This charming town got its start when, after the local Potawatomi tribe ceded the land in the mid-1830s, Joel Sterling Sherman bought 159 acres for a whopping $1.25 per acre. Unfortunately, real estate in Northbrook is no longer available at this amazingly low price! Four decades later, the area blossomed into a farming community with well-established brick yards that flourished in the massive rebuilding that followed the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

After the turn of the twentieth century, the town was incorporated as Shermerville, but by 1921, following World War I, German names were out of favor, so residents held a contest for a new name to improve their image. Edward Landwehr's entry, "Northbrook," won and became the official name in 1923. The town grew rapidly after World War II, when subdivisions were first developed. In just 20 years, the population increased from 1,265 to 11,635. The addition of a water line from Lake Michigan spurred growth yet again, and within seven years, the population had shot up to more than 25,000.

The Village now serves more than 33,000 residents with extensive parks, shopping and a congenial business climate. With 7,000 employees, Allstate Insurance is one of the primary businesses located here, in addition to Underwriters Laboratories (1,700 employees), UPS (1,100) and Crate & Barrel (450). One third of Northbrook residents commute to work in Chicago.

The excellence of the area's schools also contributes to the high quality of life in Northbrook. Northbrook students consistently score above average on state and national standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Although private schools are available for grades K-12, Northbrook boasts excellent public schools as well. The award-winning Glenbrook North High school, for example, sends 97% of its graduating seniors to college.

If you're in the market for real estate, Northbrook, Illinois offers an excellent investment opportunity for you. The average home price is nearly $500,000 (though prices run the gamut from $150,000 condominiums to multi-million-dollar mansions) and more than 97% of all homes are owner-occupied. The Village of Northbrook offers a family-friendly atmosphere, which is not surprising since more than a third of all Northbrook households include children. The Northbrook population is mainly comprised of married couples and families with children.

Additionally, Northbrook is clearly a primarily middle-class city, with an average household income of just under $100,000 annually. Moreover, with 62% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 27% in possession of a graduate degree or higher, the population of Northbrook is one of the best educated in the state of Illinois.

The residents may be educated and prosperous, but the landscape makes Northbrook even more alluring. The village's numerous parks include Wood Oaks Green Park, Northbrook Park, Crestwood Park, Greenfield Park, Coast Guard Park, Indian Ridge Park and Salceda Park. This, in addition to the numerous golf courses, shopping centers and libraries, creates an environment rich in both culture and opportunity.

If you're looking to relocate, Northbrook, Illinois real estate provides excellent choices. The property values, small-town atmosphere and high-quality schools make it one of the most popular areas in the north shore of Chicago for families looking to resettle. Why not call Doug Wurtzel at (847) 521-4148 or (847) 772-8454 to inquire about finding your new home today?