Then and Now

The charming suburban community of Glenview, Illinois is located about 20 miles northwest of Chicago. Until the middle of the 20th century, Glenview remained a largely agrarian village, populated mainly by farmers and their families. The area was first settled and cultivated in the 1830s, around the same time the last Native Americans were driven from northern Illinois. The majority of the original colonists came directly from the British Isles and Western Europe – England, Ireland, and Germany, for the most part.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Glenview enjoyed steady growth and prosperity. A dramatic change occurred in the 1870s, though, following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when much of Chicago was reduced to smoldering ash and embers. Instead of sticking around during the rebuilding process, most of Chicago's wealthy elite fled to the suburbs, with many migrating to Evanston, Kenilworth, Wilmette and yes, Glenview. To aid in Chicago's revitalization after the fire, a new railroad was established to ship materials from Wisconsin and Minnesota into the city. The tracks ran right through Glenview, putting the town on what would became an important trade route for Chicago merchants.

By the turn of the century, the town of Glenview was incorporated despite a strong resistance on the part of several farmers. In the following years, wooden sidewalks and gas streetlamps were added. Gradually, over the course of the 20th century, farmland was steadily converted into residential developments, golf courses, schools, commercial districts and retail zones. In 1997, Glenview's last working farm was finally put on the market. The most visible change in the past couple decades, however, was the conversion of the former Glenview Naval Air Station into a massive retail, commercial and residential complex called The Glen Town Center.
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Park is the Place

Even though a good portion of Glenview residents have sizeable back yards, most folks do not have a private tennis court, sand volleyball area, softball field or forest preserve tucked away behind the garage ... Which is why Glenview parks are such an important part of the town's community culture.

Actually, Glenview has one of the more impressive networks of parks and golf courses of all the Chicago suburbs. There are two Glenview parks that stand out from the rest, both for their size and for their athletic/recreational facilities. At 39 acres, Flick Park (3600 Glenview Rd.) is one of the biggest designated community areas in Glenview, and it is also one of the town's most heavily used parks. Flick features six full-size soccer fields, a pair of baseball diamonds, four tennis courts, and a swimming pool. In addition, the park offers visitors walking and bike paths, a large picnic area, a sled hill, and even an ice skating rink in the winter.

The only other park in Glenview that can compare to Flick in outdoor sports options is Community Park West (1000 Zenith Dr). The grounds cover 38 acres and include five soccer fields (soccer is huge among Glenview's younger population), five baseball fields, and a long walking path that meanders throughout the spacious parkland. Still, the main attraction at Community Park West is the skate park, which gets plenty of action from local high schoolers.

Glenview's exceptional parks system is elevated to a whole different level by "The Grove," an 82-acre nature preserve that gives residents a raw wilderness setting, lending itself to hikes and enjoyment of the untouched environment.
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Hit the Links

The golfer in the family will be excited to learn there are almost as many golf courses in Glenview, Illinois as there are parks (although at least two of these are run by the Parks District, so technically, they're parks, too). With so many to choose from, it's difficult to say one course is any better than the rest, so we'll just offer a quick run-down of what you'll find when it's time to hit the links.

There are two private 18-hole courses in town, the North Shore Country Club (1340 Glenview Rd, 847-724-9240) and the Valley Lo Club (2200 Tanglewood Dr, 847-729-5557). There's also a couple municipal courses in town, Glenview National 9 (2800 W Lake Ave, 847-657-1637) and Glenview Park Golf Club (800 Shermer Rd, 847-724-0250), which are cheaper than the private country clubs. Glenview's newest golf course is the Glen Club (2901 W Lake Ave, 847-724-7272), located in the commercial/residential development that opened at the site of the old Glenview Naval Air Base. The 18-hole public golf course is quickly becoming one of Glenview's most popular. [Back To Top]

Real Estate

Any discussion of the Glenview, Illinois real estate market inevitably frames it as Pleasantville, USA – an idyllic, tree-lined community that's perfect for raising children and starting a family. And that's because, for the most part, it's true. Glenview is a beautiful town with some of the most impressive homes and properties in the Chicago suburbs.

Prospective homebuyers will discover Glenview features a diverse mix of older homes and modern constructions. The most notable new home development is The Glen Town Center, a very recent large subdivision that was built on the site of the old Glenview Naval Air Station. Because it is a planned residential community, Glen Town upholds a spacious neighborhood layout with a pedestrian-friendly setup and low-density design.

