@properties: Wilmette

With highly-rated schools and a wealth of amenities, it's no surprise Wilmette has been ranked by Chicago magazine as one of the Chicago area's best places to live.

When it comes to housing, there's no shortage of architectural styles and price points in this lakefront community. Quintessential Cape Cod, Victorian, and Colonial homes line the village's historic streets, many of which are paved with clay-fired bricks from the 1800s. In addition to single-family homes, there are beachfront condominiums and townhomes. While well-kept homes maintain Wilmette's rich architectural history in all of its glory, new construction attests to the village's enduring popularity.

The schools in Wilmette are among the best. In fact, two Wilmette elementary schools are among the select schools in the state to be awarded the prestigious National Blue-Ribbon Award. The community is also served by the highly-acclaimed New Trier High School, located in Winnetka. 

Wilmette's Metra station and access to I-94 make commuting to downtown Chicago a breeze, but there's plenty of reasons to stay local. At the heart of town is the Village Center, where you'll find specialty stores, restaurants, and the Wilmette Theatre. Along Sheridan Road there is Plaza del Lago, providing more shops and services to locals. Meanwhile, ample recreational activities are available at Gillson Park and beach, Wilmette Harbor, and the Centennial Recreation Complex, which includes swimming, tennis, and ice skating.