Mettawa, IL

Tucked into Lake County along the Des Plaines River, Mettawa offers a quiet, semi-rural retreat about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. With a population of only around 500 residents, the village is known for its spacious equestrian properties, private estates, and commitment to open land. Five Lake County forest preserves border and weave through the community, giving neighbors miles of scenic trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The area also holds notable local history, including the preserved riverside estate of statesman Adlai Stevenson II.

For families moving to the area, local elementary and middle school students attend the small, well-regarded Rondout School District. Even though the neighborhood feels like a peaceful countryside haven, it sits directly between Libertyville and Lake Forest. Residents enjoy the benefits of quiet, multi-acre lots while staying just minutes away from Interstate 94, North Shore shopping and dining, and convenient commuter trains into Chicago.