Glenview homes built between 25 and 50 years ago generally fall in the $200,000 - $500,000 price range for a single-story or split-level home with three bedrooms. Houses with two stories are typically higher in price with some gorgeous Prairie-style residences and upgraded Colonials valued in the upper $800,000s. New construction detached homes in Glenview, Illinois range from the lower $600,000s to well over $2 million for sprawling brick mansions on scenic lots.  

The average sale price for single-family, detached homes is $426,000 for two-bedroom houses; $502,000 for three-bedroom places; $774,000 for four-bedroom properties; and $1.2 million for homes with five or more bedrooms. For attached real estate in Glenview, the average sale price is $154,000 for one-bedroom condos; $269,000 for two-bedroom places; and $495,000 for condos or townhouses with three bedrooms.

Glenview Residential Real Estate Info for Single-Family Detached Homes

Average Sale Price 2005-2006	Average # of Days on the Market	Number of Sales 2005-2006	One Year Price Change	Price Change Since 94
$700,312	81	451	5%	160%

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois
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What's on the Menu?

Glenview residents love their seafood, and there's no better place to go to satisfy a craving for crustacean and other ocean fare than Mitchell's Fish Market (2601 Navy Blvd, 847-729-3663). The upscale yet casual dining chain was started by Cameron Mitchell, a chef and restaurant entrepreneur from Columbus, Ohio. Mitchell's has an enormous variety of fresh fish on any given day. The menu features 80 different items and it's printed twice each day to include whatever's on hand. Dishes incorporate fish from near and far; some are caught right in our backyard, in the Great Lakes, while others are flown in from the Bering Strait, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and from the far reaches of the Pacific.

Italian cuisine enjoys wide popularity in Glenview, too, which means there's plenty of selection for pasta lovers around here. One of the favored spots for Italian in Glenview is Café Lucci (609 Milwaukee Ave, 847-729-2268), an intimate and comfortable restaurant that specializes in authentic regional dishes and homemade delicacies. In terms of identity, Café Lucci isn't quite categorized as either an Italian steakhouse or a pasta bistro, but it excels at both. This neighborhood restaurant is also a dynamo when it comes to seafood – the ciopino is a traditional fisherman's stew, and a chef specialty that can't be missed. The rest of the menu is extensive, presenting a nice selection of steaks, osso bucco, pastas, and even foie gras (yes, it's still permitted in the suburbs).

Keeping with the Italian theme, pizza also has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Glenview locals. When it comes to 'za, Viccino's (1905 Glenview Rd, 847-724-9500) is the cream of the crop. It's one of the only gourmet pizzerias in the Chicagoland area, and it doesn't disappoint. In addition to signature pizzas you won't find anywhere else, Viccino's offers salads, sandwiches and exquisite pasta dishes. If you prefer a more conventional pie, though, D'Agostino's (2350 Lehigh Ave, 847-729-0909) is probably your best bet. D'Agostino's, which also has a couple of locations in Chicago, serves traditional thin-crust pizza, but also offers stuffed and pan options. The menu at D'Agostino's is much larger than your typical pizza joint with a generous selection of salads, appetizers, pasta dishes, and entrées to go with your piece of choice. Another great perk of dining at D'Agostino's? There's a bar connected to the restaurant, which means you can enjoy a beer with your pizza, too.

For a little departure from the pizza and pasta scene, try RA Sushi (2601 Aviator Ln, 847-510-1100), one of the chicest places to eat out in Glenview. RA is a chain of swanky sushi bars that excel at Japanese fusion cuisine. Here, you can pull up to the bamboo chef station and order some traditional maki, sashimi and nigiri; or, if you're feeling like a more traditional entrée, try the salmon teriyaki or one of their many excellent salads. For something more conventional and a bit more low-key, try Noodle Café (1875 Grove St, 847-724-2228), a small Euro-style eatery that offers a wide selection of tastes, ranging from seafood and steak to pasta and vegetarian dishes. The European influences are present in appetizers like crab cakes and brie cheese with apples, but there are also some American inspirations, such as the barbecue pork tenderloin. There's even a Costa Rican-style tilapia that's served with caramelized ginger for a unique culinary experience.
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Best Shopping Stops

For years, Glenview had been without a large shopping center – that is, until the Glen Town Center was built at the old Glenview Naval Air Station. The Glen, as it's known by most residents, includes a small retail center with about 30 stores. Some of the more popular shops at The Glen: the large athletic wear chain, Dick's Sporting Goods (847-730-7400); women's department stores, Ann Taylor Loft (847-832-0587) and Moda Nouvelle (847-998-8730); and the decadent candy shops of Chocolates by Bernard Callebaut (847-998-9680) and The Candy Crossing (847-832-9080). The Glen also has a few jewelry boutiques including Claire's (847-724-4850) and Von Maur (847-724-4199), a bookstore called Book Market at Hanger One (847-904-7304), and even a home furnishing showroom at Classique Home (847-729-9991).

