Jewel Of The South Suburbs (Chicago, Orland Park: low income, new home, to buy)

[madelyn]

Ok, I have done a little research on my own because it doesn't seem like anyone on this board knows anything about Frankfort. We are coming back this weekend to look at a few more homes and if there is anyone out there that can tell me something either positive or negative I would greatly appreciate it. I saw on the website Village of Frankfort that it is referred to as the jewel of the south suburbs. Is this true? I was also told that the schools are outstanding but it is so hard to figure out all of the online reports. Can anyone fill us in? I did stop at the high school last time I was there and the facility itself is incredible. Can someone please help?

Madelyn

[mdz]

Well, I feel bad no one else has had anything to say, so I'll say what little I know.

Overall I've heard good things about Frankfort. I've been down there only once with my wife, we were on a bike trail called the "old plank trail". Nice ride. The downtown area was pretty charming, kind of reminiscent of the one in Groundhog Day (the movie, which actually was filmed in another suburb, Woodstock IL). Seemed to be a lot of newer mcmansions down there and some nice older homes near the downtown area. The major drawback for me is that it is a long way away from Chicago, and I don't think there is a metra rail line that goes through town. I know nothing about the school district. I know one business acquaintance who moved down there, they are now retired and like the peacefulness.

hope that helps (a little)

[Cinema]

Frankfort is a really nice area. I don't know if you have kids, but it has one of the best school districts in the suburbs (district 157C) out of all the Chicago area suburbs. I would try to look in that area as opposed to the district 168 communities. I don't know the different "areas" of Frankfort, but to give you some input district 168 has 2 elmentary schools that have a 43 and 55 percentage of low income students. District 157C has 2 elementary schools that have 1 and 2 percent low income. Before I get smacked in the face, I'm not saying anything negative against low income students, I'm simply pointing out that it seems there are 2 distinctly different ecomonic areas of Frankfort. Their park district offers a lot, has an amazing summer camp.

I'm not sure where you'd pick up the METRA (commuter train) to get to downtown, maybe in Tinley Park or University Park.

The homes I've seen are lovely. You have your million dollar homes, but in Frankfort you can find a huge, beautiful home with 4-6 bedrooms/3 baths for under $350,000. You're in short driving distance to major shopping areas in Tinley Park and Orland Park (Orland Park has just about any store you'd need or don't need!).

The only turn-off for me is it lacks diversity, but if that's not a priority for you, I'd definitely put it on your top list.

Forgot to add that some parts of Frankfort are in Will County and some in Cook County, so that will make a difference in your taxes, services, etc. I'm in Cook and don't know much about Will. I think the taxes are lower, I know we go there for lower gas prices.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by Cinema

I don't know if you have kids, but it has one of the best school districts in the suburbs (district 157C) out of all the Chicago area suburbs.

Would you mind sharing where you found that information?

[madelyn]

Thank you so much. It is so difficult moving to an area that you don't know anything about and wondring if it is a mistake. My husband looked into metra and it runs through some town right next to Frankfort. I did see the bike trail and down town was really unique. We won't be moving into a mansion but it does seem like you get a lot of house for the money. Is there anyone else out there with any information?

Madelyn

[nanannie]

"One of the best school districts in all of Chicago suburbs" I had never heard this before ,I know many many Chicago suburbs have great schools,but Frankfort at the top is news to me

[NSH]

Frankfort is surrounded by suburbs that are just as nice (same may say a lot nicer). It is a jewel amongst many. Palos Heights, Tinley Park, Lockport, and Lemont are all comparable with a similar downtown main st USA feel with new subdivisions on the outskirts where the farms used to be. Orland Park is worth looking into as they are busy creating a main st usa type of subdivision around their train station on 143rd and lagrange rd.
The schools of the sw burbs are very good so no matter where you pick, your kids will do great.
Public Schools like Andrew, Sandburg, Stagg, Lockport, Lincoln-Way East and West are always competitive for top state honors in scholastics and athletics. The schools are well funded and look more like college campuses than high schools. Good Luck!

[madelyn]

Thanks again everyone. We looked into Orland and it was a little higher in price than Frankfort but it is a beautiful town as well. Does anyone know of any good pizza places in the area? We ate at a place called Vito Nicks and thought it was great. Does anyone have suggestions on what else to try. My husband is a pizza freak.

Madelyn

[preppyboyofIL]

Frankfort is by far the one suburb in the southern suburbs that has big things in mind for itself. New homes are rather on the posh side and the schools are EXCELLENT. If you do buy anywhere near this town try to be in the Lincoln Way school district as this school district has proven itself over the past decade to rank right up there in excellence with Sandburg and Andrew's district 230 to the north.

Frankfort is a gold mine right now as land is still relatively cheap due to the lack of tollways/freeways, HOWEVER big things are about to happen. 355 is expected to be open for business in 5 months!!! This means property values are about to skyrocket in a way that the southern burbs have yearned for for over 20 years while areas such as Lombard and Oak Brook saw their property values dramatically increase with 88 and 294 always being added onto. The hot area in the south burbs is going to be anywhere that an interchange on 355 is going to be and there is going to be one as close as New Lenox off Rte 30 so consider the western fringe of Frankfort. This will provide you with that prestigous Frankfort address and allow you to take advantage of the proximatey to the tollway.

[madelyn]

Thank you, I didn't know about 355. It sounds like it is a good time to buy in this area. We weren't moving for an investment but we will take it.