Part of the affluent North Shore, Northfield is a lovely suburban retreat. The main attraction might be the excellent public schools–including the renowned New Trier High School– but that’s not all there is to love about the area!
Northfield residents enjoy picturesque parks, stunning homes, and a vibrant community. A great parks system keeps the area active and, with the Skokie Lagoons and Erickson Woods, spending time in nature doesn’t need to be a special occasion. Northfield offers a laid-back lifestyle- including friendly block parties, fun summer festivals, and weekend days exploring the area’s excellent shops and restaurants!
Northfield has long been a favorite for buyers and renters. Homes range from sprawling ranch homes and historic mansions to lovely condominiums. One of the area’s calling cards is its large lot sizes, the majority zoned for over an acre of land.
Just 17 miles from the Loop, residents have easy access to the Chicago (and beyond!) via I-94 and I-294 and nearby Metra stations!
Northfield Neighborhood Guide
Top-notch education, pristine nature, and vibrant shopping and dining- Northfield residents are well served in their community!
Northfield Restaurants and Bars
From date-night to a casual lunch, you can find it in Northfield’s dynamic dining scene. Local favorites include the Northfield Restaurant, a family-friendly restaurant serving American and Greek classics, Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe, a delicious local bakery, and Viccnos, featuring a creative take on pizza. The area’s local tavern, Stormy’s, serves great bar food and is a great place to watch the game with the welcoming community.
Northfield Shopping
Along the area’s main commercial corridor, Happ Road, Northfield features a number of unique boutique shops. These include Enaz For Life, a fashionable women’s clothing store, and Lori’s Shoes. For groceries, residents have their pick of a Jewel, a Mariano’s, and a Whole Foods Market. In the summer, the area offers a local farmer’s market, featuring fresh farm goods. For big-name retailers, it’s only a short drive to major shopping centers like Northbrook Court and Westfield Old Orchard.
What’s Nearby?
While Northfield may be small, residents have access to the vibrant North Shore cultural scene. Local attractions include the Writer’s Theater in nearby Glencoe. Recently, the company was called “the top regional theater in the nation” by The Wall Street Journal. The Kohl’s Children’s Museum in Glenview is a favorite of parents and kids alike! For a date night, downtown Evanston offers award-winning restaurants and a great movie theater. And in warm weather, it’s just a short drive (or bike ride!) to the area’s beautiful swimming beaches and harbors.
Parks and Nature
Northfield offers its residents outstanding parks and recreational facilities. The village’s lovely parks include amenities such as ice skating rinks, sports fields/courts, and playgrounds. The Village is also home to the Northfield Community Center, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and community meeting place. Northfield residents enjoy premier access to nature with acres of forest preserves, including the Skokie Lagoons. The Skokie Lagoons, with its popular bike trail, is also a great place for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and family picnics.
Looking for great schools?
Northfield sends students to two highly ranked public elementary school districts which feed into the renowned New Trier High School. New Trier is often acknowledged as one of the premier public high schools in the country, recently ranking #7 in Newsweek’s rating list. Northfield is home to New Trier High School’s freshman campus, while upperclassmen attend the main Winnetka facility. The North Shore area also offers several prestigious private elementary schools and high schools.
Northfield History
Early History
For hundreds of years, Potawatomi Native Americans lived in the area. They hunted in the area’s open prairies and fished the area’s swamps and rivers. Many on the area’s major roads, including Green Bay Road and Ridge Road, were paved along their trails. In the 1850s, the German immigrant Happ family was the first Euro-Americans to settle in the area. Attracting farmers with its beauty and fertile soil, the area grew gradually in population.
Becoming Northfield
In the 1920s, the community began to modernize. The biggest addition to the community was the construction of the Skokie Valley Line of the North Shore Railway. This line allowed easy access to Chicago, setting up the establishment of an affluent commuter suburb. After a contest was held, the community chose the name Wau-Bum, after a Potawatomi Native American Chief. In 1929, however, the name was changed to Northfield, the name of the train built in the area. Modern amenities such as electric lights and paved roads were installed and significant municipal construction–including a train station and the first schools–took place in these years.
The Modern Village
During the 1950s, Northfield the village grew rapidly. The major project of this era was the construction of the Edens Expressway, allowing easy access all around Chicagoland. To the east of the Highway, the swampland was dug out, creating the now-beloved Skokie Lagoons park. From 1930 to 1980 the population increased from 320 to 4,887. Today, around 5,500 call the village home.
From humble rural beginnings, Northfield today is a thriving suburban community, known for its great schools and lovely homes.
Northfield Homes
Northfield is one of the more approachable priced communities in the North Shore. With large lot size, those looking for a place to let their dog out on their property, play catch, or even raise horses will love the area. The area offers a variety of home styles and types in several price ranges. Homes include lovely ranches on massive lots, new construction mansions, as well as a number of lovely condominiums and townhomes.
A quiet, and friendly residential community with great schools, beautiful nature, and top shopping, dining, and attractions, Northfield is a perfect place for your suburban retreat. Come and check it out!
