Chicago North Shore · 60091
Wilmette homes for sale
The North Shore's entry point to New Trier schools. Two real downtowns, CTA plus Metra commuting, Gillson Beach, and the most accessible prices in the top four. A bilingual guide to Wilmette real estate.
Market snapshot
What Wilmette homes are doing right now
Median sale price
$900K–$1.05M
Median $/sqft
$340–$380
Days on market
30–45 days
Sale / list
98–100%+
Inventory
Moderate
Moderate — broader housing stock, but entry level under $800K is tight. Multiple-offer common under $1M; verify with current Redfin / Zillow pulls.
Schools
Wilmette SD 39 and Avoca SD 37 (K–8)
New Trier Township HSD 203 (9–12)
- ·Central, Harper, Romona, McKenzie (elementary)
- ·Highcrest (5–6), Wilmette Junior High (7–8)
- ·Loyola Academy (private Catholic, in Wilmette)
- ·Sacred Heart / Hardey Prep (private)
- ·Baker Demonstration School
SD 39 consistently GreatSchools 9–10; Loyola Academy is a top Midwest Catholic high school
Transit
Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) + CTA Purple Line terminus at Linden
Stops: Wilmette (Metra), Kenilworth (south border, Metra), Linden (CTA Purple)
~25–30 min to Ogilvie by Metra; CTA every 10–15 min
Green Bay Rd, Sheridan Rd, Lake Ave, Ridge Rd, Skokie Blvd, I-94 via Lake or Old Orchard
Community
Population ~28,000
- ·Gillson Park & Beach
- ·Baha'i Temple
- ·Plaza del Lago
- ·Wilmette Harbor
- ·Central Street business district
- ·Westmoreland Country Club
Typical buyer: Young families, Chicago professionals making the city-to-suburbs move, Loyola Academy families, dual-income commuters who need both Metra and CTA options.
What makes Wilmette different
The most urban-feeling of the top four. CTA access, denser grid, two real downtowns (Central Street and downtown Wilmette near Metra), strong Catholic school pipeline via Loyola, more ethnically and income diverse than the three towns to its north.
Why buyers and sellers call Raquel
Wilmette is the North Shore's entry point — where young bilingual families can actually afford New Trier schools, Gillson Beach, and a 25-minute Metra to the Loop. Raquel works this market natively in English and Spanish, guiding first-time North Shore buyers through the tradeoffs between SD 39, Avoca 37, Loyola Academy, and the CTA-vs-Metra commute math that makes Wilmette uniquely flexible.
Wilmette buyer questions
What people ask before they move here
What's Wilmette's best neighborhood for young families?
CAGE (Central / Ashland / Greenleaf / Elmwood) and the area around Harper and Central Street are classic. Walkable to train, parks, elementary schools, and Central Street shops. McKenzie district west of Ridge is more affordable with larger lots.
Wilmette vs Evanston — which should I pick?
Wilmette gives you New Trier schools, Gillson Beach, and a quieter village feel. Evanston gives you more diversity, Northwestern, and a denser downtown, but ETHS instead of New Trier.
Is the Baha'i Temple open to visitors?
Yes. Free, open daily, one of only eight in the world and a genuine architectural landmark.
Does Wilmette have a beach?
Gillson Park — one of the largest public beaches on the North Shore, with sailing, tennis, and a dog beach. Residents get discounted passes.
Can I get into New Trier without paying Winnetka prices?
Yes. Wilmette is the answer. Most of Wilmette feeds New Trier, and entry-level single-family homes start meaningfully below Winnetka's floor.
Thinking about Wilmette?
Raquel will put together a CMA, pull real comps, and walk you through the tradeoffs in English or Spanish. No pressure, no spam.