The North Shore suburbs stretch along Lake Michigan north of the city, and from the outside they can look interchangeable – nice homes, tree-lined streets, good schools. In practice, each town has a distinct personality, and the right one depends on what you’re actually looking for.
If you’re planning a move from Chicago to the North Shore, here’s what’s worth knowing about the communities, the commute, and the logistics of the move itself.
Evanston: The Most Urban of the North Shore
Evanston is the first stop on the North Shore and in many ways the most city-like. It’s home to Northwestern University, which gives the community an academic and cultural energy that other suburbs don’t quite replicate. Downtown Evanston has real walkability – restaurants, shops, and transit options that make it feel more like a Chicago neighborhood than a suburb.
For people leaving the city who aren’t ready to fully let go of an urban lifestyle, Evanston is often the landing spot. The transition is gentler there. You get more space and quieter streets, but you don’t have to give up walkability or easy train access.
Wilmette, Kenilworth, and Winnetka
Moving further north, the communities get quieter and more residential. Wilmette, Kenilworth, and Winnetka are known for their large homes, strong school systems, and lakefront access. These are places people often move when the city apartment has run its course and the priority is space, schools, and a calmer pace.
The Metra runs through all three, making the downtown commute manageable. Wilmette is about 35 minutes to Ogilvie; Winnetka is closer to 40-45. If you’re working in the Loop full-time, these are legitimate commuting communities.
Skokie, Glenview, and Northbrook
Skokie sits just west of Evanston and offers significantly more affordable housing than most North Shore communities while still being well-connected. It has a diverse population, good transit access via the Yellow Line CTA, and a range of housing stock from smaller homes to larger single-family properties.
Glenview and Northbrook are further north and more traditionally suburban. Both are popular with families relocating from Chicago who want more space, strong schools, and easy highway access. The Metra Milwaukeeaukee District North line serves both communities.
The Commute Reality
The Metra is genuinely usable from all of these communities, but it’s not the same as the CTA. Trains run on a schedule, not continuously. If you’re used to hopping on the Red Line whenever you want, adjusting to a commuter rail schedule takes some getting used to.
Reverse commuting – working in the suburbs and living further out – is also increasingly common. If your workplace moved to a suburban campus, the North Shore communities along the Metra line are worth looking at seriously.
What the Move Itself Involves
A move from a Chicago apartment to a North Shore suburb covers more distance than a typical city move but is generally more straightforward in some ways. Loading in the city still involves the usual logistics – parking permits, building access, elevator reservations if applicable. The delivery side is usually easier: a driveway, a garage, and a ground-floor entry make unloading much faster.
H2H Movers serves all North Shore communities including Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Northbrook, Glenview, Kenilworth, and Winnetka. With a 4.9 Google rating across nearly 4,250 reviews, the team handles city-to-suburb transitions regularly.
For a free quote on your North Shore move, call +1 773 236 8797 or email info@h2hmovers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most popular North Shore suburbs to move to from Chicago?
A: Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Northbrook, and Glenview are among the most popular. Each offers a different balance of density, commute access, school options, and home prices. Evanston is the most urban of the group; Northbrook and Glenview are quieter and more suburban.
Q: How long is the Metra commute from the North Shore to downtown Chicago?
A: Metra Union Pacific North line connects North Shore communities directly to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center. Evanston is about 25-30 minutes; Wilmette is 35 minutes; Northbrook is around 45-50 minutes depending on the stop.
Q: Does H2H Movers serve North Shore suburbs?
A: Yes. H2H Movers serves Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Northbrook, Glenview, Kenilworth, Winnetka, and other North Shore communities. Full details at h2hmovers.com/locations.
Q: What’s the best time of year to move to a North Shore suburb from Chicago?
A: Fall (September-October) and spring (March-April) offer the best combination of mild weather and moving company availability. Summer is peak season and books up quickly.