Settled as a farming community in the 1830s and incorporated as a village in 1957, Barrington Hills has deliberately preserved its rural, equestrian character even as the Chicago suburbs grew up around it. A minimum five-acre zoning requirement, in place since 1963, keeps density low and estates large, while an extensive network of forest preserves and bridle trails reinforces the village's identity as horse country. Spanning parts of four counties — Cook, Kane, Lake, and McHenry — Barrington Hills is one of the most affluent and land-rich communities in the greater Chicago area.
Barrington Hills sits about 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, adjoining the village of Barrington and the broader "greater Barrington area" that also includes North Barrington, South Barrington, Lake Barrington, Inverness, and Kildeer. Illinois Route 59 and the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line (via the Barrington station) connect residents to Chicago, while I-90 provides regional highway access. Home to estates such as Hill 'N Dale Farms and served by the highly regarded Barrington Community Unit School District 220, Barrington Hills consistently draws buyers seeking substantial acreage, genuine privacy, and a rural aesthetic within commuting distance of the city. Housing ranges from historic farmhouses to grand custom estates, nearly all sited on five or more acres.
Key Facts about Barrington Hills, IL | |
|---|---|
Area | Approx. 27.6 sq miles |
Counties | Cook, Kane, Lake & McHenry Counties |
Established | Settled 1830s; incorporated as a village July 5, 1957 |
Population (2026 est.) | ~4,000–4,100 (2020 census: 4,114) |
Zoning | Minimum 5-acre lot requirement (R-1 districts) since 1963 |
Nearby Parks & Preserves | Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve; 4,700+ acres of forest preserve within/near the village; extensive bridle trail network |
Main Roads | IL Route 59; IL Route 68 (Higgins Rd); I-90 |
Barrington Hills offers the best of both worlds: genuine estate-scale privacy on five-plus-acre lots and a top-ranked school district, all within commuting distance of downtown Chicago via Metra. Whether you're seeking a working equestrian property, a historic farmhouse, or a grand custom estate, Barrington Hills remains one of the Chicago area's most distinctive and enduring luxury real estate markets. Ready to see what's currently listed? Browse Barrington Hills, IL Homes for Sale or connect with the Rob Morrison Team for local expertise.
Barrington Hills surrounds the village of Barrington on its north, west, and south sides, forming the core of the "greater Barrington area" alongside North Barrington, South Barrington, Lake Barrington, Inverness, and Kildeer. Downtown Barrington's Metra station, on the Union Pacific Northwest Line, puts Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center within a commuter-rail ride, while I-90 (the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) provides regional highway access. O'Hare International Airport is roughly 30 miles away, making Barrington Hills workable for both daily Chicago commuters and residents who travel frequently.
Day-to-day mobility within Barrington Hills is almost entirely by private vehicle, consistent with its low-density, large-lot character — there is no local bus service comparable to denser suburbs. Long private driveways, gravel roads, and an extensive bridle-trail network are part of daily life here, and many residents also rely on downtown Barrington, just minutes away, for the train station, shops, and services the village itself doesn't provide.
Connectivity & Transportation — Barrington Hills, IL | |
|---|---|
Location Map & Overview of Barrington Hills | Low-density village spanning parts of Cook, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties, surrounding the village of Barrington about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. |
Nearby Areas & Communities around Barrington Hills |
|
Attractions & Points of Interest in Barrington Hills |
|
Public Transport near Barrington Hills |
|
Road Access & Main Highways |
|
Parking in Barrington Hills | Private driveway and garage parking is standard on every estate; downtown Barrington's Metra station offers daily and long-term commuter parking for residents who take the train. |
Walking, Riding & Cycling in Barrington Hills | An extensive network of bridle paths and forest-preserve trails supports horseback riding, walking, and cycling throughout the village — a defining feature of daily life here. |
Taxi & Ride Apps | Uber and Lyft are available but can be less consistent than in denser Chicago suburbs; most residents rely on personal vehicles for day-to-day travel. |
Airport Access from Barrington Hills |
|
Barrington Hills' location strikes a genuine balance between rural seclusion and real commuter access — Metra rail service into Chicago, I-90 for regional driving, and O'Hare within reach, all while maintaining a five-acre-minimum, low-density character that's rare this close to a major metro area.
