The top south suburbs for homebuyers include Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Homer Glen, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Manhattan, Lockport, and Lemont. These communities offer top-rated schools, low crime, easy Metra access to downtown Chicago, and home values that remain more affordable than the city or north suburbs.

Most south suburbs are 30–45 miles from downtown Chicago. Frankfort and New Lenox are about 50–60 minutes by car via I-80/I-355. Tinley Park and Orland Park are closer to 35–45 minutes. Metra’s Rock Island and Heritage Corridor lines serve the area with express trains reaching Union Station in under an hour.

Will County property tax rates are generally lower than Cook County for comparable homes. South suburban communities in Will County — including Frankfort, New Lenox, Manhattan, and Lockport — have effective rates between 2.0%–2.8%. Cook County communities like Tinley Park and Orland Park typically run 2.5%–3.2%. Illinois homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable assessment.

As of 2026, median home prices range from approximately $280,000 in Lockport and Manhattan to $380,000–$450,000 in Frankfort and New Lenox. Orland Park and Tinley Park typically range $300,000–$400,000. Prices vary by subdivision, school district, and home size.

Dan Krembuszewski of Krembo Group is a licensed Illinois REALTOR® who specializes exclusively in the Chicago South Suburbs — Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Homer Glen, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Manhattan, Lockport, and Lemont. He lives in the area and focuses 100% of his practice on this market. Contact him at dan@krembogroup.com.

Several south suburban districts consistently earn top ratings. Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 (serving Frankfort, New Lenox, and Mokena) and Lockport Township High School District 205 rank among the best in Illinois. New Lenox School District 122 is frequently ranked as one of the top elementary districts in the state.