Chicago North Shore Suburbs

Chicago's North Shore Suburbs have a reputation for classic homes and appealing, well-manicured neighborhoods. These suburbs are among the oldest and most exclusive in the Chicago area. Hollywood movies, such as "Home Alone," "Risky Business" and "Ordinary People" have perpetuated this perception of old-money affluence, but there is more diversity than most profiles capture.

Regional shopping

Most North Shore communities have picturesque downtowns and an interesting mix of specialty stores. Several malls in the area accent the selection.

Market Square in Lake Forest opened in 1916 and currently houses 32 stores. The anchors are Marshall Field's, Talbot's and Williams Sonoma. Patrons may dine at Lake Forest Food and Wine, Frank's Diner or Market Square Pastries. All stores are at street level.

Old Orchard, a large outdoor mall in Skokie near the Wilmette border, has gone through a tremendous construction/renovation phase, adding Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom to its selection of higher-end department stores. The existing Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field's and Saks Fifth Avenue stores were completely renovated, as were the numerous smaller stores, and a food court was added.

Edens Plaza, an outdoor mall, has also gone through renovation/construction recently. It is anchored by Carson Pirie Scott, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Borders Books and Music and Carson's Furniture.

Plaza Del Lago, an outdoor mall in Wilmette, offers a slice of Spanish charm across from Lake Michigan. One of the oldest shopping centers in the United States, the plaza has 35 unique stores.

Northbrook Court lures shoppers with its higher-end stores, such as Nieman Marcus and Mark Shale, along with Lord & Taylor and Marshall Field's. Shoppers from all over Chicago visit the recently renovated mall with its new 16- screen movie theater complex. The mall offers a selection of popular specialty stores, such as Crate and Barrel, The Gap and Liz Claiborne. Restaurants include The Claim Company, Johnny Rockets, Vie de France, The Corner Bakery and a large food court.

The street shopping scene

Evanston's downtown is second in size only to Chicago's Loop. There are more than 275 specialty shops, restaurants and service businesses.

Highland Park's downtown is the site of more than 200 retail and service businesses. Women's and children's apparel shops are numerous, as are shoe stores, art galleries, beauty salons and restaurants.

Lake Bluff is proud of its ever-changing antiques co- op. The Village Market is complemented by specialty shops. Shoppers may lunch at Bluffington's Deli. Several new car dealerships also are in evidence.

Wilmette's shopping areas offer the perfect combination of small-town charm and suburban convenience. In addition to numerous specialty shops in the downtown area, there are shopping centers such as Wilmette Commons, Linden Square and the Village Center.

Winnetka has three shopping areas in town, with more than 20 women's clothing stores, several antiques stores and dozens of fine specialty boutiques.

Regional health care

Residents of the North Shore are served by five hospitals. All facilities offer physician referral services. Trauma centers have been noted.

Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Center, a Level I trauma center, was named one of the Best Hospitals in America in 1996 and 1997 by U.S. News and World Report. With its 500-bed, full-service, medical-surgical care facility and a physician staff of approximately 1,000, the accolades are well-founded. Many physicians serve on the faculty of Northwestern University Medical School.

Highland Park Hospital is a 300-bed medical center with a Level II trauma center serving Lake and Northern Cook counties. It is dedicated to improving the health status of the community with clinical excellence and education. Nearly 500 skilled primary-care and specialty physicians represent all areas of medical expertise and participate in the full range of insurance plans. Highland Park Hospital is a member of Northwestern Healthcare.

Lake Forest Hospital, a Level II trauma center, is a 203-bed, comprehensive medical facility, including Westmoreland, an on-site skilled nursing center. There are more than 400 physicians on staff. The hospital was rated among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for delivering quality health care. It is proud of its newly renovated surgical suite and obstetrics/maternity area.

Rush-North Shore Medical Center, in Skokie, a 268-bed facility with a medical staff of approximately 650, is a Level II trauma center. Specialties include cardiovascular service, geriatric medicine, breast cancer research, endoscopy and laser procedures for the eyes. The hospital recently purchased an open MRI and is in the process of updating its cardiac catheterization lab. It is renovating a section of its Kenton/Oxford Professional building and has recently added new physician offices. In-vitro fertilization is a specialty of Rush-North Shore's women's care center.

St. Francis Hospital, in Evanston, is a 367-bed hospital with more than 400 doctors on staff. The acute care hospital provides primary and secondary levels of care, offering a comprehensive range of medical, pediatric and obstetrical care, while serving as a major referral site for cardiac care.

Copyright © Great Homes in Chicago. All Rights Reserved.