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    AI-Generated Neighborhood Summary

    Location and Neighborhood Overview

    Wilmette, IL, is a suburban village located on the North Shore of Chicago. It is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. The village is distinguished by its access to Lake Michigan, making it an attractive residential area. Wilmette has a quaint downtown area with various shops and dining options, and it’s well-connected to Chicago via the Metra train line, with the nearest city center being downtown Chicago, approximately 15 miles away.

    Crime Rate and School District

    Wilmette generally has a low crime rate compared to national averages, contributing to its reputation as a safe area for families. The village is served by the highly-rated Wilmette Public Schools District 39, which is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. New Trier High School, serving older students, is also highly regarded and offers a wide range of advanced placement and honors courses.

    Amenities and Economic Overview

    The area boasts numerous amenities, including Gillson Park, which offers beach access, tennis courts, and more. The Baha'i House of Worship, a notable architectural attraction, is nearby. Grocery stores, such as Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods, are conveniently located for residents. Wilmette features a high average household income, reflecting its affluent demographic, and nearby communities like Winnetka and Kenilworth also share this economic profile. Job growth in the area tends to mirror broader trends in the Chicago metropolitan region, with a stable economic environment.

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    Neighborhood Insights
    Key metrics about this location

    Neighborhood Summary

    Nestled within a vibrant community, this neighborhood offers an enticing blend of economic prosperity and residential charm, marked by a distinctive median home price of $881,600, which is significantly above the national average. This reflects the area's desirable status and potential for appreciation, making it an appealing prospect for high-net-worth individuals. The median household income of $230,972 is robust, more than double the national average, indicating a prosperous community with substantial disposable income. This economic affluence is further highlighted by the exceptionally low poverty rate of just 1%, offering a stable and secure environment for families. With a remarkably low unemployment rate of 2%, the neighborhood boasts a strong job market that further enhances its allure for potential homebuyers seeking economic opportunities.

    In terms of housing dynamics, the community is predominantly composed of homeowners, with 89% ownership versus 6% who rent, reflecting a strong sense of stability and long-term commitment among residents. Surprisingly, 38% of owners have managed to pay off their mortgages entirely, a testament to the financial well-being and investment acumen of the populace. However, 30% of homeowners spend over 30% of their income on mortgage payments, a figure that aligns with national trends, suggesting that, despite high incomes, housing costs still pose a notable expenditure. For those considering renting, the median contract rent stands at $2,753, though there is no direct comparison available for renters who spend above the 30% income threshold. The neighborhood's vacancy rate is a minimal 4%, indicating a high demand for housing and limited availability, enhancing its investment potential further.

    Educational attainment is a mixed bag in this area, with 38% of residents holding a college degree, slightly lower than the national average, which could suggest a more diverse range of occupations and industries. The dominant racial demographic is white, with non-US citizens comprising a mere 3% of the population, suggesting a relatively homogenous community. This demographic makeup, coupled with a high percentage of married-couple families at 76%, paints a picture of a traditional, family-oriented neighborhood.

    While this neighborhood presents many attractive qualities, potential buyers might seek environments where educational attainment is higher or racial diversity is more pronounced. In such cases, exploring nearby areas with similar home prices but higher educational credentials or greater diversity might be advisable. These insights can guide potential homebuyers and real estate professionals as they navigate the landscape of this appealing yet nuanced community.

    Median Home Price

    $881,600

    Walk Score

    -

    Bike Score

    -

    Median Household Income

    $230,972
    Nat'l Avg: $69,021

    Percent Under Poverty

    1%
    Nat'l Avg: 12%

    Median Contract Rent

    $2,753
    Nat'l Avg: $988

    Owners vs Renters

    89% / 6%
    Nat'l Avg: 57% / 31%

    Vacant Housing Units

    4%
    Nat'l Avg: 11%

    Unemployment Rate

    2%
    Nat'l Avg: 3%

    College Degree

    38%
    Nat'l Avg: 21%

    Dominant Race

    White
    Nat'l Avg: 68%

    Married-Couple Families

    76%
    Nat'l Avg: 48%

    Owners Without Morgages

    38%
    Nat'l Avg: 38%

    Mortgage ≥ 30% Income

    30%
    Nat'l Avg: 27%

    Rent ≥ 30% Income

    N/A
    Nat'l Avg: 46%

    Non-US Citizens

    3%
    Nat'l Avg: 7%
    Location Map
    Overview of the neighborhood
    Nearby Places
    Essential locations and points of interest in the area

    Gilson Park

    0.5 miles

    NorthShore University HealthSystem

    1 mile

    Jewel-Osco

    1.2 miles

    Walker Bros Original Pancake House

    0.7 miles

    LA Fitness

    1.5 miles

    O'Hare International Airport

    15 miles

    New Trier High School

    1.8 miles

    Westfield Old Orchard

    Shopping Center

    Wilmette Metra Station

    0.8 miles

    Neighborhood Assessment
    Key advantages and considerations for this area

    Dynamic Insights

    Edens Plaza, located at 3232 Lake Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, is a 333,170-square-foot shopping center built in 1956, featuring 27 stores and 3,404 parking spaces.
    The property is strategically positioned just east of the Edens Expressway (I-94), with easy signalized access points along Skokie Blvd and Lake Ave.
    Edens Plaza has undergone significant redevelopment, including a major reconstruction in the mid-1990s, enhancing its appeal as a regional shopping destination.
    The shopping center is situated in one of the Midwest's most affluent demographic areas, contributing to its sustained commercial success. These insights highlight Edens Plaza's historical significance, strategic location, redevelopment efforts, and strong demographic positioning.

    Custom Narratives

    Wilmette's median home sale price reached $920,000 in February 2025, marking a 49.6% increase from the previous year, indicating a strong upward trend in property values.
    The average rent in Wilmette is $3,350 as of March 2025, reflecting a $250 decrease compared to the previous year, suggesting a slight softening in the rental market.
    With a median household income of $192,300 in 2023, Wilmette's residents enjoy a high standard of living, contributing to the area's economic stability and attractiveness to potential homebuyers.
    The community boasts a highly educated population, with 83.5% of residents aged 25 and over holding a bachelor's degree or higher, enhancing the area's appeal for families prioritizing education. These insights highlight Wilmette's robust real estate market and its strong community attributes, making it an attractive location for prospective homebuyers.

    Green Flags

    Proximity to Lake Michigan
    Access to excellent schools
    Peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood
    Convenient public transportation options

    Red Flags

    Higher cost of living
    Limited nightlife and entertainment
    Potential for harsh winter weather
    Traffic congestion during peak hours
    Flood Risk Assessment
    FEMA flood zone information and historical flooding data

    Flood Zone

    Flood zone information is not available for this property at this time.

    Historical Flooding

    Historical flood damage records are not available for this property.

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