Beyond the Ivy: Why families are still choosing Lake Forest and Highland Park over everywhere else in 2026.

Let's be real, there are a lot of great places to raise a family in the Chicago suburbs. But if you've spent any time in Lake Forest or Highland Park, you already know there's something different about these two communities. It's not just the tree-lined streets or the historic architecture. It's the feeling you get when you're there. The sense that you're not just moving into a house, you're joining something that's been thoughtfully built over generations.

In 2026, when so many families are looking for stability, quality schools, and a true sense of community, Lake Forest and Highland Park are still at the top of the list. And honestly? It's not hard to see why.

The School Systems: Still the Gold Standard

If you're a parent, the first question you ask when considering a new neighborhood is almost always: "What about the schools?" In Lake Forest and Highland Park, the answer is consistently strong.

Both communities are known for top-tier public school districts that have been delivering excellence for decades. Lake Forest High School and Highland Park High School aren't just good, they're institutions with reputations that open doors. We're talking about rigorous academics, robust arts and athletics programs, and college counseling that actually prepares kids for the next step.

But it's not just about test scores and college acceptance rates. It's about the culture of learning. Teachers know students by name. Parents are involved without being overbearing. There's an expectation that kids will be challenged, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive. And that culture? It doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of decades of investment, community involvement, and families who choose these towns specifically because education matters.

In 2026, when some suburban districts are dealing with budget cuts and enrollment declines, Lake Forest and Highland Park remain stable and well-funded. That stability matters more than ever.

It's Not Just About the Schools

Of course, great schools are only part of the equation. What really sets Lake Forest and Highland Park apart is the sense of place.

These aren't cookie-cutter suburbs. They're mature communities with character. You'll find historic homes sitting alongside beautifully updated estates. Parks and forest preserves where families actually spend their weekends. Downtown areas that feel walkable, charming, and alive, not just a strip mall with a Starbucks.

Highland Park's downtown, for example, offers boutique shopping, locally owned restaurants, and a genuine neighborhood vibe. You can grab coffee, run into neighbors, and feel like you're part of something. Lake Forest's Market Square, with its European-inspired architecture and community events, has the same appeal. These aren't places where you just drive through, they're places where you linger.

And let's talk about the lakefront. Both communities have stunning access to Lake Michigan, with beaches, parks, and trails that make summer weekends feel like a vacation. Whether it's a morning run along the lake or an afternoon at the beach with the kids, that access to natural beauty is something families don't take for granted.

The Numbers Tell a Story

If you dig into the data, you start to see why families keep choosing these areas.

Lake Forest's median household income sits at $228,120, while Highland Park's is $161,875. These are affluent communities, yes, but that affluence translates into well-maintained infrastructure, excellent public services, and a quality of life that families notice immediately. Poverty rates are low, 3.95% in Lake Forest and 3.26% in Highland Park, and unemployment hovers around 1.2% and 2.2%, respectively.

What does that mean in real terms? It means safe neighborhoods. It means well-funded schools and libraries. It means parks that are clean and maintained. It means a level of civic investment that you can see and feel every single day.

Both communities also have a median age around 46, with about 39% of residents aged 55 and older. That tells you something important: people aren't just moving here, they're staying here. They're raising their kids, becoming empty nesters, and choosing to age in place because they love where they live. That kind of long-term stability creates a strong sense of community continuity. Your neighbors aren't turning over every two years. You're building relationships that last.

The Timeless Appeal in a Changing World

Here's the thing about Lake Forest and Highland Park: they're not chasing trends. They're not trying to be the next hot suburb with flashy new developments and big box stores on every corner. They're confident in what they are, and families appreciate that.

In 2026, when so much feels uncertain and fast-paced, there's something deeply appealing about a community that values tradition, quality, and longevity. These towns have been desirable for decades, and they're not going anywhere. That kind of staying power is rare.

The homes here reflect that timeless appeal. You'll find grand historic estates with ivy-covered facades, sprawling lawns, and architectural details that remind you of a different era. But you'll also find homes that have been thoughtfully renovated to meet the needs of modern families, open floor plans, updated kitchens, home offices, and all the conveniences today's buyers expect.

And yes, these homes come with a price tag. But for families who value quality, longevity, and a true sense of place, it's an investment that pays dividends every single day.

Community That Actually Means Something

One of the most underrated aspects of Lake Forest and Highland Park is the community involvement. These aren't towns where people just live: they're towns where people participate.

From youth sports leagues to community theater, farmers markets to holiday parades, there are countless ways to get involved. And people do. You'll see the same faces at school events, town meetings, and weekend gatherings. That kind of social fabric doesn't exist everywhere, and it's one of the things families treasure most.

There's also a strong philanthropic culture in both communities. Families give back: not just financially, but with their time and energy. That sense of responsibility and engagement creates a culture where everyone feels invested in making the community better.

Why Families Keep Choosing the North Shore

So why, in 2026, are families still choosing Lake Forest and Highland Park over everywhere else?

It's simple: these communities deliver. They deliver on education. They deliver on safety. They deliver on quality of life. They deliver on community. And they do it year after year, generation after generation.

If you're a family looking for a place where your kids can thrive, where you can build lasting relationships, and where you can feel proud of where you live: Lake Forest and Highland Park should absolutely be on your radar.

It's not about following the trends. It's about finding a place that aligns with your values and gives your family the foundation they need to flourish.

Thinking about making a move to the North Shore? Let's talk about what life in Lake Forest or Highland Park could look like for your family.

Carmen Nedelcu Broker Associate – Remax Top Performers 773.934.8371