Barrington Apartments

Welcome to Barrington, Illinois, a picturesque village located approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago that perfectly balances small-town charm with upscale amenities. The village spans approximately 4.9 square miles, primarily in Cook County with portions extending into Lake County. This strategic location provides excellent access to major highways and the Metra rail system, making commutes to Chicago and surrounding areas convenient for residents.

The heart of Barrington is its charming downtown district, centered around the intersection of Main Street (Lake Cook Road) and Hough Street (Route 59). Here you’ll find the Barrington Metra Station, historic buildings housing boutique shops, and a variety of dining options that create a walkable, vibrant community center.

Demographics of Barrington

With approximately ten-thousand residents, Barrington offers a tight-knit community atmosphere with a distinctive demographic profile. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other ethnicities contributing to the village’s character. The median age of roughly 45 years reflects a community that attracts established professionals, families with children, and retirees, creating a multi-generational atmosphere.

Barrington’s economic strength is evident in its median household income of $150,000 and average household income of $210,000—both significantly higher than state and national averages. This affluence shapes the village’s upscale amenities and strong support for education, arts, and recreation. With approximately three quarters of residents owning their homes and one quarter renting, the residential landscape tends toward higher-end properties that are well-maintained to meet the expectations of this discerning market.

The Barrington rental market offers high-quality options at premium prices, reflecting the village’s affluent character and desirable location. Average monthly rent ranges from $1,300 to $2,000 for one-bedroom apartments, $1,695 to $2,800 for two-bedroom units, and $2,350 to $3,750+ for three-bedroom rentals. The median rent across all property types is approximately $2,325, significantly higher than the national median of $1,550—a premium that reflects the exceptional quality of life, excellent schools, and prestigious address.

What to Do in Barrington, IL

Parks in Barrington, IL

The Barrington Park District maintains over 570 acres of parks and natural areas, offering plenty of green space for apartment dwellers. Citizens Park, the crown jewel of the system, features athletic fields, a community playground, and hosts popular summer events including concerts and movies under the stars. During winter months, the park’s sledding hill becomes a favorite destination for families.

Langendorf Park provides multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, a fitness center, and the community theater home to the Barrington Park District Theater. Water enthusiasts flock to Kraken Cove aquatic center in summer months to enjoy the zero-depth entry pool, water slides, and dedicated lap swimming area. The center offers swim lessons and aquatic fitness programs year-round in its indoor facility.

Nature lovers should explore Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve, a sanctuary for one of the largest heron rookeries in the Midwest. The preserve features a 0.6-mile accessible trail with interpretive signage about local wildlife. For more extensive hiking, the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve offers 782 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies with a 3.2-mile trail system perfect for walking, jogging, or bird watching.

Museums in Barrington, IL

Barrington’s White House, a meticulously restored 1898 mansion, serves as the village’s cultural and community center. This elegant venue hosts art exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Their Third Thursday Art Night Out series showcases regional artists and provides a sophisticated evening activity for apartment residents.

For performing arts enthusiasts, the Barrington Dance Ensemble presents professional productions of classical and contemporary ballet, including their annual “Nutcracker” performance.

Events in Barrington, IL

Barrington’s social calendar remains lively year-round, with signature events including the Fourth of July Parade and Festival drawing residents and visitors to celebrate with floats, marching bands, and community activities. The Barrington Farmers Market operates Thursday afternoons from June through October, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items from local vendors.

ChristKindlFest transforms downtown Barrington into a German-inspired holiday market each December, featuring authentic food, unique gifts, and entertainment for all ages. The festival’s ice skating rink and warming tent create a magical winter atmosphere that draws visitors from throughout the Chicago area. For film enthusiasts, the Barrington Cultural Commission hosts outdoor movie nights during summer months at various park locations.

Sports fans can cheer on local teams at Barrington High School athletic events or join recreational leagues through the Park District. For entertainment beyond the village, the Barrington Area Library offers a “Museum Adventure Pass” program providing free admission to museums and cultural attractions throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

Where to Eat and Drink in Barrington, IL

Barrington’s dining scene offers impressive variety, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. When you rent an apartment in Barrington, you’ll have access to culinary options that rival downtown Chicago without the commute or parking challenges.

Restaurants in Barrington, IL

For special occasions, Shakou Barrington serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish setting. Their sushi and robata grill selections have earned a loyal following among locals. Neoteca Pizza & Wine Bar offers authentic Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven, paired with an extensive Italian wine list in a warm, inviting atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, Francesca’s Famiglia serves regional Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients and an intimate dining room perfect for date nights.

Barrington’s international offerings include Dao Sushi, Thai & Hibachi, known for its extensive menu spanning multiple Asian cuisines. Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie brings European flair with artisanal pastries, breads, and light lunch options that transport you to a Parisian café.

For casual dining, Egg Harbor Café offers breakfast and lunch favorites using locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal specials and gluten-free options make it a popular weekend brunch destination for apartment dwellers.

