Wilmette vs. Northbrook (Skokie, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park: houses, good schools, living)

[Sunsmile]

We are a professional Jewish couple in our 30s, with small kids, trying to decide between Wilmette and Northbrook. Any insights on those 2 suburbs?

Thanks in advance.

[chet everett]

I think there are threads on this. There are some differences in the kinds of housing that may be available, the mix of religious / ethnic backgrounds, overall both have a lot to offer.

Northbrook does have some houses with some "older charming" features, but the majority of the town was built closer to Vietnam Era than WWII era, in contrast to much of Wilmette which was part of the first "baby boom"-- that is biggest obvious difference. Result is that many people are attracted to one and not the other.

[sammy22]

You may want to consider Glencoe as well - some parts are insanely expensive, but others aren't that far off from Northbrook and Wilmette prices, especially in this economy. Glencoe has a substantial Jewish population as well.

[thePR]

Since you mentioned that you are Jewish I know that Northbrook has a decent population living there. I don't know about Wilmette though.

[Lookout Kid]

Wilmette is infinitely more charming than Northbrook, IMO.

[STL Mom]

I live in Wilmette, and there are lots of professional couples with kids, and plenty of Jews, although if I had to guess I'd say they are a minority. The kids do get a school holiday for Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur.
I've lived in places where the Catholics socialized with the Catholics and the Jews hung out with other Jews, and Wilmette doesn't seem to be that kind of place. I don't know much about Northbrook except to say that my son would like to live much closer to the Lego store at the mall.

[Avengerfire]

There are jews all over the North Shore. You can take your pick of which burb you like best. There will be plenty of your people no matter where you choose.

[Paige65]

If you want to be around more jews and have quicker access to a synagogue, then Northbrook. Wilmette has a smaller Jewish population. Closest synagogue would probably be in Skokie. Northbrook isn't as charming as Wilmette and doesn't have the lakeshore. More house for your money in Northbrook, but it's farther away from the city. My choice would be Wilmette, but I'm not Jewish so that's not a factor for me. If I were you I'd also consider Glencoe and Highland Park as well, as they both have synagogues, are on the lake, and have good schools (as do Wilmette and Northbrook).

[Anthera]

Originally Posted by Paige65

If you want to be around more jews and have quicker access to a synagogue, then Northbrook. Wilmette has a smaller Jewish population. Closest synagogue would probably be in Skokie. Northbrook isn't as charming as Wilmette and doesn't have the lakeshore. More house for your money in Northbrook, but it's farther away from the city. My choice would be Wilmette, but I'm not Jewish so that's not a factor for me. If I were you I'd also consider Glencoe and Highland Park as well, as they both have synagogues, are on the lake, and have good schools (as do Wilmette and Northbrook).

Congregation Sukkat Shalom is in Wilmette. I know lots of jewish people who live in Wilmette. I guess its what your comfort level requires. HP is very jewish, Glencoe less so. Buffalo Grove & Deerfield more, Kenilworth much less. Do you need 50% + to be comfortable, or 20%? None of the Northshore or Notquitenorthshore suburbs is without a significant jewish population.

[Paige65]

Originally Posted by Anthera

Congregation Sukkat Shalom is in Wilmette.

Thanks for your correction. I didn't know that. And I agree with the rest of your post.