Wilmette Info
Wilmette is a town with many different flavors – distinct neighborhoods across its mostly east-west orientation. From its beautiful lakefront to the curvy streets of Indian Hill Estates, Wilmette is a most popular place to live.
In 2007 Wilmette was named as the 7th best place to raise children in the United States by Business Week. The current population is approximately 27,600.
Like Winnetka, Wilmette has several distinct shopping areas – the downtown area is at the crossroads of Wilmette Ave. and 10th 
St., Plaza del Lago is a Spanish-themed shopping mall that is right across from the lake and includes a Jewel grocery store, Starbucks, Crate and Barrel, and many smaller boutiques. Located at the junction of Lake Ave. and the Edens Expressway is Edens Plaza, a larger mall with a Carson Pirie Scott, Borders Books, Bed Bath & Beyond, Corner Bakery, and more.
St., Plaza del Lago is a Spanish-themed shopping mall that is right across from the lake and includes a Jewel grocery store, Starbucks, Crate and Barrel, and many smaller boutiques. Located at the junction of Lake Ave. and the Edens Expressway is Edens Plaza, a larger mall with a Carson Pirie Scott, Borders Books, Bed Bath & Beyond, Corner Bakery, and more.
Dozens of good restaurants can be found in Wilmette in a variety of cuisines – Mexican, Chinese, American, Italian, and Japanese. Downtown sports a cute Mediterranean spot called Olive Oil, and along Green Bay Road you’ll find Homer’s Ice Cream, home to burgers, hot dogs and their famous peach ice cream. A favorite haunt for kids after sporting events!
Wilmette houses vary in style, and the older more stately homes with front porches are generally found in the “CAGE” – the parallel streets of Chestnut, Ashland, Greenwood, and Elmwood (that form the bars of a cage.) These streets are characterized by having the original brick roads in still in use, large trees, sidewalks, and lots of old-time charm.
In central Wilmette, another popular area for Wilmette home buyers is Kenilworth Gardens, characterized by homes mostly built in the 1940s and having smaller lots. A little farther west is Indian Hill Estates with its large homes and lots and a very stately aura. Westernmost Wilmette is on the west side of the Edens and is the most affordable. Homes are generally ranches and split levels on smaller lots.
Gillson Beach is Wilmette’s main beach – it’s a big beautiful expanse that feels like the ocean. Adjacent to the beach is Gillson Park, 60 acres of park, play lots, tennis courts, and Wallace Bowl for outdoor summer concerts. Gilllson Park also has a harbor, marina, and the Sheridan Shores Yacht Club. Read more about Gillson Beach here. Of course, there are about 17 others parks in Wilmette to hang out at!
One of Wilmette’s most famous landmarks is the Baha’i Temple, located at Sheridan Road and Linden Avenue. It was opened in 1953 after 40 years of construction. This unique building is only one of seven temples worldwide – and can be seen from the air when circling over the lake. 
Schools are structured in Wilmette similarly to Winnetka in that there are elementary schools for kindergarten through 4th grade, middle school for 5th-6h, junior high for 7th-8th and then New Trier High School. There are two school districts in Wilmette, District 39 and District 37.
Wilmette - a great place to live.
