The Village of Northfield, Illinois, is located in Cook County, about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Even though the village is only 2.8 square miles, it still has a peaceful suburban feel, despite being crossed by the Edens Expressway and Willow Road. Industrial businesses are mainly found along the eastern edge near the Chicago & North Western Railway and the expressway.
People who enjoy nature can take advantage of the many bike paths that connect to the Skokie Lagoons and Erickson Woods. More than half of the homes in Northfield are built on large acre-sized lots. It is also one of the few communities where homeowners are allowed to keep horses on their property.
Northfield, IL
A Closer Look
With a population of 5,751, the Village of Northfield offers the best of both worlds: A thriving, desirable suburb and a community with hometown charm. Incorporated in 1927, the Village is located 20 miles from the heart of Chicago’s Loop. Thanks to its convenient location, residents and businesses enjoy easy access to Chicago’s cultural attractions while still allowing them to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, safe neighborhoods and a relaxed lifestyle.
Northfield’s scenic properties, highly rated schools and great mix of businesses have recently attracted many younger families. Part of Northfield’s charm is its abundant green space, with a park located within a mile of every home. The Village does a great job of balancing open space with commercial growth. Northfield is also business-friendly and home to major companies like Medline and Fields Auto Group, along with a variety of boutique shops and restaurants.
Business, Shopping and Dining
Northfield is proud to serve as the world headquarters for Medline Industries, The College of American Pathologists, and Stepan Chemical Company. The Village is also home to many service-oriented businesses, including The Fields Auto Group featuring BMW, Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar. Unique locally owned stores help create a strong customer base within Northfield’s retail business district. Many outstanding shops throughout the Village offer antiques, specialty gifts, home accessories, jewelry, women’s clothing and accessories, children’s clothing and items, shoes, and sporting goods.
Demographics & Geography
| Population | 5,751 |
| Housing Units | 2,420 |
| Area | 3.23 square miles |
| County | Cook |
| Township | New Trier & Northfield |
| Zip Code | 60093 |
| Government | Council-Manager |
| Incorporated | July 7, 1927 |
| Distance from Chicago | 20 miles |
| Driving time to Loop | 30 minutes (average) |
| Driving time to O’Hare airport | 25 minutes (average) |
| Shopping | Northfield Village Center |
| Sales Tax Rate | 10% |
| Public Schools | Middlefork School (K-3), Sunset Ridge (4-8), New Trier High School (9-12) and AVOCA (K-8) |
| Private Schools | Three daycares, four preschools, two elementary and one high school |
| Places of Worship | Seven |
| Health Care | Lake Forest Hospital; North Shore University Health System: Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie Hospitals; and Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Evanston |
| Fire Protection | One station, three captains, nine lieutenants, three firefighters, 28 firefighter/paramedics |
| Police Protection | 21 sworn officers, three civilian employees |
| Ambulance Service | One paramedic, 28 firefighters/paramedics |
| Parks & Recreation | Community Center, outdoor ice rink, five community parks, four outdoor tennis courts, four baseball fields, six soccer fields, two preschool-age playgrounds, one elementary-age playground, jogging and bicycle paths, year-round recreational programs |
| Post Office | 1787 Orchard Lane, Northfield |
| Public Library | The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District provides exceptional service, reliable information, enriching programs for all ages and welcoming spaces for everyone at both the Winnetka Library and Northfield Branch Library. Books, magazines and movies are available for checkout and digital download with a district library card. The Studio at the Winnetka Library features equipment such as 3D printers, a laser engraver, custom embroidery machine and large format printer. Branches are located at 1785 Orchard Lane, Northfield and 768 Oak St., Winnetka. |
| Transportation | Three Metra stations: Elm Street, Hubbard Woods, Indian Hill, all in Winnetka; and The Glen in Glenview |
| Bus | Pace |
Park District
Northfield is fortunate to have excellent parks and recreational facilities. Depending on where they live, residents are part of either the Northfield Park District, Winnetka Park District or Glenview Park District.
If you’re looking for a place to play baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball or tennis, Northfield parks have plenty to offer. Some parks also include amenities such as ice skating rinks, shelters and playgrounds. Parks located throughout the Village include:
- Clarkson Park
- Fox Meadow Park
- Happ Road Park
- Northfield Park
- Willow Park
Along with these wonderful parks, the Village is also home to the Northfield Community Center. The Community Center is a joint effort between the Village of Northfield, School District 29 and the Northfield Park District, and it includes a modern fitness facility. All Northfield residents, no matter which Park District they belong to, can receive resident rates for Park District programs at the Community Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Northfield, IL from Chicago?
Northfield, Illinois is located about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. On average, the drive to the Loop takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
What county is Northfield, IL in?
Northfield, Illinois is located in Cook County and is part of the North Shore suburban area near Chicago.
Is Northfield, IL a good place to move to?
Northfield is known for its quiet neighborhoods, highly rated schools, parks and convenient location near Chicago, making it a popular choice for families and professionals.
Are there moving companies that serve Northfield, IL?
Yes, several moving companies serve Northfield and nearby suburbs. STI Moving & Storage provides local and long-distance moving services for residents and businesses moving to or from the Northfield area, including packing, loading, storage and relocation support.
What is the best time to move to Northfield, IL?
Many people prefer moving during the spring and summer months because of the milder weather, although fall can also be a comfortable time to relocate.