The Glen Town Center is Glenview's newest shopping option, but it isn't the suburb's only place to exercise your consumerism streak. For years, Glenview residents have been shopping at the town's original Ann Taylor location (1941 Tower Dr, 847-832-0587) and Fire & Ice (1484 Waukegan Rd, 847-657-0636) – both are upscale women's apparel shops that keep Glenview locals looking fashionable and in with the trends. Scandinavian Ski and Snowboard Shop (1621 Waukegan Rd, 847-729-0550) is a specialty retail locale that caters to Glenview residents who like to stay active in the winter. The shop is often jumping with skiers and snowboarders—many of whom make the trek up to Wisconsin on the weekends to catch the runs at Wilmot Mountain (near the Illinois/Wisconsin border). The racks are stocked with all sorts of skis and winter wear, including downhill and cross-country skis, boots, ski jackets, snow pants, ski goggles, ski caps, etc.
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Showtime!

The only place to catch a movie in Glenview is the new 10-theater multiplex that was added to the shopping mall at Glen Town Center, named the Kerasotes Glen 10 (1850 Tower Rd, 8470729-9600). All of the auditoriums have stadium seating and play first-run features. The theaters are state-of-the-art with comfortable, reclining chairs that make for an excellent neighborhood movie house. If you're more interested in seeing a live theater performance, the Glenview Theatre Guild (847-604-3411) is sure to be one of your favorite Glenview institutions. The guild is sponsored by the Glenview Park District, and it puts on a production every year between June and July in one of the local parks. The community theater troupe usually chooses time-honored musicals and plays to perform, which are always crowd-pleasers. Plus, the outdoor venue provides a fun, summery setting that every member of the family will enjoy – even the four-legged ones.
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Mark Your Calendar

One event many area residents have penciled into their winter calendars is the annual "Wishes Come True Fine Arts Show" (2771 Pfingsten Road), which typically takes place the last weekend of November. The three-day exhibition features works by local artists and is hosted by the H. Marion Framing Company that benefits the Fairygodmother non-profit foundation in Chicago.

A new community festival that has gained popularity among Glenview residents since its start in 2004 is Art at the Glen (847-926-4300), a fair that takes place in the streets of The Glen Town Center. Over 200 artists meeting jury approval are admitted every year to participate in the art show. Display tents are set up in the streets of the Glen during the second weekend in August for the festivities. In addition to the art exhibits, the event features culinary presentations, children's activities, musical performances, and art demonstrations. And, here's the bonus… Admission is free.
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School's in Session

Families move to Glenview for a number of reasons, but one of the most important considerations for parents when deciding on a home is where the kids will go to school. Fortunately, Glenview boasts some of the best educational facilities -- public and private – in the Chicagoland area. In fact, Glenview is the only town in the state of Illinois to have an elementary, a junior high school and a high school receive a "National Excellence in Education" award from the Department of Education.

Attea Middle School 2500 Chestnut Ave (847) 476-7700
Avoca West Elementary School 235 Beech Dr (847) 724-6800
Glenbrook South High School 4000 W Lake Ave (847) 729-2000
Henking Elementary School 2941 Linneman St (847) 998-5035
Hoffman Elementary School 2000 Harrison St (847) 998-5040
Lyon Elementary School 1335 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-5045
Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1123 Church St (847) 724-6990
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School 1730 Sunset Ridge Rd (847) 998-5050
Springman Middle School 2701 Central Rd (847) 998-5020
Westbrook Elementary School 1333 Greenwood Rd (847) 998-5055
Willowbrook Elementary School 2500 Happy Hollow Rd (847) 498-1090
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Basic Needs

Dining

American Cuisine
Bennigan's Restaurant - 2141 Willow rd (847) 832-9960
Hackney's on Harms - 1141 Harms Rd (847) 724-5577
Johnny's Kitchen & Tap - 1740 Milwaukee Ave (847) 699-9999
Noodle Café - 1875 Grove St (847) 724-2228
Wildfire Restaurant - 1300 Patriot Blvd (847() 657-6363
Yard House Restaurant - 1880 Tower Dr (847) 729-9273

