Frankfort, IL

A Southwest Suburb with an Exceptional Balance of Schools, Transportation, and Livability

Among Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Frankfort has been seeing steady growth in owner-occupant and family-driven demand. More buyers who initially considered Naperville, Plainfield, or Bolingbrook are now choosing Frankfort as a realistic alternative—and not simply because of price.

Frankfort is widely regarded as a well-balanced community, offering strong school districts, a stable residential environment, and solid transportation access.

Schools: What GreatSchools 8+ ratings really mean

One of Frankfort’s strongest advantages is its school system. In particular, Lincoln-Way East High School holds a perfect 10/10 rating on GreatSchools, placing it among the top-performing high schools in the southwest suburbs.

These schools are known not just for test scores, but for comprehensive college-prep programs, strong AP course offerings, and well-established student support systems. For families who prioritize education, Frankfort is seen not merely as a place to live, but as a long-term foundation for family planning and stability.

Transportation: Car-focused, but structurally efficient

Frankfort is located approximately 28 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Daily commuting is primarily car-based, but the road network is efficient and well connected.

• I-80 provides strong east–west access

• Major arterials such as La Grange Road and Lincoln Highway connect seamlessly to surrounding suburbs

• Travel to downtown Chicago and nearby south and west suburbs is relatively efficient

Airport access is also practical. Midway International Airport is typically about a 40-minute drive, while O'Hare International Airport is usually reachable within about an hour—convenient for frequent travelers or business commuters.

Frankfort itself does not have a Metra station, but nearby Mokena offers rail access to downtown Chicago. This allows residents to rely on cars for daily routines while still having public transit options when needed—a lifestyle that appeals to many suburban families.

Why buyers are gravitating toward Frankfort

Frankfort isn’t chosen simply because it’s “cheaper than Naperville.” Buyers moving here tend to share several clear motivations:

1. Strong schools at a more accessible price pointFor buyers seeking Naperville-level education without the same entry price, Frankfort presents a compelling value proposition.

2. Quiet, stable residential atmosphereClear separation between residential and commercial areas contributes to high satisfaction among family households.

3. Practical job accessFrankfort works well for commuters heading to Matteson, Tinley Park, or Orland Park. It’s also well positioned for those considering opportunities tied to recent corporate growth in the Matteson area.

For buyers comparing Naperville, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook, Frankfort often stands out as closer than farther-out alternatives—while still offering meaningful price relief.

Frankfort from an airport, logistics, and infrastructure perspective

While Frankfort is not a port city, it is well connected to the broader southwest suburban logistics network. The I-80 corridor is one of the Midwest’s key freight and distribution routes, offering solid access to Chicago’s southern and western industrial zones.

As a result, Frankfort is frequently chosen by professionals in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution—even if they are not directly tied to rail or port operations. Combined with reasonable airport access, this connectivity adds practical value to everyday living.

Frankfort as a place to live—not speculate

Frankfort is best understood as a long-term, owner-occupied community rather than a short-term investment market. Homeownership rates are high, and community engagement—local events, schools, and civic activities—is strong.

This structure typically translates into:

• Lower price volatility

• Stable demand driven by schools and livability

• A market shaped by families and long-term residents

For middle-income professionals, families with children, and buyers planning to stay put, Frankfort is a market well worth serious consideration.

Who Frankfort may (and may not) be right for

Frankfort may not be ideal for everyone. Those who rely exclusively on public transportation or prefer dense, commercial-heavy neighborhoods may find it quieter than expected.

However, when weighing school quality, transportation access, residential stability, and its role as a Naperville alternative, Frankfort stands out as one of the most balanced choices in today’s southwest suburban market.