Barrington City Guide

Mostly American comfort food with some Italian, Mexican, and Asian options. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at many places. Most food spots close by 9-10 PM; late-night choices are limited.

Nightlife is calm with casual bars and restaurants. Not much variety or clubs.

Local cafés and national chains dominate. Good quality but less specialty coffee compared to big cities.

Tipping is expected in most services. 15-20% in restaurants, taxis, and for other services.

SIM cards available at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores. Good coverage. Valid ID usually required for post-paid plans; pre-paid plans have fewer rules.

Clean streets and well-managed waste and recycling. Sanitation is reliable.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores exist. Hospital ERs are 24/7. Late-night food options are limited.

Supermarkets like Jewel-Osco and Heinen's offer moderate international selections. Open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, including Sundays and some holidays. No bargaining expected.

Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs from Chase, Bank of America, and BMO Harris are common. Using out-of-network ATMs can cost $2.50 to $5.00 per withdrawal.

Good public schools like Barrington High, part of well-regarded District 220. Instruction mainly in English. School spots depend on residency. No local international schools.

Very small nomad community with few or no meetups or co-living spaces.

Large parks with shaded walking and running paths are common.

Safe, scenic running routes in local parks and residential areas, with good air quality.

Several gyms and fitness centers are available, including some in nearby towns.

Tennis courts at public parks like Citizens Park; booking varies by facility.

No padel courts available.

Yoga studios nearby with English-speaking instructors, including CorePower Yoga in Deer Park.

Karate and taekwondo dojos with English-speaking instructors are available.

No local skiing; nearest ski resorts are hours away.

Limited water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding on local lakes, but rentals are rare.

No surfing available in Barrington.

No diving or snorkeling options.

High-quality healthcare with English-speaking staff. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is a main facility. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are common, some open 24/7 or with drive-thru.

Tap water meets EPA standards and is safe to drink.

Parks with playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Baby supplies are easy to find at supermarkets and stores nearby. Family events and a local library add to the appeal.

Generally accepting community with state-level protections, but limited specific LGBTQ+ venues.

Pet-friendly parks and services are common. Limited pet-friendly accommodations and dining, but increasing.