Asian Cuisine
Chinatown Kitchen - 2200 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-6578
RA Sushi Restaurant - 2601 Aviator Ln (847) 510-1100
Rama Thai Kitchen - 1320 Waukegan Rd (847) 657-8424
Young's Chinese Restaurant - 1744 Waukegan Rd (847) 724-7611

Italian Cuisine
Café Lucci - 609 Milwaukee Ave (847) 729-2268
Gusto Italiano Restaurant - 1470 Waukegan Rd (847) 729-5444
Tonelli's Restaurant - 1038 Waukegan Rd (847) 272-4730

Mexican Cuisine
El Jardin Restaurant - 1831 Tower Dr (847) 729-9888
Lalo's Mexican Restaurant - 1432 Waukegan Rd (847) 832-1388
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant - 1829 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-8700

Pizza
D'Agostino's Pizzería - 2350 Lehigh Ave (847) 729-0909
Jake's Pizza - 2200 Waukegan Rd (847) 729-2330
Rosati's Pizza - 1708 Milwaukee Ave (847) 296-0260
Viccino's Pizza Co - 1905 Glenview Rd (847) 724-9500

Seafood
Mitchell's Fish Market - 2601 Navy Blvd (847) 729-3663

Bars/Nightlife

Flight Wine Bar - 1820 Tower Dr (847) 729-9463
Glenview House Ltd - 1843 Glenview Rd (847) 724-7999
Hackney's on Lake - 1514 E Lake Ave (847) 724-7171
Meiers Tavern - 235 E lake Ave (847) 724-0477
Red Star - 1800 Tower Dr (847) 486-0099
Valley Lodge Restaurant - 2132 Waukegan Rd (847) 724-7440

Emergency Rooms

Children's Memorial Hospital - 2100 Pfingsten Rd (847) 486-6550

Entertainment

Glenview Theatre Guild
Kerasotes Theatres Glen 10 - 1850 Tower Dr (847) 729-9600

Events

Wishes Come True Fine Arts Show - 2771 Pfingsten Rd
Art at the Glen - (847) 926-4300

Grocery Stores

Dominick's - 1340 Patriot Blvd (847) 657-3124
Jewel-Osco - 2502 North Waukegan Rd (847) 486-0864
Trader Joe's - 1407 Waukegan Rd (847) 657-7821

Gyms

Chicago Martial Arts & Fitness - 3222 Glenview Rd (847) 657-1500
Park Center Health & Fitness - 2400 Chestnut Ave (847) 657-3249

Libraries

Glenview Public Library - 1930 Glenview Rd (847) 729-7500

Golf Courses

Glen View Club 100 Golf Rd (847) 729-3611
Glenview Park Golf Club - 800 Shermer Rd (847) 724-0250
Glenview National 9 - 2800 W Lake Ave (847) 657-1637
The Glen Club - 2901 W Lake Ave (847) 724-7272
Valley Lo Club - 2200 Tanglewood Dt (847) 729-5557
North Shore Country Club - 1340 Glenview Rd (847) 724-9240

Pharmacies

Jewel-Osco - 2502 N Waukegan Rd (847) 486-0864
Osco Drug - 2775 Pfingsten Rd (847) 564-8480
Target Pharmacy - 2241 Willow Rd (847) 657-0096
Walgreens - 1403 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-1422

Post Office

US Post Office 1919 Prairie St (847) 729-1021

Shopping

Ann Taylor - 1941 Tower Dr (847) 832-0587
Aquarius Limited - 1545 Canterbury Ln (847) 729-1906
Country Classics Ltd - 1405 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-4644
Fire & Ice - 1484 Waukegan Rd (847) 657-0636
Gigi's Closette - 1520 E lake Ave (847) 729-5110
Hot Mama - 2670 Navy Blvd (847) 486-1060
La Belle Swimwear & Lingerie - 1448 Waukegan Rd (847) 998-8400
Modena Apparel Co - 1521 Executive Ln (618) 549-3186
Scandinavian Ski Shop - 1621 Waukegan Rd (847) 729-0550
Snowbird Ski Shop - 2909 Pfingsten rd (847) 291-0820
Vibrato, Inc - 2021 Tower Dr (847) 510-2081

Shopping Centers

The Glen Town Center - 2660 Valor Dr (847) 724-2025
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