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Northbrook vs. Glenview: The North Shore Neighborly Showdown (Choosing Your Forever Cul-de-Sac!)

  • Writer: The Biggest News Jason Rosenberg
    The Biggest News Jason Rosenberg
  • Mar 28
  • 6 min read

Alright, let's talk North Shore. You're dreaming of leafy streets, top-tier schools, and maybe, just maybe, a commute that doesn't make you want to invent teleportation. Two names inevitably bubble to the top of the list: Northbrook and Glenview. They're neighbors, they're both fantastic, and sometimes, telling them apart feels like trying to distinguish between two nearly identical shades of "Really Nice Beige" paint. But fear not, intrepid house hunter! As your friendly neighborhood real estate sherpa, I'm here to help you navigate this glorious suburban maze.

Think of it like choosing between premium ice cream flavors – say, French Vanilla Bean (Northbrook) and Tahitian Vanilla (Glenview). Both are delicious, creamy, and frankly, a bit expensive. But they have subtle differences that might make one your perfect scoop. Let's dig in!

Location, Location, Commutation Frustration?

Both Northbrook and Glenview boast prime North Shore real estate. Need to get downtown? The Metra's Milwaukee District North line is your trusty metal chariot, with stations in both villages ready to whisk you away (give or take 30-40 minutes of whisking). Need to hit the highways? The Edens (I-94) and the Tri-State (I-294) are practically in their backyards, offering convenient... well, convenient access to character-building Chicagoland traffic.

  • The Edge: Honestly, it's almost a tie. Maybe Glenview has a slightly quicker hop to O'Hare depending on where you are? Maybe Northbrook feels a tad closer to Wisconsin cheese? We're splitting hairs finer than artisanal pasta here. Your specific workplace might tilt the scale by a precious five minutes.

The Bricks & Mortar (And the $$$ That Goes With Them)

Ah, the houses! Both villages offer a delightful smorgasbord of suburban architecture.

  • Northbrook: Known for its spacious lots that make you feel like a minor feudal lord. You'll find plenty of classic ranches (hello, Ranch Renaissance!), split-levels that scream "Brady Bunch chic" (in a good way!), and increasingly, tear-downs replaced by grand new construction that probably has its own elevator.

  • Glenview: Offers a similar mix, but adds the unique flavor of "The Glen." Built on a former Naval Air Station, The Glen feels like its own little universe with newer homes, townhomes, and condos often featuring a more walkable, planned-community vibe. Elsewhere in Glenview, you'll find charming older homes and lovely traditional neighborhoods too.

Okay, Let's Talk Turkey (or Price Tags): So, what's the damage right now (as of early 2025)? Recent data gives us a snapshot. According to Realtor.com's figures for February 2025, the median listing price in Glenview hovered around $615,000, while Northbrook's median listing price was around $499,000. Whoa, wait a second! Does that mean Northbrook is the clear bargain? Hold your horses. Remember, these are median listing prices – half the homes list for more, half for less, and sold prices can differ (Redfin, for instance, showed Northbrook's median sold price closer to $550K around the same time). Plus, Glenview's data includes pricey areas like The Glen. Both towns offer properties ranging from somewhat more accessible condos/townhomes well into the multi-million dollar range. Crucial Disclaimer: These numbers are like Chicago weather – they change! This is a snapshot from early 2025. Always check current listings for the latest pricing and consult with a professional (like me!) for the most up-to-date market insights.

The Elephant in the Room (Wearing a Cook County Tax Bill): Price tags aside, let's be real. Neither Northbrook nor Glenview is a bargain hunter's paradise when it comes to property taxes. Cook County property taxes... well, they exist. Vehemently. Budget accordingly, maybe start a piggy bank labeled "For the Tax Man," and always, always check the specific tax bill for any property you're considering. It can vary significantly even block by block!

School Daze: The GBN vs. GBS Saga

Okay, deep breaths everyone. This is sacred ground. Both Northbrook and Glenview are served by legendary public schools, consistently ranking among the state's (and nation's) best. The main event? High school. Both largely feed into the prestigious Glenbrook High School District 225.