Barrington Hills is a small, high-end market where different data sources show meaningfully different pictures — common when transaction volume is low and property types range from modest homes on smaller legacy parcels to grand multi-acre estates. Homes.com reported a February 2026 median home price of about $2.73M (average sale price $2.59M) across 21 active listings ranging from $365,000 to just under $7M, with homes selling remarkably fast — a median of just 6 days on market. Redfin's trailing-month figure (January 2026) was considerably lower, at a $1.1M median sale price (up 12.2% year-over-year, $177/sq ft), based on just 6 recorded sales that month. Movoto's June 2026 snapshot showed a median list price of $1.99M ($267/sq ft), down 8% both month-over-month and year-over-year. Zillow's Home Value Index, which smooths across a broader mix of property types, put the typical home value much lower still, at $817,893 (up 0.4% year-over-year). Given this spread, treat any single "median" with caution and always confirm pricing against specific comparable sales for the property type, acreage, and neighborhood in question.
Source | Metric | Value | As Of |
|---|---|---|---|
Homes.com | Median home price | $2,728,750 | Feb 2026 |
Redfin | Median sale price | $1.1M (+12.2% YoY) | Jan 2026 |
Movoto | Median list price / $ per sq ft | $1.99M / $267 | June 2026 |
Zillow (ZHVI) | Typical home value | $817,893 (+0.4% YoY) | Mid-2026 |
Methodology & notes: Figures above come directly from each cited source and use different methodologies and time windows, which is why they diverge so widely — Barrington Hills is a low-transaction-volume market (as few as 5-6 recorded sales in a given month) where property type and acreage swing the numbers heavily. Zillow's ZHVI in particular smooths across a broader, more typical mix of home values and reads meaningfully lower than the median-sale-price figures from Homes.com, Redfin, and Movoto, which are more influenced by the multi-million-dollar estate sales that periodically occur here. Always verify current pricing against MLS data and recent, truly comparable sales for the specific acreage and property type before advising a client.
Barrington Hills blends a genuine equestrian and rural heritage with the resources and school quality of an affluent Chicago suburb. Life here revolves around acreage, horses, and privacy — long driveways, forest-preserve trails, and a real sense of separation from the density of the broader metro area, without giving up commuter access to the city.
Surrounds the village of Barrington about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, with Metra rail access and I-90 for regional driving.
A close-knit village of roughly 4,000 residents spanning four counties, unified by five-acre-minimum zoning and a shared equestrian and conservation ethic.
Downtown Barrington's historic shopping district, just minutes away, offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and local shops.
Served by Barrington Community Unit School District 220, ranked among Illinois' top districts, anchored by Barrington High School.
Historic farmhouses, working equestrian properties, and grand custom estates, almost universally sited on five or more acres.
Car-dependent by design, with Metra rail service from downtown Barrington and I-90 access. O'Hare Airport is about 30 miles away.
Four distinct Midwestern seasons: cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers typical of the greater Chicago area.
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve and miles of bridle trails within the village, with downtown Barrington's shops, restaurants, and Metra station close by.
A small, affluent, and relatively stable population with a median household income above $200,000 and a median age in the early 40s.
Genuine estate-scale privacy, a top-ranked school district, extensive forest preserves and bridle trails, and real Metra commuter access to Chicago.
High entry price point, significant property taxes on larger parcels, car-dependence for all daily errands, and a genuinely low-volume resale market.
Horseback riding on an extensive bridle-trail network, hiking and birdwatching at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, and enjoying the village's rolling, wooded terrain.
Barrington Hills' lifestyle brings together rural, equestrian heritage and top-tier schools — ideal for buyers seeking genuine acreage, privacy, and a slower pace within real commuting distance of downtown Chicago.
Barrington Hills preserves its rural character by design, so most everyday amenities sit just outside its borders in neighboring downtown Barrington. Use the cards below to explore what makes this equestrian community both private and genuinely livable.
Barrington Hills is served by Barrington Community Unit School District 220, an A+-rated district (Niche) ranked #10 among Illinois school districts and #16 among the state's best public high schools, serving roughly 7,900–8,000 students across 12 schools with a favorable 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The district's sole comprehensive high school, Barrington High School, enrolls about 2,700 students and offers a 65% AP participation rate. District 220 also spends well above the state average per student, reflecting the strong local tax base across the greater Barrington area.
Because Barrington Hills spans four counties and the district draws from a wide geographic area, families should confirm exact attendance-zone boundaries and bus routing directly with District 220 before purchasing, particularly for properties on the village's outer edges.
