes it possible for you to buy a budget home here. You will find about 400 homes listed for sale in Glenview most weeks. Since land is easily available, a lot of new construction is happening in Glenview.
The developers are coming up with townhome projects across this Chicago suburbs. The townhomes are particularly popular among young families raising kids; however, they are available on the higher end of the price range.
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As already mentioned, there are a lot of communities specifically for retirees. The homes are most expensive in the eastern part of the suburb and cheapest in the western part.
Rental properties are a bit difficult to find in Glenview as most homes are owner-occupied. You will find less than 100 homes listed for rent most weeks. The limited supply of rental homes is owing to the fact that most newcomers like to move to Glenview permanently.
Shopping in Glenview
Shopping is an absolute fun in Glenview. There are a lot of shopping malls, thrift stores and retail shops.
Here is a list of most popular shopping malls and retail chain stores in Glenview:
· The Glen Town Center: This naval base-turned-shopping center is the most popular destination for shoppers. Just head over to Tower Drive and you will find this shopping center surrounded by beautiful homes.
There are boutiques, restaurants, cafe, entertainment establishments, and shopping stores including a lot of factory outlets all in one place here.
· Glen Oak Plaza: Waukegan Road
· Plaza del Prado: Pfingsten Road
· Glenview Plaza: Waukegan Road
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