Living In New Lenox, IL: A Comprehensive Guide

New Lenox, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community spirit. This guide provides essential information for anyone considering a move or simply wanting to learn more about this vibrant village.

Key Takeaways

• New Lenox offers a high quality of life with excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.
• The village boasts a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and community events.
• Its location provides convenient access to both Chicago and more rural areas.
• The cost of living is generally moderate, offering good value for families and individuals.
• New Lenox has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

Introduction

New Lenox, Illinois, is a village located in Will County, approximately 36 miles southwest of Chicago. Known for its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and convenient access to both urban and rural amenities, New Lenox has become a desirable place to live for many. This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of New Lenox, providing valuable insights into its history, community, lifestyle, and more.

What & Why

History and Background

New Lenox was founded in 1852 and has grown from a small farming community into a thriving suburban village. The village's growth is attributed to its strategic location along major transportation routes, including the railway and interstate highways. Today, New Lenox maintains a balance between preserving its historical roots and embracing modern development.

Benefits of Living in New Lenox

• Excellent Schools: New Lenox is served by Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, which consistently ranks among the top high school districts in Illinois. The elementary and middle schools are also highly regarded.
• Safe Neighborhoods: The village has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to raise a family or live as an individual.
• Parks and Recreation: New Lenox boasts numerous parks, recreational facilities, and open spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Community Events: The village hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
• Convenient Location: New Lenox offers easy access to Chicago and other major cities in the region, as well as nearby rural areas and natural attractions.

Potential Risks and Considerations

• Property Taxes: Property taxes in Illinois can be relatively high, and New Lenox is no exception. Prospective residents should factor this into their budget.
• Commuting: While New Lenox offers convenient access to Chicago, commuting during peak hours can be challenging and time-consuming.
• Limited Nightlife: Compared to larger cities, New Lenox has a more limited nightlife scene. Residents seeking diverse entertainment options may need to travel to nearby areas.
• Winter Weather: Like much of the Midwest, New Lenox experiences cold and snowy winters, which can impact travel and outdoor activities.

Community and Lifestyle

Demographics

New Lenox has a population of approximately 27,000 residents. The community is primarily composed of families, with a median age in the mid-30s. The village is known for its diverse population and welcoming atmosphere. — Texas A&M Football: Your Ultimate Guide

Housing

New Lenox offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The median home value in New Lenox is generally competitive for the Chicago suburban market. Newer developments continue to add to the housing stock, offering a range of styles and price points.

Education

New Lenox is served by several highly-rated school districts:

• Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210: This district operates three high schools: Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, and Lincoln-Way West. All three schools consistently achieve high academic standards.
• New Lenox School District 122: This district operates several elementary and middle schools, providing a strong foundation for students.
• Laraway School District 70C: A smaller district serving portions of New Lenox.

Parks and Recreation

New Lenox boasts an extensive park system, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities:

• Haines Wayside Park: A large park with sports fields, walking trails, and a playground.
• The Commons: A central gathering place for community events, featuring a splash pad, playground, and picnic areas.
• Walker Country Estates Park: A neighborhood park with a playground and open space.
• New Lenox Dog Park: A dedicated space for dogs to run and play off-leash.

In addition to its parks, New Lenox also has a community swimming pool, a golf course, and several fitness centers.

Community Events

New Lenox hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including:

• Summer Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts held at The Commons.
• Triple Play Concert Series: Concerts at the New Lenox Village Hall.
• Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
• Christmas in the Commons: An annual holiday celebration featuring a tree lighting, carol singing, and other festive activities.

Economy and Employment

Major Employers

Major employers in New Lenox include:

• Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
• Silver Cross Hospital
• The Village of New Lenox
• Providence Bank & Trust

Job Market

The job market in New Lenox is relatively stable, with opportunities in education, healthcare, government, and retail. The village's proximity to Chicago also provides access to a wider range of employment opportunities.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in New Lenox is generally moderate, offering good value for families and individuals. Housing costs are competitive for the Chicago suburban market, and other expenses such as transportation and groceries are also reasonable.

Transportation

Metra

New Lenox has two Metra train stations, providing convenient access to downtown Chicago. The Rock Island District line runs through New Lenox, with trains running frequently during peak hours.

Highways

New Lenox is located near several major highways, including Interstate 80 and Interstate 355. These highways provide easy access to Chicago and other major cities in the region.

Airports

The closest major airport to New Lenox is Chicago Midway International Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is approximately 45 miles away. — Newbury Park, CA Zip Code: Everything You Need To Know

Examples & Use Cases

• Families: New Lenox is an ideal place for families due to its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Many families choose New Lenox for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment.
• Young Professionals: Young professionals may find New Lenox appealing due to its convenient access to Chicago and more affordable housing options compared to the city. The Metra train provides a convenient commute to downtown Chicago for work or entertainment.
• Retirees: Retirees may appreciate New Lenox's quiet and peaceful atmosphere, as well as its access to healthcare facilities and community services. The village's low crime rate and friendly community make it a comfortable place to retire.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

• Research Neighborhoods: Take the time to research different neighborhoods in New Lenox to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Visit Schools: If you have children, visit the schools in the area to get a feel for the learning environment and meet with teachers and administrators.
• Attend Community Events: Attend community events to get to know your neighbors and experience the village's strong sense of community.
• Explore Parks and Recreation: Take advantage of the numerous parks and recreational facilities in New Lenox to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Common Mistakes

• Underestimating Property Taxes: Be sure to factor property taxes into your budget when considering a move to New Lenox.
• Not Considering Commute Times: If you plan to commute to Chicago, be sure to consider commute times and traffic conditions.
• Failing to Explore the Community: Take the time to explore all that New Lenox has to offer, from its parks and recreational facilities to its community events and local businesses.

FAQs

Q: What is New Lenox known for? A: New Lenox is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, strong community spirit, and convenient location.

Q: How far is New Lenox from Chicago? A: New Lenox is approximately 36 miles southwest of Chicago. — Living In Lake Forest, CA 92630: A Detailed Guide

Q: What are the property taxes like in New Lenox? A: Property taxes in New Lenox are relatively high, as is typical for Illinois.

Q: What school districts serve New Lenox? A: New Lenox is served by Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, New Lenox School District 122, and Laraway School District 70C.

Q: What are some popular community events in New Lenox? A: Popular community events include the Summer Concert Series, Farmers Market, and Christmas in the Commons.

Conclusion

New Lenox, Illinois, offers a high quality of life with its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Whether you're a family, young professional, or retiree, New Lenox has something to offer everyone. Explore New Lenox and discover why it's a great place to call home!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 17:10 UTC