Highland Park Apartments

Highland Park is an affluent North Shore village located just 23 miles north of downtown Chicago. Drive north through nearby Glencoe or Northbrook, cross Lake-Cook Road—which separates Lake and Cook counties—and you’ll arrive in a scenic, highly livable suburb with a strong sense of community. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and cultural institutions, Highland Park offers renters the rare combination of suburban peace and rich lifestyle amenities. The village is also home to the renowned Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States and the summer residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Highland Park boasts a true downtown with shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a ten-screen cineplex, public library, art center, and theater. Families are drawn to the village for its top-rated schools and abundance of outdoor recreation—from lakefront beaches to a sprawling park district that includes an ice rink, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a gymnastics studio, racquetball courts, and the kid-favorite aqua park. This well-rounded mix of natural beauty, walkability, and cultural programming makes Highland Park one of the most desirable suburbs in the Chicagoland area.

Demographics of Highland Park

Highland Park is home to approximately 30,000 residents with a median age of 47. The population is largely made up of families, professionals, and retirees, many of whom have lived in the area for decades. The community values education, environmental sustainability, and public access to the arts. With about 600 acres of parkland and a highly active park district, it’s a suburb where health, wellness, and culture are built into everyday life. 

Weather in Highland Park

Like most of the North Shore, Highland Park experiences all four seasons in full. Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs in the 30s and plenty of opportunities for sledding or ice skating at the local rink. Spring brings blooms to the Ravinia lawn and the downtown planters, while summers are mild and sunny—perfect for beach days at Rosewood or Ravinia concerts under the stars. Fall is crisp and colorful, with changing leaves and community events like farmers markets and art fairs. Renters should expect seasonal transitions and plan accordingly, particularly when considering heating or cooling features in older homes.

Overview of the Highland Park Rental Market

Highland Park’s rental market primarily consists of single-family homes, townhomes, and a limited number of multifamily apartments. This scarcity of high-density housing means renters should expect higher price points and more competition—particularly for units near downtown, the Metra, or Lake Michigan. One-bedroom apartments typically start around $1,700 to $2,200, while two-bedrooms average between $2,200 and $3,000. Larger homes or lakefront properties can rent for significantly more. With spacious lots and high-end finishes common throughout the village, renters often find Highland Park ideal for longer-term leases or family living with room to spread out.

Where to Eat and Drink in Highland Park

Highland Park offers a balanced mix of casual family spots and upscale dining. Walker Bros. Original Pancake House is a legendary North Shore breakfast destination known for its apple pancakes and buttery omelets. Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots is beloved for its hot dogs and relaxed, community-driven vibe. Once Upon a Bagel is a longtime local favorite serving deli-style breakfasts, sandwiches, and bagels in a no-frills setting perfect for a quick bite or a weekend hang. For deep dish lovers, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria delivers the classic Chicago experience with their signature butter crust and rich tomato sauce, and the best part? They have a ton of frozen inventory that reheats better than you'd think. For something more refined, Bluegrass serves elevated American fare with a seasonal menu in a cozy setting, while Sushi Kushi offers delicious fresh sushi rolls and makis in a homey atmosphere perfect to take the family. 

Renters in Highland Park won’t be short on great coffee options. Hometown Coffee and Juice is a bright, modern café serving locally sourced drinks and light fare, ideal for both work and weekend hangs. Backlot Coffee offers small-batch roasts and a quiet environment that’s perfect for remote work or catching up with a friend. For a quick cup, Once Upon A Bagel has strong, consistent coffee (and what's better than diner brew?) you can get in a mug or on-the-go.

For a low-key night out, locals head to The Humble Pub for beer, pub fare, and live music in a cozy environment. The Garage offers craft beers on tap, burgers, and a friendly vibe—often hosting trivia nights, fundraisers, or events that support local causes.

Schools and Higher Education in Highland Park

Public, Private, and Charter Schools

Highland Park is served by two highly regarded school districts: North Shore School District 112 for elementary and middle schools, and Township High School District 113. Indian Trail Elementary School and Highland Park High School both receive top marks for academic excellence, community involvement, and student support. Several private options are available as well, including Rochelle Zell Jewish High School and Immaculate Conception School.

Colleges and Universities

While there are no universities directly within Highland Park, renters can easily access nearby institutions like Lake Forest College just a few miles north. In addition, Northwestern University in Evanston is a direct ride south via Metra or US-41.

Getting Around Highland Park

Public Transportation

Commuters rely heavily on the Metra Union Pacific North Line, with two Highland Park stations—Highland Park and Ravinia—offering roughly 25 trips per day to and from downtown Chicago. The trip generally takes about 50 minutes, making it a feasible daily commute for city workers. Local Pace bus routes also serve the area, although most residents prefer Metra or driving.

Parking

Parking is rarely an issue in Highland Park. Downtown offers metered parking and free lots, while most residential streets have ample space and many rentals include driveways or garages. For those attending Ravinia or downtown events, parking lots are usually available with modest fees or passes for residents.

Traffic

While traffic flows smoothly throughout most of the village, it can spike during summer concert season at Ravinia or along Green Bay Road during weekend beach traffic. By car, Highland Park is accessible via US-41/Skokie Highway or I-94. Those who prefer scenic drives may opt for the meandering, tree-lined route along Green Bay Road through the North Shore suburbs.

Highland Park holds a special place in pop culture and sports history. One of its most iconic homes is located at 370 Beech Street—Cameron Frye’s house from the 1986 classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The film, directed by John Hughes, featured the glass-walled modernist home extensively and helped put Highland Park on the cinematic map.

Sports fans will also recognize 2700 Point Lane as the former residence of Michael Jordan, considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan lived in Highland Park during his legendary run with the Chicago Bulls, where he won six NBA championships and six Finals MVP titles. His estate became nearly as famous as his jump shot, and the address remains a landmark for fans.

Over the years, Highland Park has been featured in other films like Sixteen Candles, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Risky Business, reinforcing its reputation as a quintessential American suburb with a cinematic backdrop.

View more History in Highland Park