With a relaxed atmosphere and lively community, Libertyville has earned its reputation as one of the best places to live in Chicagoland.
Libertyville residents enjoy their Villages’ small-town charm and historic downtown. Great schools, a beautiful parks system, and quiet streets make the Libertyville perfect for families!
Buyers and renters enjoy the Village’s affordable homes in welcoming tree-lined neighborhoods. The majority of homes are single-family residences along with some townhomes, condominiums, and apartments.
Located 33 miles north of The Loop in Lake County, Libertyville residents have easy access to Chicago with three Metra stations and the Tri-State Tollway.
Libertyville Village Guide
Downtown Libertyville and Shopping
Downtown Libertyville is the vibrant hub of the entire Village, offering more than 100 shops and restaurants. The historic brick area is the perfect destination for a nice meal out, shopping, or to experience one of the community’s many festivals.
Shopping in Libertyville isn’t limited to downtown; the Village offers dozens of shopping centers. Whether it be a big-name store or a local boutique, you can find it in Libertyville.
Libertyville Events and Culture
Libertyville offers an active cultural scene. Whether your passion is live music, theater, or movies – there’s something up your alley in the Village!
Recently, the Village has become a live music hub. Venues include Firkin, The Green Room, and Main Street Social. The Liberty Theater is a Libertyville classic, showing movies in its historic downtown location. A community gem is the David Adler Music and Arts Center, a notable performance and community center.
The Village hosts a series of community events all year long. These include the Car Fun on 21, Libertyville Days, and the Festival of the Arts.
Libertyville Parks and Recreation
Libertyville residents are spoiled with their Village’s parks and natural areas. The District offers dozens of miles of bike trails connecting to the Lake County trail system and over 500 acres of public parkland. The parks system includes lakes, athletic fields, ice skating, flower gardens, picnic areas, and sled hills.
Residents also enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, a driving range, and the Libertyville Sports complex. Golfers also have access to the great 9-hole Libertyville Golf Course, in addition to private clubs.
Libertyville Food and Dining
From fine dining to casual family spots, Libertyville residents have tons of dining options. Some local favorites include Milwalky Trace, a modern American restaurant, Chrissoulas, for modern Greek and Mediterranean food, and Cafe Pyrenees, for high-quality french food.
For a fun night out, the Village has some great local pubs and bars. Mickey Finn’s and Downing’s are local favorites.
What’s Nearby?
Libertyville is located within a short drive of a number of great Chicagoland attractions. Nature lovers will enjoy the Chicago Botanic Garden – with 23 unique gardens. Music Lovers will love going to outdoor concerts at Ravinia Festival. For more thrills, Libertyville residents enjoy Six Flags Great America with roller coasters, water slides, and much more.
Libertyville History
Early History
The first non-indigenous resident George Vardin constructed a cabin in the area in 1835. Though he soon moved further west, the Village was known briefly as Vardin’s Grove. In 1837, the Village’s name was changed to Libertyville.
Soon after, the Milwaukee Road Train Line reached the community, spurring a building boom. New schools, stores, lumber yards, and homes were built. Today, the train line is used by Metra commuter trains.
Becoming Libertyville
Downtown Libertyville suffered a fire in 1895 that destroyed much of the area. The village board determined that only brick could be used for reconstruction. The resulting brick downtown, most of which still stands, is one of the most unified and historically preserved downtowns in Chicagoland.
Libertyville Today
Libertyville exploded in population in the 1960s as many people moved to the Village from Chicago. Many new subdivisions, homes, and commercial buildings were constructed during this boom. With only 8,500 residents in 1960, by 2000 more than 20,000 people lived in the village.
Libertyville has had a number of notable residents. These include Academy Award winner Marlon Brando, Major League Baseball MVP Frank Thomas, and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
Today, Libertyville remains a lovely and lively Lake County community!
Libertyville Homes
Libertyville offers buyers and renters a variety of great home options. Being a suburban community, the vast majority of housing in the Village is single-family residences, but one can also find a number of condo and townhouse developments. With a median sales price of around $400,000, homes in the community range from lovely modest homes to luxury mansions. Architectural styles are similarly diverse.
Following the lead of the Village’s lovely all-brick downtown, Libertyville homes often have beautiful curb appeal and manicured lawns. Libertyville’s neighborhoods are quiet and safe, with tree-lined streets and nearby parks and schools. Come and check it out!
