Frankfort - Best Subdivisions? (Chicago, Tinley Park: appointed, houses, neighborhoods)

[vester72]

I'm looking into moving to Frankfort, but do not know a ton about the area. I'll be communting via Metra downtown. I'm looking at subdivisions along Laraway. There are some nice ones around 80th ave, then some more down the road by Wolf and Laraway. Aside from distance to the train, is there any real difference from East to West Frankfort? Prices seem to be the same for similar houses - my price range is $600-$700k. I want to stay in the 157c school district. I'm looking at Timbers Edge, Lakeview Estates, Stonebridge, Stone Creek and some other subdivisions, FWIW.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[HOWELL_STREET]

I did not think there was a Frankfort, IL METRA railraod service to downtown Chicago(?) But perhaps one has recently been installed since I have not been through Frankfort in many years.

The Frankfort, IL you are talking about is way south of La Grange, IL and located on IL - 45(?) Is that correct?

If so, perhaps you are going to drive up to La Grange to ride the Burlington Northern RR?

If I am on the right 'track' (pun) then perhaps you should also ask about the rush hour automobile driving conditions between Frankfort and La Grange? That could be messy, too, during rush hours(?).

So as your asignment, first punch off the distance between Frankfort and La Grange. Use something like MapQuest and then tell us the amount of distance.

In Illinois, there is also a WEST FRANKFORT, IL - - but that would not make any sense within the context of your 'OP'.

So perhaps you could help us a little with an explanation of your plans?

Once we are passed that, perhaps someone can answer your question about sub divisions better than I can. In my own personal opinion, I am trying to figure out exactly what you want.

Carter Glass

[sbd78]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

I did not think there was a Frankfort, IL METRA railraod service to downtown Chicago(?) But perhaps one has recently been installed since I have not been through Frankfort in many years

You are correct that Frankfort does not have Metra service, however Mokena does, on the Rock Island Line. Mokena is right next to Frankfort, and is only a 5 minute drive from Frankfort.

[vester72]

Yes - that is the Frankfort - I'd be taking the Rock Island Metra and getting on the train at the Mokena (LaGrange and I-80) or Tinley Park (80th Ave.) stop. Tinley has about 2,000 parking spots and is about 42 minutes from downtown while Mokena has about 1,000 parking spots and is about 47 minutes from downtown.

By West vs. East Frankfort I meant literally the east side vs. the west side of Frankfort in Will County - the subdivisions right next to New Lenox - right by the old New Lenox Airport (Laraway and Wolf) vs, those subdivisions closer to 80th Ave/88th Ave and Laraway. East is closer to I-57 and closer to the Tinley Metra stop, while west is farther from 57 and closer to the Mokena Metra stop - I have family in the city - North - that would be taking 57 down from time to time as well.

Basically, I was wondering if there was any reason to buy farther west on Laraway vs. staying closer to Harlem on Laraway - probably not a difference outside of 10 more minutes on my commute each way, but was wondering if there was a "better side" of town, so to speak. They all look very nice to me in driving through and looking at model homes - and prices seem to be equal.

[sbd78]

I recently moved out of Mokena, so I am familiar with the area. I think all of Frankfort is very nice, Frankfort really doesn't have a "bad" side of town. If I were you I would probably stay a bit farther East since this is closer to the train and you will be commuting downtown. Even though 10 minutes isn't much, it adds up when its twice a day, 5 days a week. But that's just my opinion. It's easy to get a parking space at both the 80th ave. and Hickory Creek stops, they usually don't fill up.

[vester72]

I appreciate the feedback - thanks - we are leaning towards east, right around 80th Ave. and Laraway, closer to the Tinley Metra stop.

[snl720]

Vester72,

Those are all very nice subdivisions. I live in Frankfort and went through the 157C school district. You will not be disappointed. My experience at Lincoln Way East was awesome and your kids will have the brand new Hickory Creek Junior High to go to.

[snl720]

BTW,

It might be closer for you to take the Metra from the new station on Laraway Rd. and Cedar Rd. in New Lenox. This would probably be closer than the Mokena station from the neighborhoods that you are talking about.

[carguy39]

The subdivisions you mentioned are primarily new construction/newer homes....if that's what you're after, those are all nice areas, and there really isn't a bad area anywhere in Frankfort. You could also consider an older subdivision like Prestwick (built up in the late 1960s through about 1980--there are a few vacant lots that come on the market every now and then though), which is off of Harlem Avenue south of Lincoln Highway (Aberdeen Road and Prestwick Drive), or off of Sauk Trail and 80th Avenue (Highland Road and St. Andrew's Way). Homes there range from about $400K to $1 million and are on wooded lots, with some of the homes backing up to the Prestwick Country Club, and the subdivision has a more private feel to it than most others in Frankfort. It's north of Lakeview Estates, but it's another option to consider.

Another option is Butternut Creek Woods (built up in the mid-1980s and there might be one or two vacant lots left), off of Lincoln Highway west of LaGrange Road - at Butternut Trail. Homes there start in the mid-$400's and head up to $1.8 million. They're on wooded lots and right in the heart of downtown Frankfort, so you're no more than 5 min. away from a grocery store.

Just a couple options for you if you don't have to have new or recent construction.

[vester72]

We actually decided on Timber's Edge - met a lot of the people there and love it. In the process of building now - can't wait to get in.