Lemont, Illinois is one of the Chicago southwest suburbs’ best-kept secrets — a community that consistently surprises buyers who encounter it for the first time. Located about 25 miles southwest of the Loop where Cook, DuPage, and Will counties converge, Lemont offers historic character, strong schools, access to significant natural amenities, and a well-maintained residential environment at price points that remain competitive relative to what the community delivers. It’s the kind of suburb that buyers who discover it often stay in for decades.
At Krembo Group, we cover the full southwest and south suburban spectrum. Here’s what makes Lemont worth a close look.
Lemont at a Glance
- County: Cook County (primarily); portions in DuPage and Will Counties
- Population: ~17,000
- Distance from Chicago Loop: ~25 miles SW
- Typical Home Price: $300,000–$525,000+
- High School: Lemont High School (Lemont Township High School District)
- Commute Options: Car-dependent primarily; I-355 and I-55 access; no Metra in village
Why Buyers Choose Lemont
Historic Downtown and Canal Heritage
Lemont’s historic downtown along Main Street is anchored by the Illinois and Michigan Canal heritage — Lemont was a significant 19th-century quarrying and canal town, and that history is still visible in the limestone architecture throughout the downtown area. The historic commercial district has restaurants, boutiques, and seasonal events that give the village a genuine small-town quality rare in the southwest suburban corridor. Buyers relocating from Chicago neighborhoods with real street life often find Lemont’s downtown provides a meaningful substitute — not urban, but not the characterless commercial strip common to many suburbs.
Lemont High School
Lemont High School consistently earns strong Illinois Report Card ratings and has a reputation for academic rigor, a robust extracurricular program, and a college placement record that draws favorable comparison to the best southwest suburban high schools. For families who place premium value on high school quality and don’t need a Metra station in the village, Lemont HS is a meaningful differentiator that justifies the community’s pricing premium over comparably located suburbs.
Natural Amenities
Lemont benefits from extraordinary access to natural amenities that are rare in a Chicago suburb at this price point. The I&M Canal State Trail runs through the community. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve — one of Cook County’s most spectacular natural areas — borders the village. The Des Plaines River corridor adds additional greenway access. For buyers who hike, bike, trail run, or simply value proximity to preserved natural land, Lemont’s combination of trail access is genuinely exceptional.
New Construction Options
Lemont has seen active new construction over the past decade, particularly in the village’s eastern sections, where developments of single-family homes and townhomes have added inventory across a range of price points. For buyers seeking new construction with high school quality and natural amenity access, Lemont’s builder activity makes it a viable option without requiring a custom build.
Honest Considerations
No Metra Service
Lemont does not have a Metra station. Commuters to downtown Chicago drive to the nearest stations on the BNSF (Downers Grove area) or Rock Island (Orland Park area) lines — a 15–25 minute drive depending on direction. Lemont works best for buyers who drive to work, work remotely, or whose commute takes them west or southwest rather than into the city. The interstate access (I-355 and I-55) is a genuine asset for car commuters heading to Joliet, Naperville, the western suburbs, or points south.
Price Point
Lemont’s price range — typically $300,000 to $525,000 and above — reflects its quality. Entry-level options exist but the community’s center of gravity is firmly above $350,000. Buyers whose budget limits them to the low end of the Lemont range may find better value in nearby communities with comparable schools and lower price floors.
Who Is Lemont Best For?
- Families prioritizing Lemont HS who don’t need in-village Metra access
- Nature-oriented buyers who value trail access, forest preserves, and outdoor recreation above commercial amenity density
- Buyers seeking historic small-town character that most southwest suburban communities can’t provide
- Car commuters heading to the western/southwestern suburbs or Joliet corridor via I-355/I-55
- Move-up buyers seeking a quality southwest suburban community above the Orland Park price point
Interested in Lemont or other quality southwest suburban communities? Contact Krembo Group — we cover the full south and southwest suburban spectrum and can help you find the right fit.
Thinking about buying or selling in the South Suburbs?
Dan Krembuszewski has helped South Suburbs families buy and sell since 2011. Get a real number for your home, or just ask a question. No pressure, no obligation.
