There’s LOTS to do in this bustling Chicago ‘burb
Suburban Jungle’s Head Chicago Strategist Heather Jagher loves living in Glencoe! So what drew her and countless other Chicago families to this bustling ‘burb? A+ schools, a quick commute and TONS to do in and around town.
Hitting the Books
There’s only one school district in Glencoe—District 35. Having one district makes this a very tight-knit community, which is a big draw for living in Glencoe. Everyone knows and helps each other out and seems to know what’s happening in the neighborhood. There’s also a slower pace around town, which people love.
South School: K-2nd
West School – 3rd & 4th
Central School (middle school): 5th-8th
New Trier (high school): 9th-12th
There are also several private options in the area including North Shore Country Day School, Sacred Heart, Solomon Schechter Day School and Loyola Academy. And if you’re living in Glencoe for the preschool years? Check out…
Glencoe Park District, a public preschool
Glencoe Junior Kindergarten, which is private
Glencoe Montessori
JCC at Am Shalom
A Quick, Easy Commute
Glencoe has a quick, easy commute to Chicago. The UP North Metra Line to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Loop takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Driving to the city takes about 50 minutes.
Eating & Drinking in Glencoe
We have amazing restaurants, bars, pubs and shopping. My family loves Guildhall, a gastropub with great food, or Valor for something more contemporary. When it comes to casual eats, Little Red Hen, pizza joint Bake 425 plus Foodstuffs and Meg’s—both gourmet delis and takeout spots—are incredibly popular. And if you just want to grab a cup of coffee and a snack? There’s Glencoe Roast and, of course, Starbucks!
Shopping-wise, the Grand Food Center is a go-to for weekly staples. We also have a Parkway Drug/Walgreens and Binny’s for wine, beer and other drinks.
Getting Your Sweat On
There are LOTS of ways to get your sweat on in Glencoe! Lifetime Fitness is opening in nearby Northbrook in the fall—it’s a five-minute drive from here, so I’m sure plenty of local families will be signing up. There’s also Reach Yoga which is very popular, especially their beach yoga during the summer. Many families also love the Glencoe Park District Gym at the Takiff Center plus the district’s tennis program for all ages. And for those weekend warriors and people who just want to pound the pavement, Glencoe offers plenty of running and biking trails along the Cook County Forest Preserve and Green Bay Trail.
The Club Scene
Country clubs are also fairly common here, and many families join—if that’s your speed, it’s a great chance to mix, mingle and meet your neighbors from day one. Skokie Country Club and Lakeshore Country Club are popular go-tos, as is the public golf course at Glencoe Golf Club. In the summer this course also offers a great kids camp which many locals take advantage of.
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That’s Just the Beginning…
Again, there is A LOT to do when you’re living in Glencoe. Check out Glencoe Beach, see a show at Writers Theater, head to the Chicago Botanic Gardens or grab a kayak or canoe at Skokie Lagoons. During the summer, Ravinia is a great go-to for live music, and is within biking distance in Highland Park. Throughout the year there are also tons of local and seasonal events in the village including:
Glencoe Grand Prix
Glencoe French Market
Movies at Town Hall
Fourth of July Parade
Harvestfest
Summer Art Fair
Family Fun Fest
Christmas Tree Lighting
Want to check out Glencoe or any of the other amazing Chicago suburbs? Get in touch with Heather to learn more and start exploring suburbia!
Sources:
Heather Jagher (interview)
Guildhall Restaurant (image)