So, you’re looking into Highland Park. Maybe you're moving here, or maybe you're just trying to settle a bet about where the North Shore actually ends. One of the first things people trip over is the "Highland Park IL county" question. People search for it because, honestly, the way Illinois organizes its suburbs can be a bit of a headache if you aren't from around here.
Highland Park is in Lake County.
It’s not in Cook. That’s the big distinction. If you drive a few minutes south into Glencoe, you've hit Cook County. Stay in Highland Park, and you’re firmly in Lake. This matters for everything from who picks up your trash to how much you’re going to shell out in property taxes every year.
The Lake County Divide
Geography is destiny, at least when it comes to Illinois real estate. Highland Park sits at the very southeastern tip of Lake County. It's the gateway. Because it hugs the border of Cook County so tightly, a lot of folks just assume it’s part of the Chicago-centric Cook system. It isn't.
Lake County has a totally different vibe. It’s generally seen as being a bit more spread out, though Highland Park itself is pretty dense and walkable compared to places further north like Gurnee or Libertyville. Being in Lake County means you’re dealing with the Lake County Board in Waukegan rather than the folks at the Cook County building in downtown Chicago.
Does it change your daily life? Mostly in the paperwork. Your court dates, your property tax appeals, and your forest preserve access are all tied to the Lake County system. The Lake County Forest Preserves, for example, are a massive perk. They manage sites like the Heller Nature Center right in Highland Park, which offers about 97 acres of oak hickory forest.
Taxes, Money, and the "Lake County Discount"
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: money.
People often look at Highland Park IL county data because they want to know if they'll save money on taxes by crossing that "invisible line" out of Cook County.
It’s complicated.
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Lake County property taxes are notoriously high—often among the highest in the United States. However, Cook County has its own mess of assessments and multipliers that can make it even more unpredictable. In Highland Park, you’re paying for some of the best public services in the state. We're talking about high-tier snow removal and a police department that actually responds when you call.
The sales tax is usually lower in Lake County than it is in the city of Chicago or the immediate Cook suburbs. If you're buying a car or doing a massive haul at the grocery store, that percentage point difference actually adds up over a year. It's why you see people from Glencoe or Winnetka driving north to the shops in Highland Park or Deerfield to run their errands.
What Makes Highland Park Different?
It's the terrain. Most of Illinois is flat as a pancake. It’s boring. But Highland Park is defined by these deep, wooded ravines that cut through the land and lead down to Lake Michigan. It’s rugged in a way that most Midwestern towns aren't.
Architects went crazy here. You’ve got Frank Lloyd Wright houses scattered around, like the Willits House. You have the Ward Willits house specifically, which is considered one of the first true masterpieces of the Prairie School style. These homes weren't just built on the land; they were built into these Lake County ravines.
Then there's Ravinia Festival. It’s the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. It isn't just a concert venue; it’s a lifestyle. During the summer, the Metra Union Pacific North line—which runs right through the heart of the county—is packed with people carrying picnic baskets and wine bottles heading to the park. It’s the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Think about that. You have world-class classical music playing in the woods of Lake County while people eat brie on lawn chairs. It’s peak North Shore.
The Commuter Reality
If you live in Highland Park, you’re likely a "Metra person." The commute to the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago takes about 50 minutes on the local and 35 on the express.
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The drive? That's a different story. Taking the Edens Expressway (I-94) can be a dream or a total nightmare depending on if there’s a stalled semi-truck at the junction. Since Highland Park is in the southeastern corner of the county, you have relatively easy access to the highway, but you're still far enough north that a Friday afternoon commute can feel like a trek across the tundra.
A History of Independence
Highland Park wasn't always this polished. It started as two separate settlements: Port Clinton and St. Johns. Eventually, they merged and became Highland Park in 1869. The founders wanted a place that was "dry" (no alcohol) and high-class.
While the "dry" part eventually fell by the wayside—thankfully, because there are some great spots for a drink now—the emphasis on aesthetics remained. The city was actually one of the first in the country to have a plan commission. They were obsessed with trees. They still are. If you want to cut down a significant tree on your property in Highland Park, you better be prepared for some serious red tape. The city treats its canopy like a public treasure.
