Kenilworth
Historic Village
Median Price: $2.17M
Historic Village
Median Price: $2.17M
Properties
Current active listings in Kenilworth, updated continuously from the MLS.
Kenilworth is a true hidden gem on the North Shore—a historic residential village with grand estates and a deliberately quiet character. Founded in 1889 by Joseph Sears with strict architectural standards that endure today, Kenilworth was designed with intention—boasting no commercial district by design, preserving its residential character and timeless elegance.
As the smallest municipality in Illinois by area, Kenilworth maintains an intimate village atmosphere. It is known for its historic estates and impeccable landscaping, featuring homes designed by renowned architects including David Adler and Howard Van Doren Shaw. Residents enjoy exceptional New Trier schools and lakefront access combined with remarkable architectural heritage.
The real estate market in Kenilworth is defined by limited inventory and strong demand. Each home tells a story of architectural significance and historical importance, with maintenance of architectural integrity paramount to the community's identity and long-term value.
Kenilworth epitomizes understated luxury and architectural excellence. Grand estates sit on expansive, pristine grounds where every detail matters. The architectural review process ensures that any modifications honor the community's storied past, maintaining the cohesive character that defines the village.
Life in Kenilworth moves deliberately. There are no chain restaurants, no shopping malls, no commercial interruptions. Instead, residents enjoy proximity to nature, the lake, and a genuinely residential environment. The Kenilworth Club and community gathering spaces anchor village life, fostering connections rooted in shared appreciation for the area's heritage and natural beauty.
Kenilworth property taxes have an effective rate of approximately 2.5-3.0% of assessed home value. On a $2.17 million home, owners typically expect to pay $25,000-$35,000 or more annually. As the smallest municipality in the area, Kenilworth maintains tight control over expenditures while preserving the exclusivity and character that define the community.
The Metra Union Pacific North Line from Kenilworth station provides access to downtown Chicago in approximately 32-37 minutes. While slightly longer than some North Shore communities, the commute is manageable and well-served by the Metra schedule.
Kenilworth is served by Joseph Sears School (K-8), one of the most acclaimed elementary schools on the North Shore, which feeds directly into New Trier High School. The community features expansive private estates on generous grounds, lakefront access, and the Kenilworth Club providing recreational facilities for residents.
For Homeowners
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Over the trailing 12 months through February 2026, the median sale price for detached single-family homes in Kenilworth was $2,174,500, with sellers receiving 99.0% of their original list price. Attached single-family homes had a median of $640,000. Source: Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED).
Kenilworth is served by the Joseph Sears School for elementary education and New Trier High School, one of the top-ranked public high schools in Illinois. The small class sizes and strong community involvement contribute to exceptional educational outcomes.
Detached single-family homes in Kenilworth averaged 58 days on market over the trailing 12 months ending February 2026, with homes selling at 99.0% of their original list price. Source: MRED.
Kenilworth is a historic residential village on Chicago's North Shore. Founded in 1889 by Joseph Sears, it features stately historic estates by architects like David Adler and Howard Van Doren Shaw, lakefront access, the Kenilworth Club, and a deliberately residential-only design with no commercial district — preserving its village character.
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