Kenilworth

Kenilworth is one of the wealthiest communities in the U.S., home to Illinois’ most affluent zip code. Located just 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, it is part of the North Shore, a group of lakefront suburbs bordering Lake Michigan. Unlike its neighboring communities, Kenilworth was designed as a planned development, contributing to its exclusivity and charm.

What To Expect

Kenilworth offers a peaceful, upscale living environment with historic homes, manicured streets, and access to top-tier amenities. Residents enjoy privacy, lakefront views, and elite schools.

The Lifestyle

Life in Kenilworth is refined and quiet, centered around family, education, and outdoor leisure. Residents value community, green spaces, and the architectural elegance surrounding them.

Local To-Do's

Visit Kenilworth Beach for lake views and relaxation, explore the neighborhood’s historic landmarks, or attend events at the Kenilworth Club and Historical Society year-round.

In 1889, Joseph Sears purchased 224 acres of farmland between the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Lake Michigan. With the help of investors, he formed the Kenilworth Company and marketed lots at $60 per acre, four times higher than in nearby towns.

By 1896, Kenilworth had 300 residents and was incorporated. The Kenilworth Company played a role in designing parks, the railroad station, and KENILWORTH UNION CHURCH, elements that continue to define the community today. Now, this suburban haven is a coveted destination, with elegant homes, excellent schools, and a small but vibrant village center with local shops and dining options.

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Things To Do & Explore In Kenilworth Chicago

A visit to Kenilworth Beach is a must for residents and guests alike. With clean shoreline, serene water views, and areas designated for sailing and picnicking, it provides a perfect escape. Families often gather here on summer afternoons, enjoying its quiet charm while children play along the lake. It’s also a stunning location for photos or weddings.

Architecture lovers will appreciate Kenilworth’s preserved landmarks, including the Kenilworth Train Station and Kenilworth Union Church. Guided walks can lead visitors past historic homes designed by George Washington Maher. After exploring, you can stop by the Kenilworth Historical Society to learn about the area’s origins and enjoy a deeper look into one of the most exclusive communities in the Midwest.

Community Highlights

Kenilworth offers a blend of luxury, history, and recreational opportunities:

Exclusivity

Kenilworth was founded as an exclusive community, originally restricting property sales to select buyers. Today, its exclusivity is driven by high real estate prices and a limited number of homes, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the country.

Kenilworth Beach

If you think all beaches along Lake Michigan are the same, you haven’t been to KENILWORTH BEACH. This gem of a shoreline isn’t just for show, it’s where sunbathers, sailors, and lake lovers converge without the chaos of overcrowded tourist traps. With clean, designated areas and an elegant simplicity, it’s no wonder the beach doubles as a backdrop for weddings and family events. It’s open to the public, but let’s be honest, only those in the know make the most of it.

And if you’re the type who needs more than just a sandy towel to unwind, Kenilworth’s parks offer a mix of action and calm. TOWNLEY FIELD is where serious soccer games and weekend baseball matchups take shape, reminding us that not all green space should be passive. WARE GARDEN, on the other hand, is the quiet achiever, a shady corner where you can hear yourself think. Families frequent MAHONEY PARK for its playgrounds and open layout, while PEE WEE FIELD remains the go-to for kids who need space to run and parents who need five minutes of peace. Frankly, in a world of overbuilt, overbranded communities, Kenilworth’s outdoor spaces prove that less flash often means more substance.

Kenilworth’s Living Museum of Prairie School Design

Kenilworth isn’t just another pretty suburb. It is a masterclass in architectural pride, whether or not the rest of Chicagoland wants to admit it. With the highest concentration of homes designed by George Washington Maher, one of the Prairie School’s original voices, this village doesn’t just preserve history. It lives in it. These aren’t cookie-cutter builds. They’re intentional, expressive, and in many ways, timeless.

Where Design Meets Function and Community

Stroll past the KENILWORTH FOUNTAIN and you’ll feel the quiet confidence of a community that understands beauty without shouting. The KENILWORTH TRAIN STATION, still functioning today, proves that even utilitarian spaces can carry legacy. Then there’s The KENILWORTH CLUB, where design meets community and its understated elegance still hosts some of the area’s most memorable gatherings. KENILWORTH UNION CHURCH adds spiritual grace to the neighborhood’s architectural rhythm, while the KENILWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY ties it all together. It ensures both residents and visitors understand how rare and deliberate this village truly is. If you think all suburbs are created equal, take a walk through Kenilworth and try not to feel a little envious.

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Why People Really Choose Kenilworth

People don’t move to KENILWORTH by accident. They choose it because it offers what most suburbs only pretend to have: prestige without the noise, beauty without the bragging, and access to Chicago without having to live in the thick of it. The JOSEPH SEARS SCHOOL is one of the top-rated public schools in the state, and yes, it’s the only school in the entire village because that’s how focused and personalized the community is. And while Kenilworth feels peaceful and private, residents enjoy direct train access via METRA’S UNION PACIFIC NORTH LINE and quick drives into the city thanks to nearby I-94. It’s not just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle people work hard to reach.

Your Trusted Real Estate Team in Kenilworth

If you’re thinking about joining the very selective group of homeowners here, you need a team that understands what sets this community apart. The MG GROUP has deep experience in Kenilworth’s high-end market and an eye for the properties that fit more than just your checklist—they fit your life. This isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about knowing exactly where you belong. Let us help you find it.