Why Frankfort?

Frankfort is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Illinois, and for good reason. This village of about 21,000 residents combines small-town charm with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a genuine sense of community that's hard to find in the suburbs.

Schools That Families Move For

Frankfort is served by several highly regarded school districts. Summit Hill School District 161 covers much of the village and consistently scores above state averages. Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 includes Lincoln-Way East, regularly ranked among the top public high schools in Illinois.

Elementary options include Chelsea Intermediate, Grand Prairie, and Hickory Creek — all with strong parent involvement and extracurricular programs. For families with school-age children, Frankfort's education quality is often the deciding factor.

The Commute

Getting to downtown Chicago takes about 50-60 minutes by car via I-80 and I-57. The Metra Rock Island Line stops in nearby Mokena and New Lenox, offering a roughly 70-minute train ride to LaSalle Street Station.

Many Frankfort residents work in the south suburbs (Joliet, Orland Park, Tinley Park) where commute times drop to 15-25 minutes. The proximity to I-80 and Route 30 makes most of Will County easily accessible.

Housing Market

The median home price in Frankfort hovers around $350,000-$400,000, with options ranging from starter homes in established subdivisions to custom-built homes on larger lots in newer developments. You'll find everything from 1970s ranch-style homes to modern open-concept builds.

Property taxes in Will County run approximately 2.5% of assessed value, which is something to factor into your budget. Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate monthly costs.

Parks, Recreation & Outdoors

Frankfort takes its parks seriously. Commissioners Park is the centerpiece — 80 acres with sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and a fishing pond. The Founders Community Center offers indoor pools, fitness facilities, and year-round programming.

The Old Plank Road Trail runs right through town, providing 22 miles of paved trail for biking, running, and walking. It connects Frankfort to Park Forest, making it one of the best trail systems in the south suburbs.

Downtown Frankfort

The historic downtown along Kansas Street and Nebraska Street is the heart of the community. Independent shops, restaurants, and cafés line the streets, and seasonal events like the Fall Festival, Frankfort Country Market, and Holidays of Frankfort draw visitors from across the region.

Dining favorites include Francesca's Fortunato (upscale Italian), Old Plank Trail Tavern (craft beer and pub fare), and several family-friendly spots along the main strip.

Shopping & Daily Essentials

For everyday shopping, the LaGrange Road corridor has all the major chains — Target, Mariano's, Home Depot, and more. Frankfort Square to the south adds additional retail options. You'll rarely need to drive more than 10 minutes for anything.

Is Frankfort Right for You?

Frankfort is ideal for families seeking top schools, outdoor recreation, and a strong community identity. It's also popular with professionals who work in the south suburbs or don't mind a moderate commute to Chicago. The tradeoff is that it's a bit further from the city than some inner-ring suburbs, but most residents consider the quality of life well worth it.

Ready to explore homes in Frankfort? Search current listings or contact our team for personalized recommendations.