Romona serves west Wilmette and a slice of east Glenview, and it's where many families find more house and more yard for the money. You get the same District 39 schools and the same path to New Trier. I'm Sarah Jividen, and I walked Hartzell Street west of Skokie Boulevard for my street series. A buyer once called that pocket a hidden gem, and I think the whole area deserves a closer look.
Romona Elementary, 600 Romona Road
Preschool–4
Wilmette Public Schools District 39
Highcrest Middle School (5–6) → Wilmette Junior High (7–8) → New Trier
National Blue Ribbon School (2006, 2017, 2023)
Romona also houses District 39's Lechner Early Education Program (preschool).
Romona serves west Wilmette and part of east Glenview inside New Trier Township. Romona Road runs through more than one attendance area, so don't assume a Romona Road address goes to Romona. Confirm on the District 39 School Locator.
Mostly mid-century modern homes, split-levels, ranches and postwar Colonials, plus newer construction.
Wider, tree-lined streets and bigger yards than near the lake.
Townhomes and smaller homes that give a lower entry point into District 39.
from $600K to $2M
Close to Old Orchard shopping and the Edens Expressway (I-94).
A few blocks from the Wilmette Community Center in some pockets.
Easy highway access makes the drive downtown a practical option, often 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Many families here drive or bike to school rather than walk.
Since homes west of Skokie Boulevard sit farther from the school buildings. In exchange, you get wider, tree-lined streets and bigger yards than you'll find closer to the lake.
Romona fits families who want space, a yard and an easier car commute, and who are fine driving into the Village Center.
The tradeoffs come with the space. Fewer streets here are within walking distance of the Metra, so daily life leans more on the car, from train commutes to trips into town. Many homes are mid-century and split-level designs, and some are ready for updates, which can also be an opportunity: buyers often get more house and lot for the money, with room to renovate over time.
Yes. All four District 39 elementary schools feed into Highcrest, Wilmette Junior High and New Trier.
Generally, yes. Homes west of Skokie Boulevard often offer more square footage for the price.
Yes, District 39's Lechner Early Education Program is housed at Romona.
No. Romona Road runs through more than one attendance area, so check the specific address.
Mostly mid-century modern homes, split-levels, ranches and postwar Colonials, plus newer construction.
It's close to the Edens Expressway (I-94) and Old Orchard, so it suits families who drive.
Some of Wilmette's best value sits west of Skokie Boulevard, on wide, tree-lined streets that many buyers never think to explore. I know them because I've walked them for my "walking every street in Wilmette" series, from Hartzell Street to the quiet pockets near the Community Center.
I bring a high-touch, carefully managed approach to every move. Most of my clients are families upsizing before a school transition. I coordinate every step of the buy-and-sell timing, so you move once, on your schedule, without carrying two homes or settling for the wrong one.
Want more space without leaving District 39? Tell me your must-haves, and I'll show you where west Wilmette delivers them.