Quality of Life and Environmental Amenities

If it’s an active, diverse lifestyle you’re seeking, Lake County, Illinois is the perfect place to call home.

Lake County offers something for every member of the family! From fabulous dining experiences to beautiful yet challenging golf courses, from some of the most pristine forest preserves to excellent shopping opportunities, Lake County has it all. With a great location – centrally situated between Chicago and Milwaukee – Lake County promises the comforts of the suburbs with the excitement of the city.

Lake County’s entertainment venues, great schools, wide-range of housing, and diversity of communities all add up to wonderful quality of life.

Entertainment

For a day indoors, Lake County has magnificent shopping. While there is easy access to downtown Chicago, everything you need is right here in Lake County! Major department stores are located at our Westfield Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, and you can find the outlets of many popular brands at the famous Gurnee Mills Mall. Lake County isn’t all big business, however. The streets of Historic Long Grove house small boutiques and specialty stores and Northern Lake County boasts some of the best antique shopping you will ever find.

From breathtaking shows to physical activity, Lake County offers a wide array of attractions. As far as museums go, Lake County is home to many older mansions that have been turned over for public viewing. Meander through the fragrant gardens and imagine life back when the Cuneo Museum was still a private home. It’s fun for the whole family with creative museums – such as the Lake County Discovery Museum or the Volo Auto Museum. Catch a play at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater, listen to a concert on the sprawling Ravinia Festival grounds, catch an act at the newly restored Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, or watch as the world famous Tempel Lipizzan (Horses put on a spectacular performance).

For something more active, take a day and experience the thrills at our magnificent amusement park Six Flags Great America and water park Hurricane Harbor. Play a round of put-put at one of our many crazy miniature golf courses or speed around a track at Buffalo Grove’s Chicago Indoor Racing.

Dining

Great food is synonymous with Lake County, as it houses many nationally recognized restaurants. Even the famous Lettuce Entertain You organization has placed two of its restaurants, Wildfire and Big Bowl, in Lake County. The best source for dining information and reviews, The Zagat Guide, rated Carlos’ as the number one restaurant in all of Chicagoland in 2006 – and it just so happens to be located in Highwood at the Center of Lake County. Because we offer such a diverse atmosphere, you can find some of the best ethnic cuisine in Lake County – anything from Italian to Mexican to French to Pan-Asian flavors. Aside from upscale dining, Lake County also houses great local favorites if you want to grab a slice of pizza at Bill’s Pub North or enjoy a milkshake at Greg’s Frozen Custard. Whatever you are in the mood for, Lake County has the restaurant for you!

Environment

The Lake County Forest Preserve District offers over 25,000 acres of forest preserves for hiking, biking and fishing, as well as the beautiful Chain O’Lakes State Park in the northwestern portion of Lake County and Illinois Beach State Park located directly on Lake Michigan in Zion. Next door in Winthrop Harbor, visit the largest Marina on the Great Lakes, North Point Marina. Any golfer, from amateur to pro, will enjoy one of Lake County’s premier 18 hole courses, a few of which are owned and operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve itself.

Education

Lake County boasts one of the best public school systems in the state, with 8 high schools placing in the Top 50 High Schools of Illinois. Click here for a listing of primary and secondary schools in Lake County.