While our nationwide intrigue with cities has spurred an influx of new generation urban dwellers, many of us remain unfazed. We prefer suburbia. And we're proud of it. Among those suburban home owners, however, some tend to miss the adrenaline rush of the city. And so they strategically relocate themselves to spots just far enough -- but not too far -- from where it's all happening.

Take Winnetka, Illinois, located on Chicago's North Shore. It's a suburb of sprawling homes and quiet neighborhoods located within close proximity to the Windy City -- approximately 18 miles away, in fact, and accessible by public transportation. Homes are larger than anything you'd find in downtown Chicago. Local schools are top performers, and crime rates are comparatively lower. Based on population projections, this town of 11,793 residents is expected to have 11,424 residents in 2003. While this is due in part to the fact that most of the land here has been developed, the underlying suggestion here seems to be that this is a relatively static place. People come to Winnetka to settle. And indeed, they settle comfortably - and quietly. The town's population figures have remained fairly constant throughout most of the 20th century.

You don't hear much about this suburban oasis, aside from the town's short-lived claim to fame as the fictional setting for the now-cancelled NBC series "Sisters." Winnetka was portrayed as idyllic and serene, the perfect home for the two more grounded sisters, while the other two -- who were still sowing their wild oats -- shunned Winnetka in favor of Chicago. And Winnetka has one other acting credit: It was here that Macaulay Culkin fooled two bumbling burglars in the film "Home Alone."

While the series may have exaggerated life in Winnetka somewhat, it's true that life here is good. And those luxuries carry a price -- a large price. The 1998 median home value here is $500,001. Median family income, according to 1998 statistics, stands at $205,770. Home to some of the region's priciest real estate, it stands to reason that Winnetka's residents are among metropolitan Chicago's wealthiest.

Winnetka actually takes its name from a native American guide who accompanied Father Jacques Marquette as he made his way northward, along the shores of Lake Michigan in 1674. Father Marquette, according to historical accounts, was said to have paused in his paddling to admire the deep woods sitting behind a beach. His guide chimed in, describing the land that intrigued Marquette as "Winnetka," meaning the "beautiful land."

Father Marquette's guide wasn't mistaken. And the town remains much the same today. The majority of residents here are either relocating families (usually the result of a transfer from a top-level executive position) or Chicagoans who have grown tired of city life, who want a little breathing space and recreation, and who have the funds to relocate in Winnetka. Many Chicago families, too, seek out Winnetka for the quality of its schools, the low crime rate and the overall quality of life. What they sacrifice in the exchange is a considerable degree of ethnic diversity, but the town's strong sense of community eases many parents' minds.

The town's public education system has received its share of accolades. The New Trier High School consistently ranks among the region's best on annual achievement tests; nearly 90 percent of its graduates go on to a four-year college or university.

Because the town is home to five beaches (including the state's first beach accessible to handicapped visitors), recreational opportunities abound in Winnetka. Some beaches are private, adding to the exclusive air the town exudes. And with wealth comes country club memberships (10 country clubs are located near Winnetka), as well as golf courses and tennis courts. Its supply of beachfront land means that homes with lake views are common. Lot sizes tend to be fairly small, particularly in proportion to the homes that sit upon them. The result is a series of large houses very close together. In order to accommodate local wealth, banks, luxury real estate agencies and brokerages, and fine retail shops have sprung up left and right in Winnetka, all of them laid out in a quaint village-like atmosphere.

Winnetka represents a refreshingly different experience -- and a worthwhile day trip from the Chicago area. But if you have visions of a home on one of its idyllic streets, save your pennies; you'll need them.