School / District | Type | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Barrington Community Unit School District 220 | Public (PK, K–12) | Barrington, IL | A+ rated (Niche); #10 Best School District in Illinois; 12 schools, ~7,900 students, 13:1 student-teacher ratio. |
Barrington High School | Public (9–12) | 616 W Main St, Barrington | The district's sole high school; ~2,700 students, 65% AP participation rate, ranked #23 in Illinois and #16 among Illinois public high schools by Niche. |
District 220 elementary & middle schools | Public (K–8) | Barrington area | 9 elementary and 2 middle schools districtwide; exact attendance zone depends on the specific Barrington Hills address. |
As one of the Chicago area's most land-rich, low-density communities, Barrington Hills offers buyers and investors opportunities across historic farmhouse renovations, working equestrian properties, and grand custom estates. A permanent five-acre-minimum zoning restriction, extensive forest-preserve land, and a top-ranked school district support durable long-term demand, even though the low transaction volume means published "median" figures should never substitute for direct comparable-sales analysis.
Why Barrington Hills? The combination of District 220 schools, genuine acreage, Metra commuter rail access, and a permanent zoning restriction that prevents future densification has kept Barrington Hills a stable, prestigious address for decades. Buyers should still factor in Illinois' comparatively high property tax burden, the maintenance responsibilities that come with private roads and long driveways, and the wide swings visible across different market-data sources when underwriting a purchase.
Whether holding a historic farmhouse, a working equestrian estate, or a grand custom residence, Barrington Hills' permanent five-acre zoning, top-ranked schools, and genuine rural character continue to make it one of the Chicago area's most distinctive and resilient luxury real estate markets.
As one of the Chicago area's most land-rich and enduring equestrian communities, Barrington Hills offers a rare blend of estate-scale privacy, top-tier schools, and genuine commuter access to the city. You'll find historic farms, working horse properties, and grand custom estates across a village that spans four counties — plus quick access to downtown Barrington's Metra station, shops, and restaurants.
Housing includes historic farmhouses, working equestrian estates, and grand custom residences, almost all on five or more acres per village zoning. Premiums follow acreage, equestrian infrastructure, and School District 220 attendance zones. Well/septic status, private-road agreements, and property tax assessments vary significantly by parcel — always confirm before investing.
Daily life balances rural privacy with real convenience: miles of bridle trails and forest preserve, downtown Barrington's shops and Metra station minutes away, and easy travel via I-90 to Chicago and O'Hare. Ready to take the next step? Explore current Barrington Hills, IL Homes for Sale or reach out to the Rob Morrison Team to schedule a tour.
Barrington Hills tends to appeal more to owner-occupant, lifestyle, and equestrian buyers than traditional rental investors, given its low-density, large-lot zoning. That said, its permanent five-acre-minimum zoning, top-ranked schools, and finite land supply have historically supported strong long-term value retention for those buying to live in or hold long-term.
Barrington Hills has enforced a minimum 5-acre lot size in its R-1 districts since 1963 specifically to preserve its rural, equestrian character against the kind of subdivision and densification that transformed many other Chicago suburbs. This zoning has been upheld in court (including a notable 2004 case), and it's a major reason the village has retained such a distinct identity — and such durable property values — despite sitting just 40 miles from downtown Chicago.
A mix of historic farmhouses, working equestrian estates with stables and riding rings, and grand custom-built residences, virtually all situated on five or more acres per village zoning requirements.
Barrington Hills combines a permanent five-acre-minimum zoning restriction with a genuine equestrian heritage and over 4,700 acres of forest preserve — a combination that has kept it meaningfully more rural and low-density than nearly any other suburb this close to downtown Chicago.
Daily travel is primarily by car via IL Route 59, IL Route 68, and I-90. Downtown Barrington's Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line station offers commuter rail service into Chicago. The nearest major airport is O'Hare International (ORD), about 30 miles away.
Barrington Hills is served by Barrington Community Unit School District 220, an A+-rated district ranked #10 in Illinois, anchored by Barrington High School, the district's single comprehensive high school.
Ready to explore Barrington Hills for yourself? Browse current Barrington Hills, IL Homes for Sale, or connect with the Rob Morrison Team for local expertise on equestrian properties, zoning considerations, and current Barrington Hills listings.
3,923 people live in Barrington Hills, where the median age is 43.8 and the average individual income is $96,755. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Barrington Hills, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Horizon Farms, and Barrington Hills Country Club.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.06 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.11 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Barrington Hills has 1,316 households, with an average household size of 2.97. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Barrington Hills do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,923 people call Barrington Hills home. The population density is 145 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
622 S SUMMIT ST BARRINGTON IL 60010
622 S SUMMIT ST BARRINGTON IL 60010