Coffee Shops in Barrington, IL

When you need your caffeine fix, Barrington offers several standout options beyond the usual chains. Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters serves specialty coffee from ethically sourced beans roasted in-house. Their comfortable seating and reliable Wi-Fi make it a favorite remote work location for local professionals.

For those who appreciate artisanal coffee and baked goods, Barrington Coffee Lab offers carefully crafted espresso drinks and pastries in a modern, minimalist space. Their pour-over coffees and seasonal drink specials attract coffee enthusiasts from throughout the village. 

Nightlife in Barrington, IL

Barrington’s nightlife scene provides plenty of options for unwinding after work or enjoying weekend evenings. The Annex offers craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and small plates in an upscale lounge atmosphere. Their outdoor patio is particularly popular during warmer months.

Wine lovers appreciate Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant at The Arboretum of South Barrington, which pairs their house-made wines with an upscale menu. 

Schools and Higher Education in Barrington, IL

Education quality often influences rental decisions, especially for families or students seeking apartments in Barrington. The village offers exceptional educational options from elementary through high school levels, with some higher education resources nearby.

Public, Private, and Charter Schools

Barrington is primarily served by Barrington Community Unit School District 220, known for its academic excellence and comprehensive programs. District 220’s exceptional reputation is supported by impressive statistics: approximately 90% of teachers hold master’s degrees or higher, the district has received 12 National Blue Ribbon Awards, and it has maintained a AAA financial rating with 28 consecutive balanced budgets. These achievements have earned it recognition as the Best Unit School District in Illinois according to 2025 Niche Rankings.

Standout public elementary schools include Countryside Elementary School, recognized for its strong STEM focus, and North Barrington Elementary School, which offers innovative literacy programs. For middle school education, Barrington Middle School - Prairie Campus provides strong academic preparation for high school with extensive extracurricular offerings.

High school students attend Barrington High School, which consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Illinois. The school offers comprehensive AP and honors programs, strong athletic departments, and award-winning fine arts programs. Barrington High School is particularly known for its college preparatory focus, with approximately 95% of graduates continuing to higher education.

For families seeking private education, St. Anne Parish School provides Catholic education for preschool through 8th grade with small class sizes and a focus on character development alongside academics. 

Colleges and Universities

While Barrington doesn’t host major universities within the village limits, several higher education options are available within a reasonable commuting distance for those renting apartments in the area.

Harper College, located in nearby Palatine, provides associate degrees and certificate programs across numerous fields. Their continuing education programs and workforce development initiatives serve thousands of area residents annually.

For those seeking four-year degrees, Roosevelt University maintains a Schaumburg campus approximately 10 miles from Barrington, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on business, education, and pharmacy studies. Additionally, the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake provides access to bachelor’s completion, graduate, and professional development programs from multiple partner institutions, allowing students to earn degrees from respected universities without relocating.

Getting Around Barrington, IL

The centerpiece of Barrington’s public transportation is the Barrington Metra Station, which serves the Union Pacific Northwest Line, providing direct access to downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center. The station features a comfortable waiting room open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, ample parking spaces, and bicycle parking facilities. Trains run frequently during rush hours (approximately every 20–30 minutes), with reduced service during midday, evenings, and weekends. For local transportation, Pace Suburban Bus Service operates limited routes in the Barrington area, primarily connecting to neighboring communities and transportation hubs.

For those who prefer to drive, Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) is accessible via Route 59 or Route 53, providing a direct route to Chicago. The typical driving commute takes 50–75 minutes depending on traffic conditions and your specific destination in the city. Many Barrington residents use a hybrid approach, driving to more distant Metra stations like Arlington Heights or Mount Prospect to reduce their train fare and travel time.

Unlike Chicago neighborhoods, most apartments in Barrington offer ample parking options. Typical apartment communities provide at least one assigned parking space per unit, with many offering garage options for an additional fee. Street parking is generally unrestricted in residential areas, though downtown Barrington has time limits during business hours to ensure turnover for local businesses.

Traffic flow in Barrington varies by location and time. The areas around downtown, particularly near the Metra station during rush hour, experience the heaviest congestion. The intersection of Main Street (Lake Cook Road) and Hough Street (Route 59) is the busiest in the village, especially during morning and evening commute times (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).

History of Barrington, IL

Barrington’s roots trace back to the 1830s, when settlers arrived after the Potawatomi tribe ceded the land post-Black Hawk War. Originally called Miller Grove, the area was renamed Barrington Center, likely inspired by Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The village began to grow rapidly in 1854 with the arrival of the railroad, spurred by civil engineer Robert Campbell’s land purchases. After its incorporation in 1865, a series of downtown fires led to the brick architecture that still defines the area. By the 20th century, Barrington had evolved from farmland into a sought-after suburb for Chicagoans seeking both charm and convenience.