Homer Glen and New Lenox families are making this move in bigger numbers every year — and once you see the tax comparison, it's hard to argue with why. Crown Point, Indiana offers the same commute corridor, comparable schools, and significantly more home for the money. Here's exactly what the numbers look like.
Both Homer Glen and New Lenox are solid communities — well-maintained, family-friendly, good schools. The issue isn't quality of life. The issue is what Illinois is charging you to live there. My team works with families from both towns regularly and the financial case for Crown Point is impossible to ignore.
Crown Point vs. Homer Glen
Homer Glen
Illinois
Crown Point
Indiana
| Category | Homer Glen, IL | Crown Point, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$390,000 | ~$365,000 |
| Avg Sq Ft at Median | 2,000 – 2,400 sq ft | 2,600 – 3,200 sq ft |
| Year Built (typical) | 1985 – 2005 | 2000 – 2022 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.3% – 2.7% | ~0.85% |
| Annual Tax on $400K Home | $9,200 – $10,800 | ~$3,400 |
| Drive to Chicago Loop | 40–55 min | 45–60 min |
| School Rating | Strong (B+) | Strong (A-rated) |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 3.05% |
| New Construction | Very limited | Active $380K–$600K+ |
Crown Point vs. New Lenox
New Lenox
Illinois
Crown Point
Indiana
| Category | New Lenox, IL | Crown Point, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$380,000 | ~$365,000 |
| Avg Sq Ft at Median | 1,900 – 2,300 sq ft | 2,600 – 3,200 sq ft |
| Year Built (typical) | 1990 – 2008 | 2000 – 2022 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.3% – 2.7% | ~0.85% |
| Annual Tax on $400K Home | $9,200 – $10,800 | ~$3,400 |
| Drive to Chicago Loop | 40–55 min | 45–60 min |
| School Rating | Strong (A-rated) | Strong (A-rated) |
| Typical Garage | 2-car standard | 3-car standard |
| Lot Size | 8,000 – 12,000 sq ft | 12,000 – 20,000 sq ft |
What You Save Moving from Homer Glen or New Lenox to Crown Point
Based on a $400,000 home and $120,000 household income — a typical profile for both communities.
The School Question
New Lenox feeds into Lincoln-Way school district — one of Illinois's stronger districts. Homer Glen feeds into Lockport Township. Both are solid. Crown Point Community School Corporation is A-rated in Indiana with strong academics, competitive athletics, and well-maintained facilities. For families where school quality is the deciding factor, this is not a downgrade. In most cases, families tell me it's a wash or a slight upgrade, especially at the middle school and elementary level.
The honest answer: if you're leaving Homer Glen or New Lenox because of the schools specifically, Crown Point won't disappoint. If you're leaving because of the tax bill, Crown Point will absolutely deliver.
The Commute Is Essentially the Same
This is the part that surprises people. Homer Glen to the Loop runs 40–55 minutes on a typical morning via I-355 and I-55. Crown Point to the Loop runs 45–60 minutes via I-65. You're adding roughly 5–10 minutes each way. For a three-day hybrid commuter, that's 30–60 extra minutes per week total — in exchange for $9,000 a year in combined tax savings.
Most families I've worked with from Homer Glen and New Lenox tell me the commute difference is genuinely negligible once they're doing it. The tax bill difference is not.
"We agonized over leaving New Lenox for months. Six months after moving to Crown Point, we cannot imagine why we waited."
— Homes219 client, relocated from New Lenox to Crown Point, IN
Ready to Run Your Numbers?
Tell us your current town, your budget, and how often you commute — we will show you exactly what Crown Point looks like for your family. Visit homes219.com or call us directly.
Start the Conversation at Homes219.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is Crown Point Indiana better than Homer Glen Illinois?
For most families, Crown Point offers significantly lower property taxes, newer and larger homes, comparable schools, and a similar commute distance to Chicago — making it a strong financial upgrade.
How far is Crown Point Indiana from Homer Glen Illinois?
About 25–30 miles. Drive time is typically 30–40 minutes between the two, and both are roughly 45–60 minutes from downtown Chicago.
What are property taxes in Crown Point vs. New Lenox?
Crown Point's effective rate is ~0.85% versus New Lenox's 2.3–2.7%. On a $400,000 home, that's $3,400/year in Crown Point versus $9,200–$10,800 in New Lenox.
Should I move from Homer Glen to Crown Point Indiana?
If you're a hybrid or remote worker with a family, the financial case is compelling. Most Homer Glen families save $6,000–$8,000/year in property taxes while getting a larger, newer home with comparable schools.
Nicole Hanson
Nicole is the team lead at Homes219 | Nicole Hanson Realty LLC — a top-5 Northwest Indiana real estate team with 16+ years helping buyers and sellers across Lake and Porter Counties.
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