Wilmette

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The Village of Wilmette is located 15 miles north of the Loop and  is considered among the most desirable of the Chicago suburbs and is the largest of the communities comprising New Trier Township; current population 27,650. With it’s proximity to the city, excellent schools, diverse architecture, access to the beaches and tree lined streets, it is easy to understand why it’s been a regular draw for young families moving from the city as well as from out of the area. The community boasts an array of local businesses and services and is  home to one of the finest school districts and park district programs in the country.

The Wilmette Harbor is a haven for pleasure boating; and the outlying beaches are a major attraction boasting one of the longest stretches of public  beach fronts on the North Shore.  Also on the lakefront is an outdoor arena at Gilson Park, which during the summer months includes live theater, musical entertainment and  home to the annual 4th of July  festivities all which are free to the public. In addition to the lakefront, other popular recreational venues include two public  golf courses (and two private), two indoor ice rinks, 6 indoor tennis courts, a large outdoor aquatics center and 19 public parks.

The Baha’i Temple is the communities crowning landmark drawing tourists from around the world to it’s lakeside location. The design of the nine sided domed temple took 40 years to complete. It is surrounded by nine flower gardens and nine fountains. Wilmette’s eastern section features an antique street lighting system, which was installed in 1925 using green cast iron poles with ornamental luminary. This charming feature, along with it’s cobblestone streets and vintage era street lights add to Wilmette's unique charm.

Housing: Stately Victorians, Tudors, Colonials  and stucco four squares are the prominent home styles closest to the lake.  Wilmette’s mid section is made up of colonials, bungalows, farm houses and Tudors. To the west of town, developed post world war two, the style changes to predominately ranches and split levels. 

Schools:The majority of Wilmette’s elementary students attend  District 39 with a small number of students attending District 37 (Avoca). Language studies, computer classes, music and art instruction and daily P.E. are a sampling  of the programs offered.  Both school districts feed into New Trier high School, district 203, spread among two  campuses, Northfield is the Freshmen and Winnetka houses the Sophomores through Seniors.

Transportation: The Edens Expressway (1-94) is a quick hop for a half hour drive into the Loop. Local trains take 35 minutes and 20 minutes by express. Wilmette is the last stop on the CTA Purple Line and  is 40 minutes to downtown. As for airports, O’Hare  is a 30-minute drive and Midway is 45 minutes away.

A Feild Guide to Wilmette, Chicago Magazine December 2016 edition

Wilmette Voted No. 2 Best Chicago Suburbs, Chicago Magazine April 2014 edition

Commuter Friendly Wilmette

Wilmette Demographic Data, Neigborhood Scout

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