What It’s Like To Live In Glenview Near The Glen

Thinking about a North Shore suburb where you can grab coffee, run errands, and stroll home without giving up yard space or easy parking? If so, living near The Glen in Glenview is worth a closer look. You get a modern, mixed-use center wrapped by quiet residential streets, strong park and recreation options, and straightforward access to Chicago. In this guide, you will learn how daily life flows around The Glen, how schools and commutes work, and how Glenview compares to nearby towns. Let’s dive in.

Life near The Glen

When you live near The Glen, your routine often centers around a walkable core with shops, dining, and services. Just beyond, neighborhoods shift to tree-lined streets and a more traditional suburban feel. Housing runs the spectrum from newer condos and townhomes to single-family homes on established blocks.

If you want low-maintenance living, you will find options in and around the town center. If you prefer a yard and extra space, you can look a few blocks out and still be close to the action. It is a practical balance of convenience and calm.

The Glen Town Center at a glance

The Glen sits on land tied to the former Naval Air Station Glenview, a redevelopment that reshaped the area’s retail and residential mix. For background on how the base became a neighborhood, see the Village’s overview of the Glenview redevelopment history. Today, The Glen Town Center functions as a lifestyle hub with restaurants, everyday services, fitness, and multi-story residences.

Day to day, expect:

• A mix of national and local dining and retail.
• Condos, apartments, and townhomes with relatively modern construction.
• Easy car access with pockets of pedestrian-friendly streets and plazas.

Walkability is highest within the immediate core. As you move into single-family areas, you will rely more on a car or bike for errands.

Parks and nature close by

Glenview stands out for its park system and nature programming. The Glenview Park District runs year-round activities, from youth sports and adult fitness to camps and community events.

Two signature spots near The Glen are especially popular:

• The Grove: A National Historic Landmark with trails, historic buildings, and interpretive programs.
• Wagner Farm: A working farm with animals and educational experiences.

You also have quick access to Forest Preserves of Cook County trails and, by short drive, lakefront beaches in nearby communities. Weekends often include a park stop, a class at a rec center, or a seasonal event.

Schools and boundaries

Most Glenview addresses are served by Glenview School District 34 for elementary and middle school and by Township High School District 225 for high school, though boundaries vary by street. Always verify your specific address with the district.

• Elementary and middle: Glenview District 34
• High school: Township High School District 225

To review state-reported data and report cards, use the official Illinois Report Card. Many families consider schools a key reason to choose Glenview, and boundary nuances are important during a home search.

Getting around and the commute

The Metra Milwaukee District North line serves Glenview at the Glenview station. Depending on the train, the ride to Chicago’s Union Station is generally about 30 to 45 minutes. Check current timetables on the Metra MD-N line.

Driving is straightforward, with I-294 nearby and O’Hare International Airport often a 15 to 25 minute drive depending on traffic. Local Pace buses provide suburban service, and short bike trips are doable around parks and quieter streets. Outside The Glen’s core, many errands remain car-dependent.

Daily rhythm and community life

You can handle a week’s worth of errands in a single loop around The Glen, then meet friends for dinner without getting back in the car. Evenings are active but not hectic, and weekends layer in Park District programs, library events, seasonal markets, and small community celebrations. Event calendars shift with the season, so check the Park District and The Glen Town Center for current schedules.

How Glenview compares on the North Shore

If you are weighing Glenview against nearby suburbs, here is a simple way to think about it:

• Wilmette: Strong lake access and a compact village center. Glenview offers a newer mixed-use core and broader suburban layout.
• Winnetka: Higher median home values and a quieter, mostly residential feel. Glenview is often more accessible on price with a wider variety of housing types.
• Northbrook: Similar in scale and family focus, with a notable corporate presence. The Glen provides a contemporary, walkable hub within Glenview.
• Evanston: More urban energy and a large rental base shaped by the university. Glenview delivers a more suburban feel with a defined lifestyle center.

Many buyers see Glenview as a middle ground: family-friendly, strong park programming, and newer mixed-use development without the price tier of the most exclusive lakefront towns.

Home prices and property taxes

Glenview’s home values and rents are generally higher than the Cook County average and in line with many North Shore suburbs, though often below the highest-price communities. Inventory ranges from condos and townhomes near The Glen to single-family homes across the village.

Cook County property taxes are a meaningful part of your monthly budget. For parcel-specific assessments and tax details, use the official Cook County Assessor. If budgeting for a move, it is smart to review tax history for any property you are considering.

Is The Glen a fit for you?

Consider this quick checklist:

• You want a walkable pocket for daily errands and dining.
• You prefer a choice of home types, from low-maintenance condos to single-family homes.
• You value year-round Park District programming and easy access to nature.
• You need reasonable train or car access to Chicago and O’Hare.
• You plan to verify school boundaries and property taxes early in your search.

If you checked most boxes, living near The Glen could be a strong match.

Ready to explore homes, compare neighborhoods, or plan a buy-sell timeline that fits your life? Connect with Ali Lerner to get local guidance, off-market insight, and a plan tailored to you.

FAQs

How long is the Metra commute from Glenview near The Glen to downtown Chicago?

• Typical rides on the Milwaukee District North line range about 30 to 45 minutes to Union Station depending on the specific train; confirm current times on the Metra MD-N schedule.

Which public school districts serve homes near The Glen in Glenview?

• Many addresses feed into Glenview District 34 for elementary and middle grades and Township High School District 225 for high school, but always verify your exact address with the districts.

How walkable is The Glen Town Center area in Glenview?

• The core streets and plazas are pedestrian-friendly with dining and errands close together; walkability tapers as you move into surrounding single-family neighborhoods, where a car often makes errands easier.

What parks and nature sites are close to The Glen in Glenview?

• You are near the Glenview Park District, with highlights like The Grove and Wagner Farm for trails, programs, and family-friendly activities.

How should I research property taxes when buying near The Glen?

• Look up parcel assessments and recent tax bills using the official Cook County Assessor, and factor taxes into your monthly budget alongside mortgage and insurance.