A charming north suburban community, Deerfield makes a convincing case as one of the best places to live in Illinois.
Deerfield was recently rated “one of the best communities to raise children” in the nation by Bloomberg. It’s easy to see why; the village offers great schools, youth programs, and top safety marks.
Downtown Deerfield, walkable from most homes in the community, hosts local restaurants as well as national and boutique retailers. The Park District maintains over 100 acres of parkland and fully stocked recreational facilities. Nearby attractions include the Ravina Festival and Chicago Botanic Garden. And, for a night out, the area has some cozy bars and lounges.
Thanks to a vibrant business scene (including national corporate headquarters), many live and work in the community. For the rest, the commute to the Loop is easy with two Metra stations and the Edens Expressway!
Deerfield Village Guide
While most of Deerfield consists of tranquil tree-lined neighborhoods, you won’t have to leave the village for a fun day or night out.
Food and Drink
Deerfield has great options for a night out. On Waukegan Road, Wildfish is a great spot for seafood lovers. It’s perfect for date night (especially if your date loves sushi!). A more casual spot is Kevin’s Place, a family-friendly diner serving classic sandwiches and Sunday brunch.
Looking for something familiar? The area also has its share of chains including Jimmy John’s, Baskin Robbins, and Noodles and Company.
The community even offers some nightlife. Come out to Bobby’s for a hometown bar with delicious American-style bistro food. Cafe Mistiko has a classic lounge vibe, with a warm ambiance, 6 pool tables, and great cocktails. It’s also a great place to watch sports with your neighbors!
Deerfield Shopping
In 1998, Deerfield built a new outdoor shopping area known as Deerfield Commons. The area is known for its great shops, boutique workout places, and restaurants. The village is also dotted with grocery stores including Whole Foods and Jewel.
Along the border with Northbrook, the Deerbrook Mall features major name retailers including Barnes and Noble, Home Depot, and Men’s Warehouse among other stores. So, whatever it is you’re looking for, Deerfield’s got you covered.
Culture and Attractions
The surrounding area has some great attractions. Music fan? The nearby Ravinia Festival is Chicago’s premier outdoor venue hosting well known touring acts in all genres and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Kids and adults alike enjoy the musicals and matinee events at the Marriot Theater. Nature lovers will love the Chicago Botanic Garden featuring a massive rose garden and tranquil Japanese garden. Par-King Skill Golf, an immaculately designed mini-golf course including Willis Tower and the Taj Mahal miniatures, is a nearby treat. The course is a kid’s birthday party classic!
Of course, that’s not all in the area- a number of movie theaters, theater companies, and music venues are just a short drive away!
Local Events
Community events take place all year round including classic suburban staples like Halloween Trick-or-Treating and a Fourth of July celebration. A fall favorite is the Harvest Fest, located at the intersection of Deerfield Road and Park Avenue. The festival features a farmers market, live music, family activities, and local food.
Facilities, Parks, and Nature
Like many of its north suburban neighbors, Deerfield boasts an excellent parks system. With picturesque parks, state-of-the-art facilities, and acres of forest reserves — Deerfield residents have plenty at their disposal. The Jewett Park Community Center hosts arts programming, pre-school programs, and dance classes. The Sachs Recreation Center offers a fitness center, three gymnasiums, tennis and racquetball courts, an indoor pool, and more. The Park District also runs youth and adults sports, summer day camps, and a public golf course.
Deerfield History
Deerfield has been the home of Illinois governors, elite businessmen, and even Chicago Bulls players and coaches. Let’s take a look back at how Deerfield became what it is today:
Early Deerfield
First home to Potawatomi Native Americans, Deerfield was settled by Euro-Americans in the 1830s. In its earliest years, the main draws to the village were the fertile soil for farming and the navigable Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers. These rivers allowed the easy transport of goods such as timber, venison, and wheat to the markets in Chicago. Originally known as ‘Le Clair’, the town was renamed Deerfield in 1850.
One can experience early Deerfield at the Deerfield Historic Village, an outdoor museum consists of five historic buildings and includes the headquarters for the Deerfield Historical Society.
From Farms to a Modern Suburb
The area began to grow in the early 1870s when the Milwaukee Railroad (today the Metra) was built, allowing residents to commute to work in Chicago. Despite this growth, when the village was incorporated in 1903 less than 500 lived in the area. By 1917, most farms had been converted into residential areas, golf courses, or public parks.
After World War II, the area expanded rapidly many moved to the area from Chicago and the Edens Expressway was built. By the end of the 1950s, nearly 12,000 people lived in the village. The last major addition was the construction of a 300-acre financial district in 1982. The district is now home to major corporate headquarters (including Walgreens, Baxter Healthcare, Caterpillar Inc, Consumers Digest) bringing vibrancy and significant tax revenue into the village. Today, the area is an affluent, livable community offering a charming small-town suburban life.
Deerfield Homes
Deerfield offers residents great housing options. The village’s single-family homes range from mid-century ranch all the way to contemporary and the high end of the market include impressive luxury mansions. One can also find condominiums and townhomes. Homes are arranged in lovely tree-lined neighborhoods, all walking distance to an elementary school and public park. Downtown Deerfield is just a short drive away.
With beautiful homes and a world-class education in a thriving suburban landscape, Deerfield is a picturesque suburban retreat. Come check it out!
