Wilmette is a sought after, upscale community with a history of strong planning. An exceptional park district offers 34 parks, a fitness club, an outdoor amphitheater, and two 18-hole golf courses. Wilmette maintains and constantly improves its well used bike path, a series of interconnecting trails running the city and along the beautiful historic lakefront. Quality education, some of the best test scores in the nation, is one of Winnetka's priorities. Winnetka is home to Loyola University and the famed Northwestern University is located in next door Evanston.

Wilmette sports expansive homes, beautiful beaches, accessible transportation and one of the finest school districts in the country. Wilmette is regarded as a bedroom community in the affluent North Shore district. In 2004, Wilmette was one of the first localities in Illinois to enact a ban on smoking in all public spaces, including bars and restaurants. Also that year, Wilmette gained notoriety when the village government prosecuted local resident Hale De Mar, age 59, for violating the town's handgun ban (enacted in 1989). De Mar shot a burglar inside his house.

Attractions:
Residents can also enjoy expansive lakefront beaches, go boating along Wilmette Harbor, or play a round of golf at any area golf courses. Other attractions include the 59-acre Gillson Park fronting the lakefront, or eat some pancakes at Walker Brothers, "the Original Pancake House" on Green Bay Road.

Beside its near proximity to all that Chicago has to offer, the unique Baha'i Temple of Wilmette is one of 7 Baha'i temples in the world. It has 9 sides with accompanying 9 approaches and a large dome. It's constructed of white marble and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and many fountains. The temple represents unity and invites all religions to come and pray. Its dome resembles the Taj Mahal, spires imitate Muslim architecture, Christian crosses and Jewish stars of David all adorn the structure.