10 Best South Chicago Suburbs

Are you ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of Chicago's southern suburbs? Look no further! Join us on an exciting journey as we unveil the top 10 most captivating and sought-after suburbs in the South. From safe neighborhoods and exceptional schools to vibrant downtowns and lush green spaces, these suburbs have it all! Discover the hidden gems, explore the unique amenities, and find your dream home in these welcoming communities. Whether you're a young family, a seasoned professional, or a retiree seeking tranquility, these suburbs have something for everyone. So buckle up,  and get ready to embark on an unforgettable tour of the Top 10 South Chicago Suburbs! Let's go!

10. Palos Heights

Located just 35 minutes from the Chicago Loop via I-55 S, Palos Heights provides the perfect balance of peaceful living with easy access to urban amenities. The strong park district and local pool offer plenty of recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy.

In addition to its delightful recreational offerings like Lake Katherine, Palos Heights boasts a strong sense of community. St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church serves as a spiritual and cultural hub, enhancing the neighborhood's rich identity.

Palos Heights is also proud to have Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital nearby, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare right within the community.

With a median home value of $370,000 as of June 2023, Palos Heights offers affordable real estate, making it an attractive choice for prospective homeowners.

Discover the suburban tranquility of Palos Heights, where good schools, a safe community, and a strong sense of community spirit create an exceptional living experience. If you're looking for a charming neighborhood with a lot to offer, Palos Heights might just be your perfect match.

9. Lockport

Lockport offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to various amenities.

The city's park district, established in 1945, manages and maintains 38 parks and recreational programs, enriching the community's quality of life. Residents can enjoy engaging in sports, playgrounds, pavilions for gatherings, and open spaces for children to play.

Lockport boasts well-rated schools, including two private grade schools, Saint Dennis School, and St. Joseph School, providing diverse educational options for families.

Commuters will appreciate Lockport's Metra station on the Heritage Corridor, offering weekday rush-hour rail service to Chicago and Joliet. The city is also close to Metra's Rock Island District.

With a variety of housing options, from historic homes to custom modern constructions, Lockport caters to different preferences. You can find custom-built homes on big lots over 6000 square feet for under a million dollars, providing an excellent opportunity for homebuyers.

As of June 2023, the single-family detached median home value is $313,500, and new construction homes go for $529,990. Townhouses and condos have a median value of $409,140 for new constructions and $265,000 for regular resale existing homes.

Explore Lockport's Route 66 legacy as parts of the historic route pass through the city, contributing to its automotive and travel heritage. For entertainment, check out ROXY Lockport, offering live music, dancing, and comedy.

8. Orland Park

Welcome to Orland Park, a vibrant village located in Cook County, with a small portion extending into Will County. Boasting a population of 58,703, it offers a safe and family-friendly community just 25 miles from Chicago.

Orland Park's exceptional location provides easy access to key regional arteries, making it a prime destination for affluent area patrons. It has been recognized as the #1 safest city in Illinois in 2021 and the #1 American city for homeownership in 2019.

Exciting new developments are underway, including a new downtown area near the 143rd Street Metra stop, offering world-class retailers and restaurants, adding to the vibrant village atmosphere.

Downtown Orland Park is set to become a lifestyle destination with direct access to 80+ miles of bike-friendly trails and over 60 parks and recreational options.

With a median home value of $413,750 as of June 2023, Orland Park provides an exceptional living experience for those seeking a dynamic community with proximity to major transportation routes and a wide range of amenities. Whether exploring the bustling 

 Orland Park town square or enjoying the numerous parks and nature trails, this village has it all.

7. Orland Hills

Welcome to Orland Hills, the youngest village in southwest Cook County, offering a vibrant and tight-knit community. With a population of 6,893 as of the 2020 census, this family-friendly suburb boasts safety and excellent schools for its residents.

Nestled between Orland Park and Tinley Park, Orland Hills enjoys a prime location, just 23 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Despite its rapid growth from a small subdivision to a thriving village, Orland Hills has preserved its peaceful charm and scenic beauty, with two lakes, Lake Ashbourne and Lake Lorin, providing picturesque spots for relaxation.

Orland Hills is an affordable alternative to its neighboring towns, with a median home value of $285,000 as of June 2023.  Residents benefit from easy access to the amenities of Orland Park while savoring the tranquility of their community.

A strong sense of community, proactive police presence, and a variety of nearby stores, including the Al Nour Supermarket Inc with excellent reviews, make Orland Hills a secure and convenient place to call home. Whether you're strolling through Kelly Park or exploring the nearby Orland Town Center and Walmart Supercenter, you'll find comfort and convenience in this thriving village.

6. New Lenox

Welcome to New Lenox, "The Home of Proud Americans," a thriving suburb that perfectly balances small-town charm with modern conveniences. Nestled at the junctions of major roads like U.S. Route 30, Cedar Road, and I-355, New Lenox offers easy access to neighboring cities, including Chicago and Joliet.

What sets New Lenox apart is its remarkable growth over the last 20 years while maintaining its close-knit community feel. Residents proudly support the village, its local businesses, and its engaging community events, such as concerts and movie nights at the New Lenox Commons.

Families are drawn to New Lenox for its excellent schools and abundant housing options, including custom-built homes on spacious lots. As of June 2023, the single-family detached median home value is $393,750, and new construction homes have a median value of $476,785.

With a strong focus on the arts and entertainment, New Lenox hosts various cultural events and concerts, offering a vibrant and dynamic community atmosphere. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the village's many parks, trails, and golf courses, like the acclaimed Sanctuary Golf Course.

