Picture yourself grabbing coffee at Chessie’s in the historic Ice House Mall before catching the Metra into Chicago—that’s the Barrington lifestyle. This affluent northwest suburban village, ranked among Niche.com’s top places to live in Illinois, attracts families seeking Barrington 220’s award-winning schools (the #1 unit school district in the state) and professionals who want a 65-minute train commute to the Loop without sacrificing small-town charm.
With a median household income of $150,714 and home values averaging $592,770, Barrington attracts an affluent demographic that values both privacy and community. Thursday Night Out (formerly Cruise Night) transforms downtown Cook and Station streets every summer with classic cars, live music from local bands, and a farmers market that’s become a village institution.
Downtown Barrington’s walkable Main Street features the 1927 Catlow Theater (still showing movies and hosting events), boutique shopping at the Ice House Mall and The Foundry, and dining options from Francesca’s Famiglia to Cooper’s Hawk at The Arboretum of South Barrington. The population of approximately 10,600 residents creates a community where neighbors actually know each other.
Before committing to Barrington’s premium price tag, prospective residents should evaluate whether the village’s lifestyle matches their priorities. This guide breaks down the real costs, school quality, outdoor amenities, and commute realities that locals experience daily.
Key Takeaways
- Barrington 220 schools rank #1 among unit districts in Illinois and #9 overall, with Barbara B. Rose Elementary receiving the “Best Elementary School” designation from Niche.
- Median home prices around $592,770 and median household income of $150,714 mean Barrington attracts a financially established demographic seeking premium suburban living.
- Crabtree Nature Center, Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve, and proximity to the Fox River offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching within minutes of downtown.
- Metra’s Union Pacific-Northwest Line provides hourly service to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center in approximately 65 minutes, with commuter parking available at the renovated 2003 station.
Where is Barrington, IL? Location, Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Barrington straddles both Cook and Lake counties, positioned approximately 32 miles northwest of downtown Chicago along the Metra Union Pacific-Northwest Line. This northwest suburban village anchors the “Barrington Area,” which includes neighboring communities like South Barrington, North Barrington, Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, and Tower Lakes.
The Crabtree Nature Center, operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, offers 1,100 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands with year-round programming for families. Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve provides a quieter escape for birdwatching and photography, while the Fox River (just minutes west) draws kayakers, canoeists, and anglers.
Keep Learning
The village experiences four distinct seasons typical of the Chicago area, with residents enjoying spring festivals, summer farmers markets, fall foliage drives through the rolling terrain, and winter activities at nearby Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve.
Barrington Cost of Living: What to Expect in 2024-2025
Barrington commands premium prices compared to state and national averages. The median home value sits at $592,770, significantly higher than Illinois’s median of approximately $250,000. For renters, expect to pay around $1,886 for a median apartment, with 79% of Barrington residents owning rather than renting. However, the village’s high median household income of $150,714 means many families find the costs manageable relative to their earnings.
| Cost Category | Barrington, IL | Illinois Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $592,770 | $250,000 | $338,100 |
| Median Rent | $1,886/mo | $1,200/mo | $1,630/mo |
| Median Household Income | $150,714 | $81,702 | $75,149 |
| Median Age | 43.1 years | 38.9 years | 38.5 years |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Niche.com (2024 data)
Barrington 220 Schools: Why Families Move Here for Education
Barrington Community Unit School District 220 consistently earns its reputation as one of Illinois’ top-performing districts. In 2024, Niche.com ranked Barrington 220 as the #1 unit school district in Illinois and #9 overall among all district types statewide. The district operates one comprehensive high school (Barrington High School), two middle schools (Prairie and Station), and eight elementary schools serving approximately 8,500 students.
Barbara B. Rose Elementary School has been named the best elementary school in Illinois by Niche, and Barrington High School regularly appears on US News & World Report’s list of America’s Best High Schools. The district has earned 11 National Blue Ribbon Awards, maintains a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, and has achieved balanced budgets for 22 consecutive years.
| School | Grades | Niche Grade | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington High School | 9-12 | A+ | US News Best High School |
| Barbara B. Rose Elementary | K-5 | A+ | #1 Elementary in IL |
| Prairie Middle School | 6-8 | A+ | Blue Ribbon Award |
| Station Middle School | 6-8 | A+ | Blue Ribbon Award |
Source: Niche.com 2024 Rankings, District 220
Is Barrington IL a good place to live?
Barrington consistently ranks among the best places to live in Illinois, earning an A+ grade from Niche.com. The village offers top-rated schools (Barrington 220 is the #1 unit district in the state), a walkable downtown with boutique shops and restaurants, and easy Metra access to Chicago. The trade-off is a higher cost of living, with median home prices around $592,770.
How long is the commute from Barrington to Chicago?
The Metra Union Pacific-Northwest Line provides direct service from Barrington station to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center in approximately 65 minutes. Trains run hourly throughout the day, and one-way fares range from $3-$8. The renovated 2003 station offers commuter parking, a coffee shop, and a warm waiting area.
What are the best schools in Barrington IL?
Barrington 220 is the #1 unit school district in Illinois according to Niche. Barbara B. Rose Elementary is ranked the best elementary school in the state, and Barrington High School consistently appears on US News & World Report’s Best High Schools list. The district has earned 11 National Blue Ribbon Awards and all schools receive A+ grades.
