5 Reasons Why We Love Wilmette

@properties is no stranger to Wilmette. In fact, we’ve been serving home buyers and sellers in the area for almost a decade. And if experience has taught us anything, it’s that there’s a lot to love about this quaint North Shore community – So much to love that we decided to make a new home for @properties right in town.

This July, stop by our new office at 1100 Central Ave. in the town’s central business district, and keep reading to find out why we’re excited to finally call Wilmette home.

Recreation Galore

With nearly 60 acres of lakefront property including a harbor and a picturesque beach, it’s no surprise Gillson Park is one of the North Shore’s favorite summertime hangouts. Rent a sailboat, play a game of tennis or volleyball, go for a swim at Gillson beach, or have a picnic. There’s something for everyone here, including your four-legged friend who can run off-leash in the fenced Dog Beach area.

Wilmette’s park district also oversees the smaller Langdon Park Beach as well as a public golf course, several community parks and the Centennial Recreation Complex, where you’ll find ice rinks, tennis courts and a public swimming pool.

Restaurants for Every Palate

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a nice sit-down meal, Wilmette has you covered.

Start your day with a stack of pancakes at Walker Bros. (the first Chicagoland location) or get your brunch fix at a smaller neighborhood spot like Hotcakes or Fuel. When your bar-food craving strikes, head to Valley Lodge Tavern or across the street to Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. Of course, no outing in Wilmette is complete without a stop at Homer’s for a scoop (or three) of homemade ice cream.

Other local eateries highlight a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Mexican to Japanese. The Noodle and Convito Café & Market are favorites for pasta lovers, while Napolita serves up wood-fired pizza. Inside a former train station is Depot Nuevo – a go-to for Mexican fare and alfresco dining. Torino Ramen is among the town’s newer restaurants and never fails to impress with their authentic ramen dishes.

Vibrant Business Districts

Wilmette is home to a few distinct business districts. At the heart of town is the Village Center, where you’ll find specialty stores, restaurants and The Wilmette Theatre, which hosts live events like comedy shows and also features classic movies and indie films. The Wilmette French Market is also held in this part of town, offering a variety of fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses and other farmers market goods from April through November.

Shops are also plentiful at the Spanish-inspired Plaza Del Lago near the lake, as well as Edens Plaza, which boasts a number of national retailers on the west side of the community.

Beautiful Architecture

It’s easy to see why Wilmette is known for its architecture – Just look at the Baha’i temple. One of only seven Baha’i temples in the world, the towering landmark is located on Sheridan Road and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Homes in Wilmette are architecturally diverse and showcase the community’s character. Colonial, Cape Cod, and Victorian homes line the historic tree-lined streets, many of which are paved with bricks that date back to the 1800s. Meanwhile, new construction homes highlight the town’s growth and enduring popularity.

Convenient Commuting

While Wilmette is about 15 miles north of Chicago, commuting is still a breeze. The Metra provides direct access to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center, and there’s also the CTA’s Purple Line which has a station on Linden Avenue. The Edens Expressway also passes through the community, making for an easy drive to the city and surrounding suburbs.