If you’ve taken a stroll through Glenview, Northbrook, Winnetka, or Wilmette lately, you’ve probably noticed it: charming older homes being replaced by larger new builds. It’s a trend that’s shaped the North Shore landscape and there’s more to it than “bigger is better.”

Over the past century, the average U.S. single-family home has more than doubled in size, from just over 1,000 sq ft in the 1920s to nearly 2,500 sq ft today. Meanwhile, household sizes have shrunk. So why are homes getting larger while families are getting smaller?

It comes down to smart economics. For builders, key costs like the land, permits, utilities, surveys, and site work are fixed whether a home is 1,500 sq ft or 3,000 sq ft. Adding extra bedrooms or a larger kitchen spreads those costs over more space, which boosts profit margins without dramatically increasing expenses. That’s one reason we see so many expansive homes with 4+ bedrooms and luxury finishes here in the North Chicago Suburbs.

There’s also a mindset at play. Since the 1970s, homes have been seen as an investment as much as a residence. Larger homes tend to hold and grow value in places like Northbrook, Wilmette, and Glenview where lots of restaurants, community activities, and easy city access make them especially desirable.

That said, tastes are starting to shift. With affordability top of mind and mortgage rates higher, more buyers today are open to right-sized living. Builders are listening — new construction is trending smaller compared to the peak in 2015.

Whether you’re considering a move up, a downsize, or simply curious about what’s next in our local market, I’m here to help you navigate with confidence.