Relocating to North Shore Chicago - 5 Things to Consider

Are you relocating to North Shore Chicago? Maybe you’re moving to the area from a different state or country for work? Maybe you’re moving from Chicago and you’re looking for a specific school district? Maybe you’re looking for a private lakefront home with a large lot? These are all common reasons for relocating to North Shore Chicago but let’s look at 5 things to consider in your North Shore Chicago relocation. 

5 Things to Consider when Relocating to North Shore Chicago

Where do you want to stay in North Shore Chicago?

North Shore Chicago is comprised of suburban communities stretching north of Chicago along or near the coast of Lake Michigan. Every community is unique and has many benefits that may match your lifestyle. North Shore Chicago features some of the highest rated public school districts in the state and the country. Most communities are serviced by at least one Metra commuter train station making travel to Chicago’s loop a breeze. Looking to get away for a weekend? North Shore Chicago communities are only about a quick drive or train ride to a long weekend in Wisconsin. For more information, check out of North Shore Chicago community guide.

Are you looking to buy a condo, townhome, or single family home?

North Shore Chicago is comprised of great housing stock that features a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re looking for a more maintenance free lifestyle, a condo or townhome may be the best option as monthly assessments usually take care a lot of the common property elements (landscaping, etc.). If you need more space to spread out, a larger single family home with a yard is always a great option. North Shore Chicago has it all.

How long is the commute to the Chicago loop?

Most North Shore Chicago communities are serviced by at least one Metra commuter train stop that will take commuters to either Chicago’s Ogilvie or Union stations (depending on the train line). Wilmette and Evanston are also both serviced by the CTA purple line which has local stops through the North Side of Chicago and heads to Chicago’s loop as well. If you have a vehicle and plan to drive, I-94 Edens expressway or Lakeshore Drive is always an option. Train commutes usually take anywhere from 25 – 65 minutes, depending on the train route. A commute by car starts at 30 minutes and goes up from there depending on the time of day.

Do you need to be in a specific school district?

North Shore Chicago has some of the best performing school districts in the state of Illinois. Public schooling usually begins at 5 years of age in kindergarten. If you have a child younger than 5 years of age, there are many private daycare options in the area, in addition to professional private nanny services. Most elementary (grades K-4), Middle School (grades 5-6), Junior High (grades 7-8) are usually determined at the municipality level. Most High Schools (grades 9-12) are usually determined at the Township level. School district lines are complex and can change from time to time. If a specific school district is important to you, you should always confirm the assigned school district with the school district itself before submitting an offer on a property.

Is there a lot of recreation options in North Shore Chicago?

For sure. There are plenty of options, whether you’re looking for a nice day at the beach, a quick 9 on one of North Shore’s public golf courses, or you want a pleasant picnic day at local park or playground with the family. There are also plenty of miles of bike trails that head along the Cook County Forest Preserve all the way up to the Skokie Lagoons, making North Shore Chicago a biker’s paradise. No matter what your game is, North Shore Chicago communities have plenty of recreation options to enjoy.

Relocate to North Shore Chicago

Are you planning to relocate to a North Shore Chicago community? Feel free to browse our community guide link below for homes in North Shore Chicago area.

Explore our North Shore Chicago community guide

About the Author: Jake McClure is a licensed real estate broker, REALTOR, and the group leader of the Burling Square Group - Your North Shore Chicago Real Estate Experts! Burling Square Group is a division within Fulton Grace Realty.

Disclaimer: This post, and any other information on burlingsquaregroup.com, should not be construed as lender or legal advice. Always consult your attorney or lender for legal or lending advice. I am not a lawyer or lender and I don’t pretend to be.