Welcome to North Barrington

Picturesque historic village brimming with sophistication, charm, and serenity.

Perched among a unique, glacially-formed landscape of small lakes and soft, verdant hills, the historic village of North Barrington radiates with a distinctive small-town charm. Here, the community-oriented residents work hard to preserve the village’s quaint appeal.

The first European settlers came to the area in the 1830s, drawn to the arcadian pastures and plentiful natural resources. North Barrington wasn’t incorporated until 1959 but has long had a colorful vibrancy. As the nearby golf resorts and clubs began to emerge, the village experienced growth and expansion but still kept a small population of just under 3,000 residents. 

The residential housing spans across the 20th and 21st centuries, resulting in a multitude of architectural diversity and spaces suited for various needs. The area is dotted with quiet neighborhoods that harbor fairytale new-builds inspired by styles such as French chateaus, post-modern sophistication, traditional design, Tudor elegance, and custom-build plans.

What to Love

• Just an hour from Downtown Chicago and even less to the metropolitan area
• Civic-minded population committed to maintaining the village’s charm 
• Commercial areas nearby but a residential lifestyle without much urban bustle
  
  

People & Lifestyle

North Barrington encompasses the area held by The Club at Wynstone, which means many of its residents experience the lavish, luxury lifestyle that’s associated with the affluent neighborhoods surrounding the country club. It’s a peaceful village, where aesthetic appeal and tranquility are highly valued. The myriad of home styles makes it a great place for families, couples, and professionals craving a less busy lifestyle than living in the city would allow.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

Since most of the area in North Barrington is residential, many residents head just a couple of minutes east to the adjacent town of Lake Zurich for their retail and dining needs. Tucked up against its namesake lake, this little city has a bounty of eateries and local shops to choose from.

For the fashion-savvy, there’s Anuyu Boutique, whose racks are stocked with all the latest in upscale trends and designs. For a gorgeous hairstyle or rejuvenating spa treatment to complement their new threads, residents head to Salon Coccole. This locally-owned treasure offers haircare and services such as mani-pedis, massages, event makeup, facials, and tanning.

There’s a cornucopia of fares and atmospheres when it comes to dining around Lake Zurich, and one of the most popular eateries rests right next to the waters with incredible views. The aptly-named Bobbers has a menu packed with seafood dishes such as calamari and grilled Cajun cod, as well as casual American cuisine. Family-friendly, authentic Mexican fare is the showstopper of Tacos El Norte, where the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are all day.

Things to Do

Lake Zurich itself is an incredible source of entertainment for those in the North Barrington community. Paulus Park, for instance, is a city-feel beachfront park with water access, a children’s play area, and plenty of sandy spots to relax in.  

Golfers are within easy distance of several wonderful courses and clubs, including the Biltmore Country Club. World-class dining, the town’s only private beach, and incredible amenities, including tennis courts, a beach club, and one of the area’s premier wedding and event spaces. 

During the colder months, visit the Chicago TreeHouse in Lake Zurich, a children’s indoor play area that houses climbing structures, a soft basketball court, and plenty of fun adventures. The TreeHouse cleverly plans for the needs of parents, too, and comes equipped with a coffee shop with a perfect view of the play area. 

Schools

North Barrington is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities can be found within the Barrington 220 School District. Nationally recognized for its excellence, this school district has obtained 11 National Blue Ribbon Awards. Notable schools include:

• Roslyn Road Elementary School, K-5, one of the top public elementary schools in the state
• Grove Avenue Elementary School, K-5, #3 public elementary school in the state
• Barrington Middle School—Prairie Campus, 6-8, one of the top public middle schools in the state
• Barrington High School, 9-12, one of the top public high schools in the state

Why Live in North Barrington

North Barrington offers one of the most distinctive luxury lifestyles in the Chicago metropolitan area — a village founded on large-lot zoning that traces back to the 1934 North Barrington Association and formalized at the village’s 1959 incorporation, deliberately preserving an estate-scale, low-density character even as the surrounding Lake County suburbs grew up around it. Lots throughout the village range widely, from roughly a third of an acre to three acres or more, with homes positioned to take advantage of rolling terrain, mature woodlands, and the village’s chain of private lakes — giving residents genuine separation between properties and a countryside feel just 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.

