Northbrook, Illinois is a village with a population slightly less than 35,000, located in the northernmost part of Cook County. It offers all the advantages of life outside the urban area, yet the excitement of Chicago is only 23 miles away. It is considered a part of the elegant North Shore area, with all its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Northbrook is an affluent community, with a median family income of approximately $95,750, more than twice the national average. The population is largely made up of young professionals, with a median age of just 31. While many residents commute to the Chicago area, there are plenty of opportunities for employment right in Northbrook, since it is the home of Crate and Barrel, Allstate, Culligan Water and Underwriters Laboratories. More than 60 percent of residents work in professional and managerial capacities.

Schools are rated very highly, with 95 percent of high school seniors headed to college. Crime is low, and the level of community services is high. Since the village has such broad-based sources of revenue, Northbrook is able to provide these services with a relatively low municipal tax rate.

As you might expect, real estate here holds its value, and 90 percent of residents own their own homes. In 2004, the average cost of a new single-family house was $509,000. While all styles of housing are available, the average home here is a single-family house set on a large lot with mature trees.