  • Northbrook = Glenbrook North High School (GBN - Go Spartans!)

  • Glenview = Glenbrook South High School (GBS - Go Titans!)

Yes, they are rivals. Choosing a town might feel like choosing your child's lifelong allegiance before they can even spell "mascot." Both GBN and GBS offer incredible academics, arts, and athletics. The elementary and middle school districts within each town are also typically top-notch but differ depending on the specific address (Northbrook has D27, 28, 30, 31; Glenview has D30, 31, 34 - yes, there's overlap, because why make it simple?). Moral of the story: Verify that specific address like it holds the secret to eternal life (or at least, a great education).

Parks & Rec: More Green Space Than You Can Shake a Stick At

Forget sad little swing sets. These towns boast Park Districts that are basically glorious temples of recreation.

  • Northbrook: Techny Prairie Park & Fields is a gem with trails, golf, and even a skate park for your inner Tony Hawk. Plus, an awesome Sports Center for ice escapades. Their motto might as well be "Go Outside, It's Good For You (and We Have Amenities)."

  • Glenview: Home to The Grove, a National Historic Landmark where you can commune with nature and historic trees that have definitely seen things. Gallery Park in The Glen offers picturesque walks around Lake Glenview. Plus, awesome pools, fitness centers, and golf. Their motto: "Yes, We Have That Too, Plus History!"

Winner: Your FitBit. Seriously, both offer incredible ways to stay active, entertain the kids, or just sit on a bench and watch squirrels judge your life choices.

Shopping & Dining: Retail Therapy Central

Need stuff? Want food? Covered.

  • Northbrook: Anchored by the classic indoor haven, Northbrook Court. Perfect for escaping the weather and Browse familiar high-end stores. Plenty of other shopping centers for everyday needs and local eats abound.

  • Glenview: The Glen Town Center offers that "strollable outdoor mall" experience where you can shop, dine al fresco, and pretend you're living in a charming movie scene. Downtown Glenview along Waukegan also has its own collection of shops and restaurants.

The Vibe: That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

This is subjective, like arguing deep dish vs. tavern style (it's tavern, fight me).

  • Northbrook: Can sometimes feel a touch more spread out, maybe a bit quieter in certain residential pockets. Classic, established suburban feel.

  • Glenview: A bit more varied, perhaps? The Glen adds a layer of bustling, newer energy, while other parts retain that traditional North Shore charm.

Honestly, both offer peak suburban bliss: friendly neighbors (mostly), manicured lawns (definitely), and that comforting feeling of being close enough to Chicago, but far enough away to hear crickets (sometimes).

So, Who Wins the Showdown?

YOU DO! Because you really can't go wrong. But if you held a (perfectly safe, Nerf) gun to my head:

  • Team Northbrook Might Be For You If: Attending GBN is paramount, you dream of a sprawling ranch on a half-acre, or you're comfortable with the recent median listing price point (around $499K as of early 2025, but always check!).

  • Team Glenview Might Be For You If: GBS is your jam, you're drawn to the walkable lifestyle of The Glen, or the recent median listing price (around $615K as of early 2025, subject to change!) fits your budget and desires.

The Final Word

Both Northbrook and Glenview offer an incredible quality of life, phenomenal schools, and beautiful homes. The "better" choice is simply the one that feels like home to you. My advice? Spend a Saturday exploring both. Grab coffee, drive through neighborhoods, visit a park, maybe even awkwardly linger near the high schools (kidding... mostly).

Ready to dive deeper than a blog post allows? As Jason Rosenberg from The Rosenberg Group @ Infiniti Properties, I can help you with all of your real estate needs! Whether you're leaning Northbrook, leaning Glenview, or just plain leaning against a wall from decision fatigue, give me a call at 312.882.9797 or shoot me an email at j.rosenberg1976@gmail.com, and let's find your perfect North Shore spot!



Sources:

Disclaimer: Remember to always verify specific school boundaries, property taxes, and HOA details for any property you consider! Market data is based on information available around February/March 2025 and is subject to rapid change. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

 
 
 

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