Two Small Suburbs, Two Different Feels
Glencoe and Kenilworth sit next to each other on Chicago's North Shore, both a Metra ride from downtown, both known for tree-lined streets and a slower pace than the city. But they're not interchangeable, and buyers relocating from Chicago should understand what actually separates them before choosing one over the other.
What Homes Cost in Each Suburb
Glencoe's average home value is $1,671,600, up 13.8% over the past year as of the end of July 2026, according to Zillow. Kenilworth's typical home value runs even higher, at $1,898,764, up 4.3% over the past year based on the most recent Zillow data available. Both are meaningfully higher price points than most Chicago neighborhoods, and buyers relocating from the city should plan their search and financing around North Shore pricing, not city pricing.
Size and Feel
Kenilworth is one of the smallest suburbs in the Chicago area by both population and land area, with a tight, walkable core built around a small number of streets. Glencoe is a bit larger, with more retail and dining along its downtown strip and easier day-to-day errands without driving to a neighboring town.
If you want more built-in walkable amenities close to home, Glencoe generally offers more of that. If you want the quietest, most residential feel available on the North Shore, Kenilworth tends to fit that description.
Getting to and from Downtown
Both suburbs sit on Metra's Union Pacific North Line, with a straightforward commute into downtown Chicago. Trip times are similar between the two, so commute length generally isn't the deciding factor between them.
What This Means for Your Move
Buyers relocating from the city to either suburb should expect a real adjustment: larger lots, more car dependence for anything outside each town's small downtown core, and a housing market that moves differently than city neighborhoods. Home values in both towns have been rising, so buyers should work with a local agent to understand current inventory and pricing before assuming what a given budget will get you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenilworth more expensive than Glencoe?
Based on current data, Kenilworth's typical home value runs higher than Glencoe's. Both are among the higher-priced communities on the North Shore, and actual pricing for a specific home depends heavily on lot size, condition, and location within each town.
How do I get downtown from Glencoe or Kenilworth without a car?
Both suburbs are served by Metra's Union Pacific North Line, with a direct commute into downtown Chicago. Most other local trips, however, require a car in both towns.
What's the biggest adjustment moving from the city to Glencoe or Kenilworth?
Car dependence for daily errands, and a slower, more residential pace generally. Both towns have small, walkable downtown cores, but most day-to-day life outside that core requires driving.
Which suburb has more shops and restaurants within walking distance?
Glencoe's downtown strip generally offers more retail and dining options within a short walk than Kenilworth's smaller core. Neither compares to city-level walkability.
