What do macaroni and solar homes have in common? Not much, as it turns out, unless you are in Northfield. This village is home to the Kraft Food headquarters. In addition, Northfield is also the site of the Henry P. Glass House, which was constructed in 1948. This house, which is located on Dickens St., is thought to be the first passive solar home in the country.
The 5,420 residents of Northfield can take advantage of its small-town charm and laid back atmosphere. However, when the urge for large entertainment venues or a dizzying selection of restaurants and shops strikes, residents can enjoy convenient access to downtown Chicago.
Moving to Northfield
For the nearly 5,500 residents, there are approximately 2,100 single family homes. Despite its relatively small size, Northfield offers a wide range of living options. You will find quaint properties that are over 100 years old, modern condominiums and several modern mansions. If you have a horse, or dream of owning a horse, you will be delighted to know that this north shore community is one of the few that issues licenses for keeping horses.
Northfield is filled with a variety of real estate but the bulk of it is mostly single-family homes with three or more bedrooms. The area is pretty pricey for Illinois so it might be hard to find homes on the cheap side, but if you give yourself ample time to look and are prepared to spend a little time hunting, you should be able to find what you're looking for. They're big on Master-Planned neighborhoods here, so if that appeals to you, you are definitely in the right place.
Because some of the homes here are super old, you'll want to take care to make sure you're inspecting the apartments you see for signs of damage or need for repair. Don't be afraid to ask your landlord a lot of questions if you have concerns about the unit or the building! You can ask when the last time that appliances and electrical wiring was updated, etc. to get a feel for what kind of condition the building is in. You don't want to have any surprises when you move in!
When you move here, be sure you have all the documents you're going to need in order to pass a credit check! This includes a copy of your ID, bank statements, pay stubs, letter of employment, references and anything else that will help prove that you are a real person who is going to pay rent on time! Having your mom vouch for you isn't enough - your landlord will want to see proof that you've been a responsible tenant for some time before entrusting you with an apartment.
Northfield Neighborhoods
There are two defined neighborhoods in Northfield, with plenty of space to stretch out within the 3.21 square miles of land that Northfield encompasses. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the selection of wooded hiking and running trails and bridal paths, along with boating options. As Chicago grew and prospered, this once sleepy swamp town began to flourish as well, ultimately becoming one of the Chicago area's premier villages. Today, many people call Northfield home.
Village Center: Stately homes with well-maintained properties are the majority here, with access to a limited selection of upscale shops, stores and restaurants, like the Happ Inn and PNS Noodle Shop. The beautiful Clarkson Park is located here, too.
Arbor Ln./Winnetka Ave.: A roughly 17% vacancy rate -- a bit high -- indicates that many people have seasonal homes in this neighborhood, which offers studio apartment spaces, as well as bigger units. Large, well-maintained homes dot this neighborhood, which is a bit pricier than the rest.
Top Apartment Community
Valley Lo Towers II: You can expect a heated garage and pet-friendly trails at Valley Lo Towers II, as well as a swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and proximity to upscale shops and stores at places such as The ALOFT at Glen Town Center.
Living in Northfield
Life in Northfield is pretty cushy, as the cost of living here will reflect! It's a beautiful area where residents can take a hike or go for a bike ride along the trails, or head out with friends for a relaxing picnic in one of Northfield's several parks, such as Clarkson Park or Watersmeet Woods, which includes the Wilmette Golf Club, for when you're feeling fancy. It's also got plenty in the way of shopping and dining! There's a cluster of restaurants where Willow and Central Ave meet, such as Taco Nano! and Stormy's. If you like golfing you can head to the nearby Winnetka Golf Course for a round. It's also right off of I-94, which can swoop you into Chicago in no time!