Moving to Northbrook, Illinois: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Northbrook, Illinois? This affluent North Shore village offers top schools, convenient location, and family excellence. With approximately 34,000 residents in 2025, Northbrook combines residential quality with accessibility and Chicagoland’s premier family destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Northbrook:

Northbrook’s 2025 population is approximately 34,000 residents in this Cook County village 25 miles north of Chicago. The median age is around 45 years, with affluent families, professionals, executives, and retirees. The population is approximately 70% White, 20% Asian, 6% Hispanic, 2% Black or African American. Northbrook features upscale neighborhoods, Northbrook Court shopping center, excellent schools, and serves as a North Shore family destination balancing exclusivity with relative accessibility. The village attracts upper-middle to upper-class families, professionals prioritizing schools, and those seeking North Shore quality with convenience. Northbrook appeals to affluent, educated residents valuing education, safety, and quality of life. The community emphasizes top schools, family atmosphere, safety, and maintaining premier status.

Cost of Looking to Consider If Moving to Northbrook:

Northbrook offers upper-moderate to high costs for Chicagoland. Median home values range from $550,000 to $850,000+ in 2025, reflecting the village’s top schools and North Shore location. The median household income exceeds $130,000. Rental properties average $2,000 to $3,200 monthly. Illinois’ state income tax is flat 4.95%. Property taxes are very high (Cook County). Overall cost of living reflects Northbrook’s excellent schools and North Shore status. The village attracts affluent professionals and families. Housing costs create significant exclusivity. The combination of top schools, convenient location, and safety justifies premium pricing.

Economy and Job Market:

Northbrook residents typically work in Chicago or throughout Chicagoland as executives, professionals, or business owners. Major local employers include Allstate Insurance (nearby), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Crate and Barrel corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and businesses throughout the North Shore. Many residents commute to Chicago via Metra or hold senior positions throughout the region. The broader Chicagoland economy offers vast opportunities. Typical commute times to Chicago via Metra are 40-55 minutes. The affluent population includes many high-earning professionals across industries. Many residents work in professional services, insurance, corporate management, and finance.

Education:

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, West Northfield School District 31, Sunset Ridge School District 29, and Glenbrook High School District 225 serve Northbrook students with highly-rated Glenbrook North High School and Glenbrook South High School (shared with Glenview), both consistently ranking among Illinois’ best. The exceptional schools attract families specifically for educational quality. The outstanding school system is the primary reason families relocate to Northbrook, creating intense academic focus and competitive environment with strong Asian American student achievement.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Northbrook offers Northbrook Court providing upscale shopping, extensive parks including Meadowhill Park and Village Green, the Northbrook Public Library (excellent), and family-oriented facilities. The Chicago Botanic Garden (technically Glencoe but Northbrook-adjacent) provides world-class horticultural beauty. Residents enjoy excellent recreation programs, community events, and proximity to Chicago (25 miles) via Metra. The lifestyle emphasizes family activities, top schools, suburban safety, and North Shore quality. The four-season climate enables year-round recreation. The community values educational excellence, family atmosphere, safety (consistently ranked among safest communities), and maintaining premier status. Living in Northbrook means very high costs, intense academic expectations, and prioritizing schools and safety while enjoying North Shore prestige with convenience, exceptional schools, and comprehensive family amenities creating premier family living with educational excellence and safety defining the ultimate family-focused North Shore destination.

Healthcare and Services:

Northbrook residents access world-class healthcare through NorthShore University HealthSystem hospitals, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and extensive medical facilities throughout the North Shore. The affluent population ensures access to premium healthcare providers.

Transportation:

Northbrook benefits from Metra Milwaukee District North Line and Union Pacific North Line providing train service to Chicago from Northbrook stations, Interstate 94, and various arterial roads. Pace operates suburban bus routes. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times to Chicago via Metra are 40-55 minutes, by car 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Conclusion:

Moving to Northbrook in 2025 offers premier North Shore family living with top schools, convenient location, and exceptional quality of life. The village’s combination of Glenbrook schools excellence, North Shore prestige, and accessibility makes it ideal for affluent families and professionals seeking Chicagoland’s premier family destination where educational excellence meets safety and North Shore quality defines ultimate family suburban living.