If You Can Work Remotely, Rethink Where You’re Looking for a Home

For first-time homebuyers, the biggest concern is often the price.

Even after saving diligently and carefully calculating your budget, looking at home prices in your preferred neighborhoods can make homeownership still feel out of reach.

But if you have the ability to work remotely, the solution may not be earning more—it may be changing where you look for a home.

According to a September 7, 2026 article from Keeping Current Matters, remote job postings recently increased 22% from the previous quarter, marking two consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.

For buyers who can work remotely, living close to their workplace is no longer necessarily a requirement. In other words, with the same income and the same homebuying budget, you may be able to choose an area where home prices are more affordable.

The Same Applies to the Chicago Area

If you limit your search to Downtown Chicago or nearby suburbs, it may be difficult to find a home that fits your budget.

But if you commute less frequently—or work fully remotely—your options can expand significantly.

For example, in Naperville, areas near Metra stations or Downtown tend to command higher prices. If commute convenience is less important to you, however, you may be able to look farther out and find a larger home in better condition.

If you are considering higher-priced North Shore suburbs such as Northbrook or Glenview, you could also expand your search to Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Schaumburg, or Vernon Hills.

If it is difficult to find the home you want in Naperville, consider comparing Aurora, North Aurora, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook as well.

When commute distance becomes less important, you can prioritize other factors such as home size, school districts, property condition, property taxes, and overall quality of life.

You Don’t Have to Move Far Away

Taking advantage of remote work does not necessarily mean moving to another state—or even moving very far from where you currently live.

Expanding your search radius by just 20–30 minutes can sometimes make a significant difference in home prices, property taxes, home size, and overall condition.

It can be difficult to keep every feature you want while simply lowering the price.

Instead, if you place less importance on commute time, you may have a better chance of finding:

• A larger home

• A newer home

• A home in better condition

• A home with lower property taxes

  
  

Don’t Make Your Decision Based on Price Alone

A lower home price does not automatically make a property the better choice.

When choosing an area based on remote work, there are several other factors you should consider.

First, make sure the internet speed and reliability are sufficient for your work.

Second, look beyond school districts and safety. Consider the overall lifestyle, including shopping, healthcare, parks, restaurants, and other everyday amenities.

Third, think about the possibility of your employer shifting to a hybrid schedule or changing jobs in the future.

Fourth, consider future demand and resale potential. A home that works well for you today should also have a reasonable buyer pool when you eventually decide to sell.

Ultimately, the goal is not simply to find the cheapest home.

It is to find the home that best fits your current lifestyle and future plans.

Remote work is more than just an employee benefit. For buyers who have struggled to afford a home in their preferred area, it can create a valuable opportunity to expand their geographic options and potentially get more home for the same budget.

If you're having trouble finding the home you want within your current budget, consider redesigning your search area before increasing your budget.

I can help you compare home prices, school districts, property taxes, and quality of life across Chicago and its suburbs to identify the options that make the most sense for you.

Chicago Real EstateSang HanPlatinum Partners Realtors