Why the County Seat Matters
Waukegan is the county seat of Lake County. For Highland Park residents, this means that for "official" business, you aren't heading toward the Chicago Loop; you're heading north.
- Jury Duty: You'll be heading to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan.
- Voter Registration: Managed by the Lake County Clerk.
- Health Department: The Lake County Health Department handles the inspections and local health initiatives.
There is a sense of pride in being part of Lake County. It feels a bit more "removed" from the political machine of Chicago. Whether that’s actually true or just a feeling is up for debate, but the local government in Highland Park tends to be very involved and very transparent.
Real Estate Truths
Buying a house here isn't just about the four walls. It’s about the school district. Most of Highland Park is served by Township High School District 113 (Highland Park High School). It is consistently ranked as one of the top schools in the nation.
When you look at Highland Park IL county records, you see a wide range of housing. You have the multi-million dollar estates on Sheridan Road with private beaches. But you also have smaller, 1950s-style split-levels and ranch homes closer to the downtown area or out west near Deerfield.
There's a misconception that you have to be a billionaire to live in Highland Park. You don't. But you do have to be okay with the "Lake County lifestyle," which means valuing quiet streets, high-end parks, and a certain level of suburban prestige.
Surprising Facts about Lake County's Gem
- The Movie Connection: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and Risky Business were all filmed here. The "glass house" where the Ferrari crashed? That's in the Highland Park ravines.
- The Military History: Fort Sheridan sits right on the edge of Highland Park and Highwood. It used to be a major Army base. Now, it’s a mix of high-end housing and a stunning forest preserve with lakefront access.
- The Public Beach: Rosewood Beach underwent a massive renovation a few years back. It’s not just sand; it has an award-winning interpretive center and a boardwalk that feels more like California than Illinois.
Navigating the Local Government
Highland Park operates under a council-manager form of government. This means you have a Mayor and City Council who set the vision, but a professional City Manager who runs the day-to-day operations. This structure is common in Lake County and usually leads to a very efficiently run city.
The city is also very proactive about sustainability. They have strict "green" building codes and a lot of initiatives aimed at protecting the lakefront. This is a common theme in Lake County—balancing development with the preservation of the natural beauty that brought people here in the first place.
How to Handle the Transition
If you're making the move to Highland Park, the first thing you need to do is get your Lake County vehicle sticker (if applicable) and register with the city. Unlike some places where you can fly under the radar, Highland Park is pretty on top of its registrations.
Don't forget to check out the Park District of Highland Park. They are separate from the city government and they are incredible. They run the hidden gems like the Hidden Creek AquaPark and the Rosewood Beach facilities. In Lake County, the Park Districts are often the social hub of the community.
Final Practical Steps
If you are currently researching property or looking to settle in the area, here is exactly what you should do next to get a handle on the "Highland Park IL county" logistics:
- Check the Tax Maps: Go to the Lake County Treasurer’s website. You can look up the tax history of any specific parcel in Highland Park. This is the only way to get the real numbers on what a property will cost you annually.
- Visit the Ravines: Before buying or renting, walk the trails at Heller Nature Center or the bluffs at Fort Sheridan. The geography of Lake County is its biggest selling point, but it also means dealing with hills and drainage issues that you won't find in flatter parts of the state.
- Metra Schedule: Download the Ventra app and look at the Union Pacific North (UP-N) line. See how the "Express" trains align with your schedule. If you work in the city, this train is your lifeline.
- Connect with the Library: The Highland Park Public Library is a powerhouse. They have resources for newcomers that go way beyond just checking out books, including local history archives that explain how the county lines were drawn.
Highland Park is a weird, beautiful mix of high-end luxury and rugged lakeside nature. It’s the crown jewel of Lake County for a reason. Once you get past the confusion of the county lines and the property tax stickers, you realize it’s one of the few places in the Midwest that actually has a soul. It's not just another suburb; it's a place defined by its ravines, its history, and its very specific spot on the map.