Moving to Will County: Complete Relocation Guide for 2025

Thinking about relocating to Will County, Illinois? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a successful move, from choosing the right community to understanding local services.

Why People Are Moving to Will County

Will County has become one of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois, and for good reason:

• Affordability: More affordable housing than Cook and DuPage counties
• Space: Larger homes and yards compared to Chicago suburbs
• Quality Schools: Highly-rated school districts like Plainfield 202 and Lincoln-Way
• Easy Commuting: Metra trains and highways provide Chicago access
• Growing Communities: New developments with modern amenities
• Small-Town Feel: Friendly communities with local character

Choosing Your Community

Will County includes diverse communities, each with unique characteristics:

Plainfield

Best For: Families seeking excellent schools and modern amenities
Highlights: Top-rated Plainfield District 202, newer homes, growing retail/dining, family-friendly parks
Housing: $300K-$500K+ for single-family homes

Joliet

Best For: Those seeking affordability and urban amenities
Highlights: County seat, entertainment venues, diverse neighborhoods, employment opportunities
Housing: $150K-$350K range with more affordable options

Bolingbrook

Best For: Families wanting diversity and convenience
Highlights: Diverse community, Promenade shopping, parks and recreation, central location
Housing: $200K-$400K typical range

New Lenox

Best For: Families prioritizing highly-rated high schools
Highlights: Lincoln-Way high schools, family-oriented community, growing downtown
Housing: $250K-$450K range

Frankfort

Best For: Those seeking small-town charm with good schools
Highlights: Historic downtown square, Lincoln-Way schools, community events
Housing: $300K-$500K+ range

Mokena

Best For: Families wanting tight-knit community feel
Highlights: Small-town atmosphere, Lincoln-Way schools, active community
Housing: $250K-$450K typical

Understanding Property Taxes

Illinois property taxes are among the nation's highest, but support quality schools and services:

• Typical Rates: Vary by location, often 2-3% of assessed value annually
• School Taxes: 60-70% of your tax bill funds local schools
• Exemptions: Homestead exemption reduces tax burden for primary residences
• Payment Schedule: Two installments (June and September typically)
• Online Resources: Will County Clerk website for tax lookup and payment

Read our complete Property Taxes Guide

School District Considerations

Schools are a top priority for families moving to Will County:

Top-Rated Districts:

• Plainfield CCSD 202: K-12 consolidated district, 5 high schools
• Lincoln-Way CHSD 210: Highly-rated high school district (4 schools)
• Valley View CUSD 365U: Serves Bolingbrook/Romeoville area

Important: Always verify school boundaries before purchasing a home. Districts don't follow municipal boundaries perfectly.

See our complete School Districts Guide

Housing Market Overview

Will County's housing market offers variety:

• New Construction: Many new subdivisions in Plainfield, Joliet, Frankfort areas
• Established Neighborhoods: Mature communities with character
• Townhomes/Condos: Lower-maintenance options available
• Rural Properties: Acreage available in unincorporated areas
• Price Range: From under $200K to $500K+ depending on location

Commuting to Chicago

Many Will County residents commute to Chicago for work:

Metra Train Service

• Rock Island Line: Serves Joliet, New Lenox, Mokena (to Chicago LaSalle St)
• SouthWest Service: Serves Manhattan, Mokena (to Chicago Union Station)
• Commute Time: 60-90 minutes typically
• Monthly Passes: Available for regular commuters

Highway Access

• I-55: Major corridor to Chicago from Joliet/Bolingbrook area
• I-80: East-west corridor
• I-355: North-south tollway connecting to I-55
• Drive Time: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and location

Cost of Living

How Will County compares:

• Housing: More affordable than Cook/DuPage counties
• Property Taxes: High, but support quality schools/services
• Utilities: Comparable to Chicago suburbs
• Groceries: Standard suburban pricing
• Gas: Lower than Cook County (no extra gas taxes)

Essential Services for New Residents

Driver's License & Vehicle Registration

Update your license and vehicle registration at Illinois Secretary of State facilities:

• Joliet Driver Services (2364 McDonough Street)
• Bolingbrook Express Services (400 Commons Drive)

See our DMV Locations Guide

Utilities

• Electric: ComEd serves most of Will County
• Gas: Nicor Gas for natural gas service
• Water/Sewer: Municipal services (contact your city/village)
• Trash: Varies by municipality (some municipal, some private)

Internet & TV

• Comcast Xfinity
• AT&T
• WOW! (Wide Open West)
• Local fiber providers in some areas

Healthcare

Will County has excellent healthcare facilities:

• AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center: Joliet
• Silver Cross Hospital: New Lenox
• Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center: Joliet
• Edward-Elmhurst Health: Bolingbrook, Plainfield locations
• Numerous urgent care centers throughout county

Things to Do

Will County offers plenty of activities:

• Forest Preserves: 22,000+ acres for hiking, biking, nature
• Entertainment: Chicagoland Speedway, Rialto Square Theatre, Hollywood Casino
• Shopping: Louis Joliet Mall, Promenade Bolingbrook, downtown districts
• Dining: Diverse restaurants from casual to fine dining
• Events: Community festivals, farmers markets, concerts

Explore our Things to Do Guide

Moving Day Tips

• Hire Local Movers: Many moving companies serve Will County
• Update Address: USPS forwarding, DMV, voter registration, insurance
• Transfer Utilities: Contact providers 2-3 weeks before move
• School Registration: Contact school district as soon as you know your address
• Explore Neighborhood: Find nearest grocery store, pharmacy, services
• Meet Neighbors: Introduce yourself and learn about community

Final Thoughts

Moving to Will County offers a great balance of affordability, quality schools, community atmosphere, and proximity to Chicago. Whether you're drawn to the small-town charm of Frankfort, the modern amenities of Plainfield, or the urban convenience of Joliet, Will County has a community that will feel like home.

Take time to visit different communities, talk to current residents, and research school districts before making your decision. Welcome to Will County!