The village is anchored by Wynstone, a gated golf community centered on a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, alongside established neighborhoods like Biltmore and areas bordering Honey Lake and Lake Barrington. North Barrington feeds into Barrington Community Unit School District 220, long regarded as one of the top public school systems in Illinois, and benefits from I-90 and Route 12 access connecting residents to O’Hare International Airport and the broader Chicago region, while Barrington’s own Metra station provides rail service to the city. For buyers who want estate acreage, golf-course living, and top-tier schools within a genuinely private, low-density setting, North Barrington remains one of the Chicago suburbs’ most compelling addresses.

North Barrington Real Estate

Exploring North Barrington's real estate offers a thrilling journey, especially in this dynamic and sought-after area in Lake County, Illinois. Currently, the median house price hovers around $650,000. With homes often selling above their listed prices, it's crucial for buyers to act quickly and decisively. A smart move is getting pre-approved for a mortgage and understanding the costs involved in closing a property deal. If you need help navigating this active market, consider partnering with local expert Connie Antoniou, who has extensive knowledge of North Barrington's real estate scene.

For sellers in North Barrington, the competitive market can work to your advantage. To make your property stand out, focus not only on pricing it attractively but also on keeping it in excellent condition. Strategic decisions, like forgoing home inspections or covering closing costs, can significantly impact the success of your sale. Teaming up with an experienced real estate professional like Connie Antoniou can be immensely beneficial.

Looking at North Barrington as a whole, its charm is undeniable. It boasts top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and is conveniently close to Chicago's vibrant atmosphere. Although property taxes are relatively high, the community makes up for it with its exclusive country clubs, golf courses, and a high-end lifestyle, reflecting a cost of living slightly above the national average.

Types of Homes in North Barrington

Wynstone Gated Golf Estate

North Barrington’s premier address — a guard-gated community built around a private Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, offering custom and semi-custom estate homes from roughly 3,000 to over 11,000 square feet on generously sized lots, with a 12-month median sale price around $1.2 million and premier estates reaching well above $2.5 million.

Biltmore and Honey Lake Area Homes

Established, more accessible neighborhoods offering traditional single-family homes on smaller but still generous lots, typically trading between $500,000 and $800,000 — a practical entry point into North Barrington for buyers not specifically targeting Wynstone.

Traditional Luxury Estate Homes

Grand Colonial, Tudor, and French Country residences throughout the village’s established neighborhoods feature multi-car garages, finished lower levels, gourmet kitchens, and expansive outdoor living areas on wooded or lake-adjacent lots.

Lakefront and Lake-Adjacent Homes

Given North Barrington’s chain of private lakes, including Honey Lake and the surrounding Lake Barrington corridor, waterfront and water-adjacent properties command consistent premiums and strong buyer interest.

Vacant Land and Custom Build Opportunities

A limited supply of buildable acre-plus parcels, particularly within Wynstone, gives select buyers the opportunity to design a fully custom estate within a village whose large-lot zoning and natural landscape are already firmly protected.

North Barrington Real Estate FAQs

What types of homes are available in North Barrington?

North Barrington features primarily single-family homes, including custom estates, golf course properties, and lakefront residences, often set on large, wooded lots.

Is North Barrington good area for luxury real estate?

Yes, North Barrington is known for its luxury homes, especially those within Biltmore and Wynstone communities, offering upscale amenities and scenic views.

What is the average home price in North Barrington?

Home prices typically range from the high $600,000s to over $1.5 million, depending on location, lot size, and home features.

Are there gated communities in North Barrington?

Yes, Wynstone is a prominent gated community offering security, golf course access, and exclusive amenities within North Barrington.

Is North Barrington family-friendly?

Absolutely. The area is served by highly rated school districts, has a quiet, residential atmosphere, and offers outdoor spaces perfect for families.

How far is North Barrington from Downtown Chicago?

North Barrington is approximately 40 miles from downtown Chicago, with access to Metra commuter trains nearby for convenient city commuting.

For more options, check out these nearby neighborhoods:

• Barrington Homes For Sale