5. Frankfort

Welcome to Frankfort, the "Jewel of the South Suburbs" and the premier community in Will County. Located just 37 miles southwest of Chicago, Frankfort offers a perfect balance of a quintessential small-town setting with access to big-city amenities.

 Frankfort's historic downtown is the heart of the community, hosting a wide variety of family-friendly events that create a vibrant town center. Residents enjoy unique shopping experiences, boutiques, and plenty of outdoor dining options, creating a relaxed and memorable atmosphere.

This charming village takes pride in its high-quality distinctive housing, excellent education system, and commitment to enhancing community lifestyles. With a strong volunteer spirit, residents actively contribute to making Frankfort a great place to live.

Strategically located and accessible, Frankfort provides easy connections to major highways like I-80, I-57, and I-355, making it convenient to reach Chicago's north, west, and northwest suburbs. O'Hare and Midway airports are also within reach for travel ease.

Real estate options are attractive, with a single-family detached median home value of $450,000, and new construction homes at a median value of $696,337 as of June 2023. If you seek a welcoming community with a relaxed pace and excellent amenities, Frankfort may be your perfect destination.

4. Lemont

Lemont is conveniently connected to downtown Chicago through the Metra line, providing easy access for commuters.

Lemont's historic downtown area is a true gem, featuring canal-side dining, breweries like Pollyanna Brewery, and picturesque bridge canal walks. The village's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing modern development is evident in the ongoing Downtown Lemont Plan, which aims to revitalize the area with $250 million in retail, residential, and office projects.

When it comes to housing, Lemont offers a diverse array of styles and prices. From well-preserved homes built in the late 1800s to newly constructed custom-built and luxury residences, there's something for every taste and budget. As of June 2023, the median home value for new construction is $787,034, while traditional single-family detached resale homes are valued at $533,500.

In addition to its housing options, Lemont hosts a wide range of family events and activities, such as the popular Forge Fest, celebrating its 3rd year with food trucks, live performances, and a spectacular firework show.

With its strong sense of community, historic charm, variety of homes, and exciting downtown developments, Lemont presents an alluring choice for those looking to settle down in a picturesque suburban haven just outside the hustle and bustle of Chicago.

3. Palos Hills

Welcome to Palos Hills, a charming city located just 16 miles southwest of the Loop, making it an ideal southwest suburb of Chicago. Palos Hills is known for its great schools, safe and low-crime environment, and unique real estate opportunities.

 Nestled on elevated and heavily timbered Mount Forest Island on the eastern side of the Valparaiso Moraine, Palos Hills offers a picturesque and tranquil setting.

For those interested in real estate investment, Palos Hills occasionally has multi-unit properties available, making it an attractive option for house hacking.

The city also boasts some of the most unique condos in the Chicagoland area, providing a wide range of housing options for potential buyers.

Homebuyers can find median home values for single-family detached homes around $350,000, while townhouses and condos are available around the $200,000 mark

Palos Hills is also known for its thriving Greek community, offering a taste of Greek culture and cuisine. From the popular Palos Hills Greek Fest, residents can enjoy the flavors and traditions of Greece right in their neighborhood.

Experience the charm of Palos Hills, where history, culture, and excellent real estate opportunities come together to create a truly special place to call home.

2. Homer Glen

Welcome to Homer Glen, a unique village located just 32 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, in Homer Township, Will County, Illinois. This charming community offers a safe and low-crime environment, making it a perfect choice for families.

Homer Glen boasts a strong public school system and a distinctive blend of open space, beautiful residential developments, and vibrant commercial corridors with significant growth potential. The bustling 143rd/Bell Business District is home to over 710,500 square feet of retail space, anchored by big box stores and grocers, offering convenience to residents.

With approximately 22 square miles of land currently, the village has the opportunity to expand further to about 25 square miles, making it an attractive area for future growth.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with 13 village community parks, 17 miles of multi-use trails, and access to 1,300 acres of public land managed by the Will County Forest Preserve District.

Real estate options in Homer Glen are diverse, including new construction homes, luxury custom homes, and various subdivisions. As of June 2023, the median home value for a single-family detached home is $450,000, while new-construction homes have a median value of $880,204.

Discover the charm and potential of Homer Glen, where you can find spacious 6,000-square-foot homes for under a million dollars if you keep a keen eye on the market.

1. Palos Park

 Nestled amidst Cook County's thickly forested hills, Palos Park offers a serene retreat just 19 miles SW of the Loop. Its profound natural features, creeks, and wooded landscapes set it apart, surrounded by the Cook County Forest Preserves. This artists' colony turned thriving community boasts a small-town feel, cherished by residents of all ages.

Palos Park's education system ranks high nationally, emphasizing community involvement and lifelong learning. The village's low crime rate adds to its appeal for families. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the 11,000 acres of Forest Preserve property, perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and more.

Homes in Palos Park reflect its diverse charm, from mid-century modern to custom-built residences, all graced with large lots surrounded by lush greenery. The median home value for a single-family detached home is $599,500 as of June 2023.

The Western Growth Area Master Plan ensures unique home designs that preserve the village's history and character. With efficient Pace Bus services and a population of around 4,800, Palos Park remains a cherished oasis for those seeking a tranquil and artistically inspired suburban haven.

Have Questions?

Ask The Velasco Reynolds Team!

Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale

• Call
• Text
• Email