Cook County spans over 940 square miles and more than 130 municipalities—but not all addresses are created equal. A handful of zip codes stand in a class of their own, where tree-lined streets meet top-rated schools, stunning lakefront access, and real estate that commands a premium. Whether you’re house hunting, curious about the market, or just dreaming a little, here’s a deep dive into the most expensive zip codes in Cook County and what makes each one worth every penny.

60611 — Streeterville & the Magnificent Mile

Perched along Lake Michigan’s shoreline just east of Michigan Avenue, 60611 is arguably the most iconic zip code in all of Chicago. Streeterville is home to some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks—Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Luxury high-rises dominate the skyline, and the Magnificent Mile sits right at the neighborhood’s western edge.

Downtown Chicago is essentially your backyard here. The Loop is less than a mile away, making this one of the most walkable addresses in the city. The Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line and multiple bus routes keep car-free living entirely practical.

As of early 2025, median home prices in 60611 hover above $500,000, with luxury condos and penthouses routinely listing between $1 million and $5 million. Inventory moves fast in this zip code—well-priced units often go under contract within two weeks.

60610 — Gold Coast & Old Town

Few neighborhoods carry the prestige of the Gold Coast. Zip code 60610 covers this legendary stretch of Chicago’s Near North Side, along with the adjacent Old Town neighborhood. Historic brownstones and greystones line the side streets, while Michigan Avenue’s high-rises anchor the eastern edge. The neighborhood takes its name from the Gilded Age mansions built here by Chicago’s wealthiest families—and that exclusivity has never really faded.

Residents enjoy easy access to Lincoln Park (the park itself), Oak Street Beach, and the boutique dining and shopping corridors of Rush Street and Wells Street. Old Town’s Second City comedy club adds a bit of cultural flair to an otherwise formal neighborhood.

The distance to downtown from Chicago’s Gold Coast? About 1.5 miles—a short cab or rideshare ride, or a breezy bike along the lakefront path. Median single-family home prices in 60610 frequently exceed $900,000, with premium brownstones topping $2 million or more.

60614 — Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is the neighborhood that never goes out of style. Zip code 60614 covers one of Chicago’s most sought-after residential areas, named after the 1,200-acre park running along its eastern edge. DePaul University adds a youthful energy, while Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street offer upscale dining, boutique retail, and weekend farmers markets.

The Lincoln Park Zoo—free to the public—and the Chicago History Museum are neighborhood staples. Home buyers and renters alike are drawn here for the green space, walkability, and the sheer livability of it all.

Top-rated schools serving 60614 and the surrounding Lincoln Park area include Lincoln Elementary School and Francis W. Parker School, the latter of which consistently ranks among Chicago’s best private institutions. Lincoln Park High School is a magnet school with a strong academic and arts reputation.

In 2025, the median home price in 60614 sits around $700,000 to $800,000, with single-family homes routinely clearing $1.5 million. The rental market is equally competitive.

60093 — Winnetka

Head about 18 miles north of the Loop along the North Shore and you’ll find Winnetka—a village so picture-perfect it practically looks like a movie set (and has been; several John Hughes films were shot here). Zip code 60093 covers this affluent suburb in its entirety, a community of roughly 12,000 residents who value privacy, green space, and exceptional schools.

The New Trier Township High School District serves Winnetka and is regularly ranked among the top public high school districts in the nation. Elementary students attend Winnetka Public Schools District 36, also a consistent high performer.

Real estate in 60093 is serious business. As of 2025, the median home price in Winnetka exceeds $1.3 million, with many estates along the lakefront bluffs listed between $3 million and $10 million. Inventory remains tight, and properties in prime locations rarely linger on the market.

60043 — Kenilworth

Kenilworth holds the distinction of being one of the smallest—and wealthiest—municipalities in Illinois. With a population of just over 2,500, this North Shore village is entirely within zip code 60043 and exudes an almost old-world elegance. Wide, elm-lined streets, architecturally significant homes, and a strict residential zoning code keep the community feeling intentionally quiet and exclusive.

There are no commercial properties in Kenilworth—none. Residents head to neighboring Wilmette or Winnetka for dining and shopping. That level of deliberate exclusivity is part of the appeal.

Kenilworth is served by New Trier High School (shared with Winnetka), and elementary students attend the Joseph Sears School, a K-8 institution with strong academic outcomes and a tight-knit community feel.

Median home prices in 60043 rank among the highest in all of Cook County. In 2025, homes here typically list between $1.5 million and $4 million, with lakefront properties commanding a significant premium. Days on market tend to be longer here simply because the buyer pool for this price range is smaller—but serious buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

60022 — Glencoe

Glencoe sits between Winnetka and Highland Park on the North Shore and offers a slightly more relaxed take on North Shore living—without sacrificing any of the quality. Zip code 60022 includes the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the most visited cultural institutions in the Midwest, which spans 385 acres right on Glencoe’s western edge.

