Considering buying in Lockport (Orland Park, Lincoln: house, schools, property tax rates)

[janeyjones06]

Is Lockport a good area to buy a home? We are currently looking for a home and considering Lockport or Orland Park. In Lockport we can buy a much newer/bigger home than in Orland Park. But is there a drawback to buying in Lockport? How are the schools?

[chet everett]

Depending on a whole lot of factors (like where you work, what sorts of commute options you need, what your need for schools is in the short term, long term plans...) the relative price difference on larger house may or may not make sense. Orland Park is generally more mature and has relatively low taxes for what you get. Lockport is generally not as well regarding in terms of schools and tends to have higher property tax rates.

If you work someplace that would make a drive to one town easier than the other I would give some consideration to that, and the overall trade-offs would have to make sense too -- a house too close to any negative in either town (busy roads, industrial sites...) is rarely a bargain.

[GolfLover2]

janeyjones06:
I live in Lockport and I can tell you that there are distinct positives ... and some negatives to living there. Depending on the schools your children would attend (dependent on location of purchased home), the schools could be very good ... or not so good. The proximity to major highways is good, with I-355 right outside of Lockport .. and that leading to easy access to other major highways such as I-55, I-80, I-294 and many more. Getting to the City, as well as the western suburbs and the deeper southern suburbs (Lincoln-Way Area and south) is much improved because of I-355 too. WalMart is now in town, as are other franchises. Nearby towns have more major shopping complexes. Taxes can be higher because we're in Will County, not Cook. The living is definitely more "quiet" than the Orland area, which can be good or bad depending on your needs.
The infrastructure of Lockport is lagging behind. Work is needing to be done. Main roads are good, but streets just get patched and re-patched when more extensive attention should be done.
Orland is definitely more busy as far as traffic. Restaurants, shopping is much larger supply. Again, depending on your tastes .. the busier lifestyle can be good or bad. You're the only one that can make that determination.
Should you want more detailed info about the 2 areas ... let me know. I've worked (and lived) in this area for over 36 years. Be glad to answer any questions you might have ...
Best of luck!

[solarballoon]

I'm not the OP, but my wife and I are considering a few options in Lockport. I would be very interested in learning more about the two areas you are suggesting. I'm also curious about your thoughts on the Fitness Challenge recreation center that the part district runs. How is the facility and the area around that facility?
And what about the area around the Lago Vista retirement community?

Any other general or specific comments would be great. For example, how long does it take you to get into the Loop during off-peak hours? And O'Hare? Thanks.