Moving to Barrington, Illinois
A Northwest suburban village about 35 miles from Chicago with a walkable historic center, Union Pacific Northwest Metra service, and extensive nature preserves.
Barrington at a Glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates. *Median home value is a Census estimate for owner-occupied homes, not a current listing or sale price. These figures are for the Village of Barrington only. Neighboring Barrington Hills, North Barrington, South Barrington, and Lake Barrington are separate communities with their own statistics.
Barrington began as a farming community and grew after the railroad arrived in the 1850s. Today the village center is walkable, with independent shops, restaurants, and the Metra station on Spring Street.
The village is surrounded by parks and nature preserves, including Citizens Park and Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve.
Getting Around & Commuting
Metra Rail
Barrington is served by Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line, with a station in the village center on Spring Street. Check metra.com for schedules, fares, and parking rules.
Pace Bus
Pace Suburban Bus serves parts of the area. Routes and hours change, so confirm at pacebus.com.
Driving & Airports
Northwest Highway (U.S. 14) and Lake Zurich Road are major local roads, and O'Hare International Airport is the nearest major airport.
Commute times depend heavily on the time of day. Verify current station details and parking with Metra and the Village of Barrington.
Things To Do
Citizens Park
A 45-acre park with walking trails, waterfalls, the Pepper Family Treehouse, the Robert Soule Amphitheater, picnic shelters, and a winter ice rink.
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
Wetlands, woodlands, and prairie with a 3.2-mile trail system that connects to Citizens Park.
Langendorf Park
A large park with athletic fields next to an Illinois Nature Preserve.
Historic Downtown
A walkable village center with independent shops, gift stores, restaurants, and the train station.
Summer Concerts & Events
The Barrington Park District hosts concerts and events at Citizens Park, including performances by area orchestras.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve
A nearby forest preserve with additional trails for hiking and biking.
Shopping & Dining
Downtown Barrington has a mix of independent restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and gift shops within walking distance of the Metra station. Check the village center's own listings for current dining options, since restaurants change often. Seasonal highlights:
- Walkable village center: independent shops and restaurants near the train station
- Summer concerts at Citizens Park: evening performances in the amphitheater area
- Winter skating at Citizens Park: ice rink seasonally
Restaurants and shops open, close, and change hours often. Check each business's website or call before you go.
Annual Events & Seasonal Fun
| Event | Typically | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Summer concerts in the park | Summer evenings | Performances at Citizens Park, including orchestra concerts |
| Park District community events | Year-round | Family events and programs at Citizens Park and Langendorf Park |
| Ice skating at Citizens Park | Winter, when conditions allow | Outdoor ice rink |
| Cuba Marsh trails | Year-round | Walking, biking, and winter snow-covered scenery |
Dates and lineups change each year. Confirm with the organizer before you go.
Weather & The Four Seasons
Barrington has a humid continental climate, like the rest of the Chicago area: warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The figures below are approximate regional averages, not a forecast.
| Season | Typical feel | Approx. temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold with regular snowfall | Highs near 30°F, lows in the teens |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Variable, with rain and a steady warm-up | 40s to 60s°F |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm to hot, humid | Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Crisp, with strong fall color | 70s cooling to 40s°F |
Plan on roughly 35 to 40 inches of precipitation a year, including snow. For a current forecast, see weather.gov for the Chicago area.
Schools
Most of Barrington is served by Barrington Community Unit School District 220. The village spans multiple counties, and some addresses may fall in other districts. Always confirm the school assignment for any specific address with the district directly at barrington220.org. Private and parochial options are also available in the area.
To compare schools yourself, use the official Illinois Report Card, which publishes state-reported data for every district and school.
Helpful Local Links
- Village of Barrington: services, permits, and village news
- Barrington Park District: parks, programs, and facilities
- Barrington School District 220: schools, calendars, enrollment
- Metra: commuter rail schedules and fares
- Illinois Report Card: official state school data
Thinking About Making Barrington Home?
Get in touch using the contact options on this site for a walk through neighborhoods, recent sales, and what to expect from the buying process, with no pressure. Tell us what matters to you and we'll go from there.
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This page is for general information only. Statistics come from the sources noted and are estimates that change over time. Details about schools, transit, events, and businesses should be verified directly with the provider before you rely on them. Not a guarantee of any property's school assignment, value, or availability.
