Condo owners in north suburban Highland Park have plenty of sights to savor:  bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, picturesque vistas of the water, ravines and a variety of luxury condominiums that they may call home.

Condos in a wide range of styles abound in this community located just 23 miles from Chicago’s Loop. Even in the 19th century, when the town came into being, developers saw the area’s many natural assets and were convinced that this community would flourish as a home for well-heeled residents. Now, with luxury condos, both new construction and re-sale homes, Highland Park has lived true to its early promise. It is place where condos with the richest of  materials and spacious floorplans are flourishing.

Penthouse condos are appointed with the highest quality finishes and myriad details that make them stand outs. Walls of windows, his and hers master baths, oversized terraces, and attached two car parking are some amenities offered in such units. Such condos are often quite desirable also because of their prime locations within walking distance of the lake and in the heart of the city’s quaint downtown district.

The city experienced two periods of high growth. In the 1920s and the 1950s.  Today, its downtown district features a wealth of interesting restaurants and boutiques. Port Clinton Square, where these retailers and restaurants are located, has beautifully landscaped plazas and is the site of an annual art fair that attracts more than 200 exhibitors. A food festival, Taste of Highland Park, and lunchtime summer concerts also take place in this communal gathering spot.   Highland Park’s convenient is enhanced by its suburban rail service which allows commuters to be in Chicago’s Loop in a matter of minutes. It is also close to major highways such as the Kennedy, Edens and Tri-State Tollway.

One of the community’s most recent and dramatic growth spurts occurred when Fort Sheridan, a former army base was converted to a new residential neighborhood. It has the distinction of being the first new community on Chicago’s North Shore in one hundred years. While it is situated in Highland Park and neighboring Highwood, it is a town unto itself with unique architecture and amenities. Fort Sheridan is a blend of handsome, sophisticated new homes and condominiums among renovated, restored historic structures.  There are numerous choices of attached, maintenance-free homes for first time buyers, small families and empty nesters and singles of all ages.

Condo owners will find numerous ways to spend their leisure time in Highland Park. The city’s park district was founded in 1909. It operates and manages over 650 acres of land in 44 park areas, and offers approximately 3,000 recreation and seasonal programs. Facilities include an indoor ice arena, tennis and racquetball complex, two recreation centers, a nature center, an 18-hole golf course, driving range, adventure golf, aquapark, indoor pool, beaches, boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan.   Highland Park’s appeal is further enhanced by the Ravinia Music Festival. It was begun as a recreational park and cultural center established in 1904 by A. C. Frost.

Today, tens of thousands of visitors enjoy classical and popular concerts in a wooded outdoor setting, including performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The city of Highland Park is celebrated as a gem of Chicago’s famed north shore and will continue to be a place where condo owners and investors can feel assured their properties will  grow in value and in appeal.