Best Neighborhoods in Will County
From family-friendly suburbs to historic towns, discover the diverse communities that make Will County one of Illinois' most desirable places to live.
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Plainfield
Pop. 45,000+One of Illinois' fastest-growing communities, Plainfield offers new construction homes, top-rated schools, and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Why Families Choose Plainfield
- Plainfield School District 202 - Consistently rated among top districts in Will County
- New developments with modern amenities and community pools
- Low crime rates and strong community policing
- Convenient shopping at Route 59 corridor
- Access to I-55 for Chicago commuters
Housing
Median home price: $320,000 - $380,000. Mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and newer subdivisions. Popular areas include Grande Park, Wesmere, and Lakewood Falls.
Commute
40-50 minutes to downtown Chicago via I-55. Pace bus service available. No direct Metra access, but nearby stations in Joliet and Naperville.
Joliet
Pop. 150,000+As the county seat and largest city, Joliet offers diverse neighborhoods, affordable housing, and urban amenities including the Rialto Theatre and minor league baseball.
Why Choose Joliet
- Most affordable housing in Will County
- Historic architecture in Cathedral area and West Side
- Hollywood Casino, Rialto Square Theatre, Slammers baseball
- Metra Rock Island line to Chicago
- University of St. Francis and Joliet Junior College
Housing
Median home price: $180,000 - $250,000. Wide variety from Victorian homes to new construction. Best areas: Wesmere, Crest Hill borders, north Joliet.
Commute
45-60 minutes to Chicago via Metra Rock Island line from Joliet station. I-55 and I-80 access.
Lockport
Pop. 26,000+A historic canal town with charming downtown, excellent schools, and strong community identity. Lockport blends small-town character with modern amenities.
Why Choose Lockport
- Lockport Township High School District 205 - Highly rated academics and sports
- Historic downtown with unique shops and restaurants
- I&M Canal Trail for biking and walking
- Strong community events and festivals
- Dellwood Park and public pool
Housing
Median home price: $280,000 - $350,000. Mix of historic homes near downtown and newer subdivisions. Old Lockport has character; newer areas like Lockport Township offer modern homes.
Commute
Metra Heritage Corridor line from Lockport station. 50-55 minutes to Union Station. Good I-355 and I-55 access.
Mokena
Pop. 20,000+Small-town charm with excellent schools and easy Chicago access. Mokena is perfect for families seeking a tight-knit community with top education.
Why Choose Mokena
- Lincoln-Way High School District - One of state's best public school systems
- Metra SouthWest Service for easy Chicago commute
- Charming downtown Mokena Front Street
- Family-oriented events and excellent youth sports
- Low crime, safe neighborhoods
Housing
Median home price: $350,000 - $420,000. Premium for school district. Mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction.
Commute
Metra SouthWest Service from Mokena station. Approximately 45-50 minutes to LaSalle Street Station.
Romeoville
Pop. 40,000+A diverse, growing community home to Lewis University. Romeoville offers affordable housing and convenient I-55 access.
Why Choose Romeoville
- Lewis University campus and community events
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse, welcoming community
- Route 53 shopping and dining
- Romeoville Athletic & Event Center
Housing
Median home price: $250,000 - $320,000. Good value for Will County. Mix of established neighborhoods and newer townhome developments.
Commute
No direct Metra, but I-55 provides 40-50 minute drive to Chicago. Pace bus connections available.
Bolingbrook
Pop. 75,000+Straddling Will and DuPage counties, Bolingbrook offers excellent shopping, diverse dining, and family-friendly amenities with newer schools.
Why Choose Bolingbrook
- The Promenade Bolingbrook - major shopping destination
- Highly diverse community with international restaurants
- Good school choices (Valley View District 365U)
- Bolingbrook Golf Club and recreation center
- Easy I-355 and I-55 access
Housing
Median home price: $280,000 - $350,000. Established neighborhoods with mature trees. Mix of single-family and townhomes.
Commute
I-355 to I-55 provides 35-45 minute drive to Chicago. No direct Metra but parking at nearby stations.
New Lenox
Pop. 28,000+Family-focused community with excellent schools, growing commercial areas, and strong community programs.
Why Choose New Lenox
- Lincoln-Way High School District - Top-rated education
- Growing downtown and new retail developments
- Excellent park district programs
- Safe, family-oriented neighborhoods
- I-80 access and near Metra stations
Housing
Median home price: $320,000 - $400,000. Mix of established and newer subdivisions. Premium pricing for Lincoln-Way schools.
Commute
Near Mokena and Hickory Creek Metra stations. I-80 and Route 30 access. 45-55 minutes to Chicago.
Frankfort
Pop. 20,000+Upscale community with charming historic downtown, top schools, and country club living. Frankfort represents Will County's premier residential option.
Why Choose Frankfort
- Historic downtown with boutique shopping and dining
- Lincoln-Way District - Elite public schools
- Prestwick Country Club community
- Fall Festival and community events
- Large lots and executive homes
Housing
Median home price: $400,000 - $550,000. Will County's most expensive area. Executive homes, estates, and upscale subdivisions.
Commute
Metra SouthWest Service from Hickory Creek. 50-55 minutes to LaSalle Street Station. I-80 and I-57 nearby.
Quick Comparison
| Town | Median Home | Schools | Best For | Metra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield | $350k | A- | Young Families | No |
| Joliet | $215k | B | Affordability | Yes |
| Lockport | $315k | A | History | Yes |
| Mokena | $385k | A+ | Top Schools | Yes |
| Romeoville | $285k | B+ | Value | No |
| Bolingbrook | $315k | B+ | Diversity | No |
| New Lenox | $360k | A+ | Families | Near |
| Frankfort | $475k | A+ | Upscale | Near |
Need More Information?
Explore our detailed guides on schools, property taxes, and cost of living to make an informed decision.