Barrington Illinois Real Estate

Barrington, Illinois

32 miles northwest of the Loop, in Lake and Cook counties, lay the oak grove and prairie land that lay between Chicago and the Fox River better known as Barrington.

The first Mayor of Chicago, William Butler Ogden, became interested in connecting the developing northwest to Chicago's growing port amenities. He gained control of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad (later the Chicago & North Western Railway) in 1854 and pushed its tracks to the northwest corner of Cook County, where a station named Deer Grove was built.

Although it meant improved profits, many area farmers feared the railroad would bring too many saloons and Irish Catholics to the area. In response to the opposition, Robert Campbell, a civil engineer working for the Fond du Lac line, purchased a farm two miles northwest of Deer Grove and planted a community there in 1854. At Campbell's request, the railroad moved the station building to his new community, which he called Barrington after Barrington, Massachusetts, the original home of a number of area farmers.

The prosperity of the Civil War era increased Barrington's population to 300 in 1863. Because leaders believed the growing community needed tax-supported developments, an election to incorporate Barrington was held on February 16, 1865. The village prospered as many Chicago grain merchants whose homes were destroyed in the Fire of 1871 decided to construct opulent Queen Anne–style residences along Barrington's tree-shaded streets.

The large estate acreage that tended to remain in family hands decade after decade protected Barrington from the densely packed residential developments that came to neighboring communities in the 1950s and 1960s. Barrington's population grew from 3,213 in 1930 to only 5,435 in 1960. But with the construction of the Northwest Tollway five miles to the south in the early 1960s, development did come to Barrington's south side. Population reached 10,168 in 2000.

Proud of its reputation as an estate community, Barrington's leaders continue their opposition to jam-packed population developments replacing estate acreage as it comes up for sale. A proposal to turn the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway into a suburb-to-suburb commuter line with Barrington as a major stop met strong disapproval based on the fear that, as happened with the towns along the Northwest Tollway, such a transportation development would crowd the city with clutter and noise.

The alluring city of Barrington, IL is located 35 miles outside of Chicago. Barrington is a small community of approximately 10,000 residents and is renowned for its relaxing atmosphere. Enclosed by ninety square miles of open green space and farms, the city is located in the heart of what locals call "The Countryside."

The city has also created an extensive system of commuter trains and major interstate highways, making Barrington easily accessible to the vast metropolitan workforce of Chicago. The median income for a household in Barrington is $79,628. The median home value is $365,299 within the Barrington community.

Downtown Barrington is a bustling, essential part of the city, with a distinct historic atmosphere. A charming gazebo plaza at the heart of the downtown is surrounded by a blend of quaint stores and restaurants. Lined with Victorian-style planters and lampposts, benches and brick-paved walkways, the charm of the city is undeniable.

Barrington may be very much an upscale community, but residents here benefit from an incredibly versatile real estate market. Prices of realty in town are flexible enough to accommodate almost every taste, budget, and lifestyle. Recent real estate reports specify that the lower end of Barrington's housing market currently starts at approximately $145,000 for a unit in a multi-family complex, such as a condominium or town house.

A typical three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home in move-in condition can be found for around $300,000, with the median price currently around $380,000.

For those who prefer an executive style dwelling, the market currently tops out at just under $8,000,000 for an impeccable seven-bedroom, ten-bath home situated on around ten acres. Truly, there is something for everyone here.

A number of parks in the city are replete with recreational activities. One of the largest is Langendorf Park with a dance studio, aquatic center, fitness gym, small golf course, picnic sites, five baseball diamonds, two playgrounds and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Columbus Park has twelve beautifully landscaped acres complete with a tot lot. Ron Beese Park has softball fields, soccer fields, ski trails, football fields, hiking trails and a nature preserve. Richard E. Miller Park has a playground, a handicapped accessible playground, and a scout cabin. The park system in the city has been masterfully designed to meet any recreational need and provide endless enjoyment.

Rarely does a city in the United States have an impressive public school system. The district serves approximately 8,500 students from pre-school through grade 12. The Barrington school district is not only nationally recognized as being excellent, but its students score significantly above national and regional averages on standardized tests.

This is a city rich in history, culture and beauty. Residents of Barrington help this charming city move toward the future, while remembering the important legacies of the past. The Barrington Historical Society works diligently to preserve the quaint, small-town feel of the city. The location, recreational choices, and excellent school district make Barrington a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.