Northwest Suburbs
Explore Communities
Born and raised in Barrington, Emily knows these communities from the inside out — the schools, the streets, the hidden gems, and the homes that hold their value. Whether you’re planting roots or making a move, here’s a closer look at the areas she calls home.
Barrington
Barrington is one of the most sought-after communities in the Northwest Suburbs — a charming, walkable village with a thriving downtown, top-ranked schools, and a genuine small-town feel just 35 miles from downtown Chicago. Known for its historic architecture, award-winning Barrington 220 school district, and a Main Street lined with local restaurants and boutiques, Barrington offers an exceptional quality of life for families, professionals, and empty nesters alike. The Metra Union Pacific Northwest line connects commuters directly to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Downtown dining & boutique shopping · Barrington 220 schools · Metra commuter access · Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve · Baker’s Lake
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is a welcoming village in Lake County named after the picturesque lake at its center. Known for its friendly atmosphere, thriving local businesses, and strong sense of community, Lake Zurich offers a range of housing options — from lakefront properties to newer suburban developments — all within easy reach of top-rated schools and everyday amenities. Outdoor recreation abounds, with the lake itself drawing boaters, kayakers, and families throughout the warmer months.
Lake Zurich shoreline & recreation · Vibrant local dining scene · Lake Zurich Community Schools · Metra North Central Service access · Kemper Lakes Golf Club nearby
Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights is the largest community in the Northwest suburban corridor and one of the most vibrant — a full-service village with a thriving downtown, exceptional recreational facilities, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Its walkable downtown is packed with restaurants, live music venues, and boutique shops, and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre draws residents year-round. With easy Metra access, top-rated schools, and a wide range of housing from historic bungalows to newer construction, Arlington Heights has broad appeal across every stage of life.
Vibrant downtown & dining scene · Metra Union Pacific Northwest access · Metropolis Performing Arts Centre · Arlington Heights Park District · Diverse housing options
Inverness
Inverness is one of the most distinctive villages in the Northwest Suburbs — a quiet community with a semi-rural character, winding roads, and generous lot sizes that give every home a sense of space and seclusion. Bordering Barrington to the east, Inverness offers the same access to Barrington 220 schools and nearby amenities while maintaining an especially private, wooded atmosphere. It’s a favorite among buyers seeking a retreat-like setting without sacrificing proximity to everything the area has to offer.
Secluded, wooded lots · Quiet, low-traffic streets · Barrington 220 schools · Proximity to downtown Barrington · Inverness Golf Club
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates is one of the larger, more diverse communities in the Northwest Suburbs, offering a wide range of housing styles and price points — from starter homes and townhomes to larger single-family properties. It’s a practical, well-connected community with easy access to I-90, the Schaumburg business corridor, and nearby Metra stations. Residents enjoy strong park district programs, multiple golf courses, and proximity to Credit Union 1 Arena for concerts and events.
Wide range of price points · Easy I-90 access · Poplar Creek Forest Preserve · Versatile housing options · Strong park district
Deer Park
Deer Park is a family-friendly village that blends natural beauty with everyday convenience. Anchored by the Deer Park Town Center — an outdoor lifestyle shopping destination with restaurants, shops, and a movie theater — the village offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with newer home developments and excellent Barrington 220 schools. The surrounding forest preserves and the North Branch Trail make Deer Park especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
Deer Park Town Center · North Branch Trail · Newer construction homes · Barrington 220 schools · Family-friendly community events
Palatine
Palatine is a lively, well-rounded community with a thriving downtown scene and one of the strongest Metra connections in the Northwest Suburbs — two Union Pacific Northwest stops put downtown Chicago within easy reach. Downtown Palatine has experienced a true renaissance, with a growing restaurant scene, local bars, and community events drawing residents out year-round. With diverse housing from condos to large single-family homes, Palatine offers real value across the spectrum.
Downtown dining & nightlife · Dual Metra service · Deer Grove Forest Preserve · Strong park district · Excellent highway access
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect is a well-established village about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle with a genuinely walkable downtown core. Residents love the village’s strong sense of community, excellent park district programming, and convenient access to both I-90 and O’Hare International Airport. Housing ranges from charming ranch and split-level homes to larger executive properties, making it an accessible entry point into the Northwest suburbs without sacrificing quality or character.
Walkable downtown village · Metra Union Pacific Northwest access · Randhurst Village shopping · Mount Prospect Park District · Easy O’Hare & highway access
Cary
Cary is a charming village along the Fox River in McHenry County with a small-town feel that buyers find refreshing. The Metra Union Pacific Northwest line runs right through the village, making it a surprisingly accessible commuter community despite its relaxed, unhurried character. Cary offers excellent value compared to communities further south, with a mix of established neighborhoods, newer builds, and riverfront properties. Cary-Grove High School is widely regarded as one of the strongest in McHenry County.
Fox River access & trails · Metra Union Pacific Northwest stop · Cary-Grove High School · Riverfront properties available · Strong value compared to southern suburbs
Algonquin
Algonquin is a growing Fox River community in McHenry County that has become increasingly popular with buyers seeking newer construction, strong schools, and more space for the dollar. The village has expanded significantly over the past two decades with well-planned subdivisions and retail development, while still maintaining access to the natural beauty of the Fox River corridor. Community Unit School District 300 serves Algonquin, with Jacobs High School drawing families from across the area.
Newer construction & subdivisions · Fox River corridor access · D300 schools / Jacobs High School · Excellent value for space · Growing dining & retail scene
Not Sure Where to Start?
Every community has its own personality. Emily can help you find the one that fits yours.
Let’s Find Your Community