Downtown Glencoe is small and charming, with local restaurants, a beloved independent bookstore, and a village beach that residents access via membership. The Ravinia Festival, North America’s oldest outdoor music festival, is a short walk or bike ride away in neighboring Highland Park.

New Trier High School serves Glencoe students, and the West Northfield School District 31 handles elementary education. Both are highly regarded.

Metra service puts downtown Chicago about 40 minutes away. In 2025, median home prices in 60022 range from $900,000 to $1.2 million, with larger lakefront homes easily surpassing $3 million.

60010 — Barrington

Barrington is a different kind of expensive—more acreage, more equestrian estates, and a rural-meets-affluent character that sets it apart from the North Shore villages. Zip code 60010 spans portions of Barrington and surrounding unincorporated areas roughly 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.

The community is famous for its horse country aesthetic—bridle paths, barn-style estates, and significant lot sizes. Citizens for Conservation, a local land preservation group, has protected thousands of acres of natural habitat nearby. Outdoor recreation is a core part of life here.

Barrington Community Unit School District 220 serves the area and earns consistently strong ratings, particularly at Barrington High School, which offers a wide range of AP courses and extracurricular programs.

Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) Line connects Barrington to the Loop in just under an hour. The real estate market here skews toward single-family homes on large lots. As of 2025, median prices in 60010 range from $500,000 to $750,000, though equestrian estates and custom-built homes on multi-acre parcels can reach well into the millions.

60062 — Northbrook

Northbrook rounds out the list as one of the North Shore’s most home buyer-friendly and accessible high-end communities. Zip code 60062 covers most of Northbrook, a suburb of about 35,000 that balances upscale living with genuine community character. Northbrook Court, a well-maintained indoor shopping center, anchors the retail landscape, while the village’s park district runs one of the most impressive recreational programs in the suburbs.

The Northbrook community is served by Glenbrook High School District 225, which includes Glenbrook North High School—routinely ranked among the top public schools in Illinois. Northbrook School District 28 handles K-8 education and performs strongly across the board.

The Metra Milwaukee District North Line provides roughly 40-minute access to downtown Chicago. In 2025, median home prices in 60062 sit around $550,000 to $700,000, making it one of the more attainable options on this list—though “attainable” is relative when you’re talking about Cook County’s finest.

So, Which Zip Code Is Right for You?

Each of these zip codes offers something distinct. The city zip codes—60610, 60611, and 60614—deliver walkability, cultural density, and proximity to the Loop. The North Shore communities—60093, 60043, 60022—offer lakefront prestige, elite schools and school districts, and a quieter pace. Barrington (60010) and Northbrook (60062) cater to those who want more space and strong suburban infrastructure without straying too far from Chicago’s orbit.

The common thread? High demand, limited inventory, and the kind of community quality that holds property values steady even when broader markets fluctuate. If you’re considering a move into one of these zip codes, working with a local real estate professional who knows the nuances of each market will be essential—because in Cook County’s top neighborhoods, the details matter as much as the address.

FAQs About Cook County Zip Codes

• What is the most expensive zip code in Cook County, IL? Kenilworth (60043) and Winnetka (60093) consistently rank among the most expensive in Cook County, with median home prices exceeding $1.3 million to $1.5 million as of 2025. Lakefront properties in both communities can reach well above $5 million.
• Are Chicago city zip codes like 60611 and 60614 more expensive than North Shore suburbs? It depends on the property type. Urban zip codes like 60611 (Streeterville) and 60614 (Lincoln Park) include a mix of condos and single-family homes, which can keep median prices somewhat lower than estate-heavy suburbs like Kenilworth. However, top-tier condos and brownstones in these city neighborhoods rival—and sometimes exceed—suburban price points.
• Which Cook County zip codes have the best public schools? Zip codes served by New Trier Township High School District 203—including 60093 (Winnetka) and 60022 (Glencoe)—are widely regarded as having some of the best public schools in Illinois. Barrington (60010) and Northbrook (60062) also have strong school districts in Barrington 220 and Glenbrook 225, respectively.
• How far are these zip codes from downtown Chicago? Distance varies significantly. City zip codes 60610, 60611, and 60614 are within 1–3 miles of the Loop. North Shore communities like 60093 and 60043 are about 18–20 miles north, accessible via Metra in roughly 35 minutes. Barrington (60010) sits about 35 miles northwest, with Metra service running just under an hour to the city.