Which are the nearest areas to Chicago that have farm land? (Oak Lawn: lease, townhouses)

[wheregirl]

Thanks a lot, that is really helpful information.

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Regarding the above post...It's tough to say as far as the south is concerned because a town like Matteson has "farmland" but it has a giant billboard sign saying "Retail Space Available" meaning the southern burbs like Matteson and its' neighbors to the west (Frankfort) and south (Monee) have farmland but it's already slated as commerical or residential zones by the individual towns becuase that area's population is booming. the real farmland for the south would probably start near Monee. Which would be about 38 miles to Chicago's city limits.



It is definently warmer in will and kankakee counties opposed to the ones up north where towns like Gurnee reside. It's actually quite a large difference (on some days 5 or more degrees).

It's safe in the areas that are south of Monee. I think Peotone might be perfect for you. I have a relative that moved from Chicago Heights, about 10 years ago, to Peotone and they just love it. Of course they have an extensive gun collection so the proximity, or lack there of, to their neighbors is not a concern. If you are a farmer, you could probably have an axe wielding maniac chop your neighbors to bits and you would never hear their blood curdling screams because the houses are soooo far apart out there. That's why it is a must to have a good dog or two and some guns. Just my opinion of course...and just a little FYI section 8 types are in a lot of farm towns. Ever since Chicago knocked down the projects, the southern suburbs have been flooded with those types. Even the farm communities like Peotone.

Another thing, my Uncle who moved from the Heights to Peotone recently planted the same kind of trees that I did in my yard roughly 8-10 years ago. The Maple I planted is nearing 40 feet while his is still about 10-12 feet. This is because of decades of farming has robbed the soil of its' essential nutrients. Point being, I would test the soil in several different areas, for PH balance and so forth, before buying the property. That is, if I was going to actually grow soy beans or corn.

[wheregirl]

To everybody, thanks for all the helpful information.

[AlanOnCity]

try Cook County Farm Bureau

according to Cook County, IL there were 211 farms in cook county alone as of 2007.

I know of working farms/acres in hanover park, s barrington, buffalo grove, libertyville, long grove and a dairy farm in glenview. Many are small farmers doing it as a sideline/calling.

[cd771]

I live in Valparaiso, IN and there is farmland in my area. Hobart, Kouts, even Valpo has some. I am about 11 miles from the Dunes although I am on the NE end of Valpo. Chesterton also has some rural areas that are closer to the lake as does Michigan city. My husband and I both commute to Chicago everyday for work. It's a pain but we like our 7 acre property and low property taxes. We also love the Dunes. Good luck in your search.

[cd771]

I should also mention that are alot of unincorporated areas in porter county and lake county. In lake you can find some around Dyer, St John and Schererville but they have higher taxes and a traffic nightmare in the 30/41 area. Porter County has much lower taxes and is much more spread out plus you can get closer to the lake but it is further from the city.

[wheregirl]

Thank you, I'll look these places up.

[martinezr]

Originally Posted by JanuaryGirl

Why size/type of farmland are you looking for? I may be able to recommend areas, but need more info.

Are you talking small family farm (say, 10-15 acres), or something much larger suitable for commercial farm use?

Are you talking about land that is already set up for crop-growing? Livestock? Horses? Or, just open forested land?

looking for 10-20 acres with land already set up for crops and horses.

[martinezr]

looking for 10-20 acers of land ready for crops and horses. Preferible arround 1 hr from Franklin Park, Ill.

[pvande55]

Prairie Crossing is a planned development in Grayslake where some land is reserved for farming; it cannot be built on. The Lake County Forest Preserve also owns land it is not ready to develop, that it farms out. Kane County has purchased parcels of land to retain it for agricultural use. I do not know if any of it is currently available, try them.

[prairiestate]

Originally Posted by wheregirl

Is it warmer in the southern or southwestern areas?

Thanks.

Defintely. While most of Chicagoland has had freezing temps this week, it's been in the mid 70's in Oak Lawn.