When luxury buyers narrow their search to the north suburbs, the conversation often comes down to two standout communities: Northbrook and Glenview. Both are widely recognized as premier chicago luxury neighborhoods, offering executive homes, strong schools, and convenient access to Chicago.

But while they share similarities, the lifestyle, lot sizes, pricing trends, and overall feel can differ. If you're comparing these two communities within the broader chicago suburbs real estate market, this guide will help clarify which may better fit your priorities.

Location & Commute

Both Northbrook and Glenview offer excellent commuter access via Metra and major highways.

Glenview

Glenview sits slightly closer to downtown Chicago, which can translate into shorter commute times. For executives traveling to the city daily, this convenience adds measurable value.

Its proximity to surrounding retail, dining, and business hubs strengthens its reputation as one of the most established chicago luxury neighborhoods in Northern Cook County.

Northbrook

Northbrook offers similar accessibility, though commute times may be marginally longer depending on the neighborhood. Many buyers find the difference minimal.

Northbrook’s location still keeps it firmly positioned among top-performing luxury chicago suburbs, especially for buyers seeking convenience without sacrificing residential tranquility.

Lot Size & Housing Style

One of the key distinctions between Northbrook and Glenview lies in property layout and lot size.

Northbrook Luxury Homes

Northbrook features a mix of:

• Established executive subdivisions

• Custom homes on spacious lots

• Golf course communities

• Renovated mid-century and newer construction properties

Lot sizes in select neighborhoods can be slightly larger than those found in Glenview, appealing to buyers seeking more privacy within the luxury chicago suburbs market.

Glenview Luxury Homes

Glenview tends to offer:

• Newer construction developments

• Executive-style homes

• Walkable residential areas

• Higher-density luxury pockets in some sections

While still upscale, Glenview’s lot sizes are often more compact than Northbrook’s in comparable price ranges.

Architectural Character

Both communities feature a blend of traditional and modern design, but architectural patterns differ slightly.

Northbrook leans toward:

• Classic brick colonials

• Custom estate-style homes

• Golf course properties

Glenview offers:

• Transitional and contemporary builds

• Tear-down redevelopment neighborhoods

• Upscale infill construction

Within the broader chicago suburbs real estate market, Glenview has seen more redevelopment activity in recent years, which influences architectural variety.

Pricing & Value Trends

Pricing in both Northbrook and Glenview remains strong in 2026. However, price per square foot may trend slightly higher in Glenview due to its closer proximity to Chicago.

Luxury properties in both communities benefit from:

• Stable demand

• Strong school districts

• Limited overdevelopment

• Established reputations

As two of the most respected chicago luxury neighborhoods, both towns maintain consistent value retention compared to less established markets.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Lifestyle plays a major role in the decision between these two luxury chicago suburbs.

Northbrook Lifestyle

Northbrook offers:

• A strong park district

• Golf courses and country clubs

• Upscale shopping and dining

• Quiet residential streets

The atmosphere feels slightly more spread out and residential in many neighborhoods.

Glenview Lifestyle

Glenview features:

• The Glen Town Center

• Walkable residential pockets

• Access to Northbrook and surrounding communities

• Highly regarded recreational amenities

For buyers who value convenience and nearby commercial hubs, Glenview may have a slight edge.

Buyer Profile Differences

Buyers who choose Northbrook often prioritize:

• Slightly larger lots

• Executive-style neighborhoods

• Golf course access

• A quieter residential environment

Buyers who choose Glenview often prioritize:

• Commute efficiency

• Modern redevelopment opportunities

• Walkability in select neighborhoods

• Proximity to Chicago

Both communities remain central to the strength of the chicago suburbs real estate market, particularly in the luxury tier.

Investment Outlook

From an investment standpoint, both Northbrook and Glenview offer long-term stability.

As established chicago luxury neighborhoods, they benefit from:

• High buyer demand

• Limited new land availability

• Strong school systems

• Executive relocation interest

While Glenview may experience slightly quicker resale turnover due to location, Northbrook’s lot size and architectural consistency help protect value over time.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Northbrook and Glenview ultimately comes down to lifestyle priorities. Both are standout chicago luxury neighborhoods within the north suburban corridor.

If you value slightly larger lots and a more residential feel, Northbrook may be the better fit among the luxury chicago suburbs. If shorter commute times and redevelopment potential are higher priorities, Glenview may offer stronger appeal.

Either way, both communities continue to perform exceptionally well within the chicago suburbs real estate market, making them smart choices for luxury buyers in 2026.