Lake County is one of the most prestigious areas in the United States. Competing with Read More

When it comes to wealth in Illinois, only Lake County trumps DuPage County, but that margin is shrinking. These two titans have battled it out to be the premier suburban area of Chicago for decades and each brings plenty to the table. DuPage County was once an industrial center but has transformed into a great place to live for the wealthy and the working family alike. There are many great townships within the borders of DuPage, and the county is one of the hottest housing markets in the United States. The crown jewel of DuPage County is Downers Grove Township. With a high population and the greatest amount of land, the township is one of the most prosperous areas in the entire United States. Close to Chicago but without a lot of big city problems, there is little wonder why it is a desirable place to live and work. This... Read More

Will County has risen in recent decades as the premier suburban area to live in the greater Chicago area. While DuPage County has the most exclusive neighborhoods, Will County has a wider range of environments and demographics. With some of the most beautiful parks in the nation, its rural charm, suburban amenities, and growing urban infrastructure, Will County continues to draw in people migrating from Cook County. As Chicagoland as a whole keeps growing, more and more people are making their homes in places like Joliet, Naperville, and Plainfield. Sharing a border with Cook County, Homer Township is close enough for commuters to live, while still having a rural feel. Located perfectly to act as a hub for other cities as well, the villages and towns of Homer Township are starting to see a growing influx of people. This has driven up the demand for housing and business real estate,... Read More

People have been moving away from Chicago and Cook County in droves for years. Most are settling in the suburban counties around the greater Chicago area, known as the collar counties. These once-rural areas are quickly transforming into suburban, exurban, and even urban areas. While this was initially a slow process, many issues have sped it up. The pandemic, cost of living, and crime are all factors, but spiking property values and taxes are one of the major factors. Both homeowners and renters are hit hard by these increases, forcing them to look elsewhere. Will County is one of the most notable of the collar counties. Home to Joliet, Naperville, and other major towns, Will County is more than a patchwork of farming communities and suburbs. One of the largest and most valuable areas in the county is Wheatland Township. Despite the rustic name, Wheatland Township has the greatest share... Read More

What is House Bill 581 and House Bill 92? This past year, there have been major property tax developments for the state of Georgia that affect homeowners, especially for homesteaded property. In January 2025, House Bill 581 (HB 581), also known as “Save Our Homes Act,” went into effect. HB 581 created a floating homestead exemption with the goal of limiting or capping the annual increase in taxable assessed value of homestead properties to match inflation. This bill prevents or caps significant hikes in property tax due to increased property values. Local governments had the option to opt out of the homestead exemption by March 1, 2025. Most local governments have opted out of the cap. However, House Bill 92 (HB 92) was enacted on April 1, 2025, to give government entities who opted out the chance to rescind their decision by April 30 of the same year. This was... Read More