Neighborhood Comparisons·3 min readHomer GlenOrland Park

Homer Glen vs. Orland Park: Which Suburb Is Right for You?

Crosstown Realtors

March 10, 2026

Homer Glen and Orland Park are frequently on the same homebuyer's shortlist. They're about 10 miles apart, both offer excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. Here's our honest comparison.

The Basics

Homer Glen is in Will County, population ~14,000, incorporated 2001, median home price $390,000–$450,000, property tax rate 2.5%–3.5%, limited Metra (drive to Mokena/Lockport). Orland Park is in Cook County, population ~58,000, incorporated 1895, median home price $360,000–$520,000, property tax rate 3.0%–4.5%, excellent Metra access (2 SouthWest Service stations).

Schools: A Near-Tie

Homer Glen: Homer District 33C + Lockport Township HS District 205. LTHS consistently ranks in the top tier of Illinois high schools. Orland Park: District 135 + Carl Sandburg High School. Sandburg is one of Cook County's most celebrated high schools. Verdict: True tie. Visit both high schools and verify specific school boundaries.

Lifestyle and Character

Homer Glen feels more like a rural retreat. Larger lots (often half-acre+), more forest preserve adjacency, less commercial development, and fewer people create a quieter, more private environment. Orland Park feels more like a proper suburb with urban amenity — Orland Square Mall, a restaurant row on LaGrange Road, great coffee shops, yoga studios, and a recognizable commercial center.

Commute to Chicago

Orland Park wins this category clearly. Two Metra SouthWest Service stations provide 35–45 minute train rides to Union Station. Homer Glen has no Metra station — residents drive to Mokena or Lockport/Crest Hill. By car, Homer Glen-to-Loop runs 45–60 minutes on a good day. For daily Chicago commuters, Orland Park is the right answer.

Property Taxes: Homer Glen Wins

Will County (Homer Glen) property taxes are meaningfully lower than Cook County (Orland Park) on equivalent assessed values. On a $450,000 home: Homer Glen (Will County) ~$9,000–$11,500/year vs. Orland Park (Cook County) ~$11,500–$15,500/year. That's potentially $250–$400/month difference.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Choose Each?

Choose Homer Glen if: you work from home, privacy and nature are top priorities, you want lower property taxes, quieter environment appeals, or Lockport Township High School is preferred. Choose Orland Park if: you commute to Chicago regularly, you value walkable retail and restaurants, you want more housing variety, community amenities matter, or Carl Sandburg High School is preferred.

Neighborhood Guide

📍 Homer Glen, Illinois

Homer Glen is one of Will County's most beloved communities — a place where quiet cul-de-sacs meet sprawling forest preserves and top-rated schools. Incorporate…

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