Photo: “Long Grove, IL, USA” by bogdanstepniak, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
In the Northwest Suburbs, $750,000 to $1 million+ buys very different things depending on the town. It’s well above the typical home value in Lake Zurich, St. Charles or Crystal Lake, and close to or below it in Long Grove and Barrington Hills, according to Zillow’s Sept. 30, 2026 figures.
I’m Dana Gallagher, a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate, a Certified Luxury Home agent and a BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist. My $500K comparison is one of my most-read posts, so here’s the luxury version.
Town-by-Town Home Values (2026)
| Town | Typical home value | Change from a year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Lake | $381,790 | Up 4.4% |
| St. Charles | $477,257 | Up 6.4% |
| Lake Zurich | $503,277 | Up 7.3% |
| Long Grove | $957,890 | Up 6.0% |
| Barrington Hills | $1,087,486 | Up 10.2% |
Source: Zillow Home Value Index, Sept. 30, 2026.
A typical value is a midpoint, not a ceiling or a floor. Luxury markets have fewer sales, so prices can swing a lot. One or two big sales can move them.
Where $750K Goes Far
Lake Zurich, St. Charles and Crystal Lake. In these towns, $750,000 is well above the typical home value, which usually means one of the larger, newer or more updated homes in town, or a home on or near the water. Lake Zurich is built around its own lake. Read my Lake Zurich guide, Crystal Lake guide and St. Charles guide.
Where $750K to $1M Is “Typical”
Barrington. That budget puts you in the heart of the Barrington market, near a walkable downtown and a Metra station. My Barrington moving guide covers it all, and if golf is part of the plan, see my guide to gated golf communities near Barrington.
Where You’ll Want $1M+
Long Grove and Barrington Hills. Long Grove’s typical home value was about $958,000, and Barrington Hills was about $1.09 million (Zillow, Sept. 30, 2026). Barrington Hills is known for large lots and horse country, and many homes come with acreage. Read my Barrington vs. Barrington Hills comparison to see how the two feel different.
What to Know Before Buying at This Price
- Property taxes vary a lot. Around Barrington, Cook County assesses homes at 10% of market value and Lake County at 33⅓%. Always look at the real bill. My property tax comparison explains it.
- Financing can be different. Higher loan amounts may be jumbo loans with their own rules. Get pre-approved early; here’s why you need a pre-approval, and see my take on mortgage rates this fall.
- Comps matter more. With fewer sales, I compare homes by lot, condition, finishes and setting, not just square footage.
- Inspect everything. Larger homes often have multiple HVAC systems, wells, septic or pools. Plan for the right inspectors.
- Ask about HOA and club costs. Gated and golf communities usually have separate association and club fees.
Selling a Luxury Home to Move Up or Down?
If you’re selling a higher-end home first, my guide to selling a luxury home in the Northwest Suburbs walks through pricing, photos and marketing. As a BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist, I can market qualifying homes through the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Luxury Collection. Start with my free home value report.
Not sure whether to sell first or buy first? Read Should I sell before or after I buy?
Want the video version of the $500K comparison? Watch What $500K Buys: Huntley vs. St. Charles vs. Schaumburg, and see Barrington in Don’t Move to Barrington, IL Until You Watch This.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does $1 million buy in the Northwest Suburbs?
It depends on the town. $1 million is well above Zillow’s typical home value in Lake Zurich, St. Charles and Crystal Lake, and close to it in Long Grove (about $958,000) and Barrington Hills (about $1.09 million) as of Sept. 30, 2026.
What is the median home price in Barrington Hills, IL?
Zillow’s Home Value Index put the typical home value at $1,087,486 as of Sept. 30, 2026, up 10.2% from a year earlier.
What is the median home price in Long Grove, IL?
Zillow’s Home Value Index put the typical home value at $957,890 as of Sept. 30, 2026, up 6.0% from a year earlier.
Is Lake Zurich cheaper than Barrington?
Usually, but it depends on the home. Zillow put Lake Zurich’s typical home value at about $503,000 as of Sept. 30, 2026, and I can pull recent Barrington sales for the homes you’re comparing.
Do I need a luxury specialist to buy a $1M home?
You don’t have to, but an agent who knows how to compare unique homes and negotiate at this price point can help a lot.
Let’s Find Your Next Home
Tell me your budget and what matters most (land, golf, a walkable downtown, a lake) and I’ll send you homes that fit. Call or text me at 224-858-0022, or contact me here. You can also search homes for sale.
Dana Gallagher, Broker (SRES®, CBR, CSR, ABR®, SRS®, Certified Luxury Home agent, BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist) | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate | ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google (40 reviews)
Last updated October 2026. Market figures come from public sources and change often.