January 8, 2025

Best Neighborhoods in Will County for Families in 2025

Finding the perfect neighborhood for your family means balancing schools, safety, amenities, and home values. Here's our guide to Will County's best family-friendly communities.

What Makes a Great Family Neighborhood?

When evaluating neighborhoods, families typically prioritize:

  • School Quality: High-performing districts and individual schools
  • Safety: Low crime rates and safe streets
  • Parks & Recreation: Playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails
  • Community Feel: Neighbors who know each other, community events
  • Amenities: Nearby shopping, dining, libraries, services
  • Home Values: Good investment potential and appreciation

Top Family Neighborhoods in Will County

1. Settlers' Park Area - Plainfield

School District: Plainfield CCSD 202
Price Range: $350K-$550K
Best For: Families prioritizing excellent schools and modern homes

Highlights:

  • Top-rated Plainfield schools with 5 high school options
  • Beautiful Settlers' Park with trails, playgrounds, fishing
  • Newer homes (2000s-2010s) with modern amenities
  • Growing retail and dining along Route 59
  • Strong community events and activities

Why Families Love It: Combination of excellent schools, modern homes, and family-friendly atmosphere makes this area extremely popular.

2. Wynstone & Spencer's Crossing - New Lenox

School District: New Lenox SD 122 (elementary), Lincoln-Way CHSD 210 (high school)
Price Range: $300K-$500K
Best For: Families seeking highly-rated high schools

Highlights:

  • Lincoln-Way high schools consistently rank among Illinois' best
  • Well-maintained neighborhoods with excellent curb appeal
  • Multiple parks and recreation facilities
  • Growing downtown New Lenox with local businesses
  • Strong community identity and involvement

Why Families Love It: Lincoln-Way high schools' stellar reputation attracts families focused on education.

3. Prestwick Country Club Area - Frankfort

School District: Summit Hill SD 161 / Frankfort SD 157C, Lincoln-Way CHSD 210
Price Range: $350K-$600K+
Best For: Families wanting upscale homes and small-town charm

Highlights:

  • Upscale homes near championship golf course
  • Charming downtown Frankfort with local shops and restaurants
  • Top-rated Lincoln-Way high schools
  • Old Plank Road Trail for biking and walking
  • Close-knit community with active village square events

Why Families Love It: Perfect blend of suburban amenities and small-town community feel.

4. Stone Creek - Bolingbrook

School District: Valley View CUSD 365U
Price Range: $250K-$450K
Best For: Families seeking diversity and convenience

Highlights:

  • Diverse, welcoming community
  • Excellent parks and recreation including Hidden Lakes Aquatic Park
  • Close to Promenade Bolingbrook shopping and entertainment
  • Easy highway access for commuting
  • More affordable than neighboring communities

Why Families Love It: Great value with convenient amenities and diverse community.

5. Arbor Trails - Mokena

School District: Mokena SD 159, Lincoln-Way CHSD 210
Price Range: $300K-$500K
Best For: Families wanting tight-knit community

Highlights:

  • Small-town atmosphere with excellent schools
  • Beautiful neighborhood with mature trees
  • Active community with regular events
  • Downtown Mokena with local businesses
  • Lincoln-Way high schools

Why Families Love It: Strong sense of community where neighbors become friends.

6. Homer Glen Neighborhoods

School District: Homer CCSD 33C, Lockport Township HSD 205
Price Range: $300K-$550K
Best For: Families seeking spacious properties

Highlights:

  • Larger lots and more space compared to other suburbs
  • Rural suburban feel with modern conveniences
  • Good schools with smaller class sizes
  • Extensive forest preserve access
  • Quiet, peaceful neighborhoods

Why Families Love It: Space and tranquility while staying connected to suburban amenities.

Honorable Mentions

Cathedral Area - Joliet

Historic neighborhood with character, walkable downtown access, and more affordable homes ($180K-$350K). Great for families seeking urban convenience and historic charm.

Lockport Historic District

Charming area along I&M Canal with small-town feel, good schools (Lockport Township HS), and historic character ($250K-$450K).

Manhattan

Small-town living with excellent schools (Manhattan SD 114, Lincoln-Way HS), rural atmosphere, and strong community ($250K-$400K).

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood

Visit Multiple Times

  • Drive through during different times of day
  • Visit on weekends to see neighborhood activity
  • Talk to residents if possible

Research Schools

  • Check Illinois State Board of Education report cards
  • Visit school websites and social media
  • Verify exact school boundaries (don't assume based on city limits)
  • Consider future schools (high schools if you have young children)

Evaluate Commute

  • Test drive to work during rush hour
  • Check Metra schedules if using train
  • Consider long-term impact of daily commute

Check Amenities

  • Visit nearby parks and recreation facilities
  • Identify closest grocery stores, pharmacies, services
  • Look for libraries, community centers, entertainment

Review Property Taxes

  • Look up actual tax bills for comparable homes
  • Understand different rates in different districts
  • Factor into monthly budget calculations

Making the Move

Once you've identified your ideal neighborhood:

  1. Work with Local Realtor: Agents with Will County expertise provide valuable insights
  2. Get Pre-Approved: Mortgage pre-approval strengthens your offers
  3. Be Patient: Right home in right neighborhood worth waiting for
  4. Consider Resale: Think about future resale value and appreciation potential

Conclusion

Will County offers exceptional family neighborhoods across various price points and community styles. Whether you prioritize top-tier schools in Plainfield and Lincoln-Way districts, small-town charm in Frankfort or Mokena, or diverse communities in Bolingbrook, you'll find welcoming neighborhoods perfect for raising a family.

The key is identifying what matters most to your family - schools, commute, home size, community feel, or budget - and finding the neighborhood that checks your most important boxes.

Ready to Learn More? Check out our School Districts Guide and Property Taxes Guide for detailed information.