Want a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy in the Chicago suburbs? They have it all: the best beaches near Chicago, like Kenilworth Beach and Glencoe Beach, multi-million dollar waterfront homes stunning Lake Michigan views and upscale neighborhoods. They are also close to Chicago, so they can enjoy easy access to downtown without sacrificing waterfront living. Here are the wealthiest beach towns to live in near Chicago.
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Richest Beach Towns near Chicago
Kenilworth, IL
- Median Sale Price: $1,818,615
- Beach: Kenilworth Beach
Kenilworth is the most affluent beach town near Chicago. Located in Cook County, Kenilworth has earned the reputation as one of the most prestigious places to live near Chicago.
With historic homes, expansive properties, immaculately maintained landscapes, top-tier schools, Kenilworth is one of the wealthiest Chicago suburbs.
Living in Kenilworth comes with a hefty price tag with a median sale price of homes at $1,818,615!
Located on the Lake Michigan shoreline, Kenilworth Beach is one of the best beaches in Illinois with a beautiful sandy stretch for residents to sunbathe, swim, and relax.
During the summer months, Kenilworth Beach becomes a hub of activity with families and individuals alike enjoying the sun and water.
Check out our list of the Richest Chicago Suburbs
Winnetka, IL
- Median Sale Price: $1,426,500
- Beach: Elder Lane Beach, Lloyd Beach, Maple Street Beach, Tower Road Beach, Centennial Dog Beach
Winnetka is one of the wealthiest beach towns near Chicago. Located 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, Winnetka stands out as having some of the best beaches outside Chicago.
Winnetka is a very affluent Chicago suburb with a median home price of $1,426,500.
It’s a refined Chicago suburb with stately mansions, historic homes and stunning beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Winnetka is home to several beaches.
Lloyd Beach caters mainly to boaters (swimming is not allowed), you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Elder Lane Beach, Maple Street Beach is a frequent spot for locals (no boating and kayaks or any vessels allowed), Centennial Dog Beach is an off-leash swimming beach and Tower Road Beach is a popular beach for swimming and relaxing. Winnetka residents are lucky to have so many different beaches to choose from!
Check out our list of the Most Affordable Beach Towns near Chicago
Glencoe, IL
- Median Sale Price: $1,233,885
- Beach: Glencoe Beach
Glencoe is a wealthy beach town in the Chicago suburbs. Located 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, Glencoe has gained the status as one of Chicago’s wealthier suburbs with median home prices of $1,233,885.
When it comes to beaches, Glencoe doesn’t disappoint. Glencoe Beach is one of the best beaches near Chicago.
Glencoe Beach is a picturesque beach on Lake Michigan with fine, soft sand- perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
Beyond just swimming and sunbathing, Glencoe Beach is a family-friendly beach with a spray playground, beach volleyball nets, beach cafe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
At Glencoe’s well-heeled residents enjoy the resort lifestyle because you can even rent beach chairs and umbrellas- no need to lug your own!
Check out our list of the Best Chicago Suburbs for Families
Lake Forest, IL
- Median Sale Price: $987,564
- Beach: Forest Park Beach
Lake Forest is one of the most affluent beach towns near Chicago. Located in Lake County, it is 33 miles north of downtown Chicago with a median home sale price of $987,564.
Lake Forest sits along a beautiful stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Forest Park Beach is a large 29 acres park with a sandy beach perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming.
There’s also a food concession, pavilion, fishing pier and boat ramp at Forest Park Beach.
Lake Forest residents have it good- an upscale suburb with a beach near Chicago!
Check out our list of the Most Affordable Chicago Suburbs
Wilmette, IL
- Median Sale Price: $807,906
- Beach: Gillson Beach
Wilmette is an upscale beach town near Chicago with a median home sale price of $807,906.
Located just 17 miles north of downtown Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s vibrant downtown!
Wilmette is home to one of the best beaches in the Chicago suburbs.
Gillson Beach and Park is a sprawling 60-acre lakefront park with a sandy beach on Lake Michigan where residents enjoy swimming and playing in the sand.
Gillson Park is a hub of activities, from tennis to picnicking to bicycling and volleyball.
Water enthusiasts can indulge in kayak, SUP, and sailboat rentals.
Dog owners will appreciate the Dog Beach.
Summer concerts at the Wallace Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater in Gillson Park.
The Gillson Beach House is a focal point, with its snack bar “The Fat Shallot” offering beachside dinners like the Crawfish Boil and Beefsteak Feast.
During winter, Gillson Park has a lighted ice rink.
Check out: How to Build Your Own Backyard Ice Rink
Lake Bluff, IL
- Median Sale Price: $772,615
- Beach: Sunrise Beach
Lake Bluff is an affluent beach town near Chicago. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is a Chicago suburb with a median home price of $772,615.
Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff is one of the best Chicago Suburb beaches.
Not only does it feature a picturesque swimming beach, but there is also a dog beach.
What truly sets it apart from other Chicago beaches is its upscale touch—providing complimentary beach chairs for visitors.
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Highland Park, IL
- Median Sale Price: $625,160
- Beaches: Rosewood Beach and Millard Beach
Highland Park is an upscale beach town near Chicago with a median sale price of $625,160. Located in Lake County, it is 27 miles north of downtown Chicago.
It’s an affluent beach town on Lake Michigan home to award-winning Rosewood Beach.
Rosewood Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with a nature cove dedicated to ecological and nature programs, a lifeguarded swimming area and a picturesque boardwalk that stretches the entirety of the beach.
There’s also a concession stand at Rosewood Beach—tempting guests with pizza, hotdogs, and ice cream!
But what truly breathes life into Rosewood Beach are the youth and fitness programs it hosts.
From storytime sessions in the sand and campfire S’mores gatherings to exploratory ventures into the nearby ravines and the expansive beach of Lake Michigan.
Not to mention the rejuvenating beach yoga sessions held throughout the year.
Aside from Rosewood Beach, Highland Park is also home to Millard Beach, a neighborhood non-swimming beach with over 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan shore.
Featuring scenic bluffs and a historic garden with panoramic lake views. A distinct feature of Millard Beach is its interactive rock garden allowing visitors to identify and learn about prominent Lake Michigan stones.