Relocating to Northern Illinois: What to Know Before Moving

Relocating to Northern Illinois means choosing more than a house. You are choosing a daily routine, commute, community, property costs, seasonal responsibilities, and lifestyle. Moving to a new area can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you are trying to compare homes, towns, expenses, schools, taxes, and travel routes at the same time.

Before comparing kitchens, backyards, garages, or lake views, start with a better question:

Will this home, location, and cost of ownership support the life you are moving here to build?

That question matters in McHenry County, Lake County, the Chain O’Lakes area, and nearby communities in Kane and Cook counties because each location can offer a different mix of commute options, property types, tax considerations, school districts, recreational access, and homeownership responsibilities.

This relocation guide will help you think through the practical details before committing to an address.

What should you consider before relocating to Northern Illinois?

Before relocating to Northern Illinois, you should consider your daily routine, commute, complete cost of ownership, property taxes, schools, seasonal maintenance, utilities, inspections, waterfront responsibilities, and moving timeline. The right home should fit your life, not just your wish list.

A smart relocation plan should include:

• Daily commute and travel needs
  
  
• Comfortable monthly budget
  
  
• Property taxes and insurance
  
  
• School district confirmation, when relevant
  
  
• Home maintenance expectations
  
  
• Winter and summer property needs
  
  
• Well, septic, water, sewer, and radon details
  
  
• Waterfront access and flood considerations, when applicable
  
  
• Rent-versus-buy timing
  
  
• First-month move-in tasks
  
  

The goal is not to rush into the most impressive home. The goal is to choose a home and community that support your routine, budget, and long-term plans.

Key takeaway: Relocation should begin with lifestyle and cost planning before the home search gets serious.

Image Suggestion: A relocation checklist with categories for commute, taxes, schools, budget, utilities, and home features.
Alt Text: “Northern Illinois relocation checklist before moving.”

Why should your daily routine guide your home search?

Your daily routine should guide your home search because the best property is the one that fits how you actually live during an ordinary week. A beautiful home can still become frustrating if the location, commute, maintenance, or access to everyday services does not fit your lifestyle.

Before narrowing your search by town name alone, ask:

• Where will I work?
  
  
• How often will I commute?
  
  
• Do I need a dedicated home office?
  
  
• How much yard or exterior maintenance do I want?
  
  
• Do I want to be near shopping, restaurants, parks, or medical services?
  
  
• Do I need quick access to highways or Metra?
  
  
• How often will I travel to Chicago, the suburbs, or out of state?
  
  
• Do I want a quiet rural setting, a lake-area lifestyle, or a more suburban location?
  
  

Separate your priorities into three categories.

Nonnegotiable needs

These may include your comfortable monthly budget, maximum commute, required layout, accessibility needs, number of bedrooms, or school district needs.

Strong preferences

These may include outdoor space, proximity to Metra, garage capacity, lake access, or nearby recreation.

Flexible features

These may include cosmetic finishes, extra rooms, flooring, paint colors, or improvements you could make later.

A larger lot may look attractive during a showing, but if you do not want to spend weekends maintaining it, a smaller property closer to your daily destinations may fit better.

Key takeaway: Choose the location around your routine, then choose the home within that location.

Image Suggestion: A buyer comparing work commute, errands, recreation, and home features on a weekly routine map.
Alt Text: “Relocating buyer choosing a Northern Illinois home based on daily routine.”

How should you test a Northern Illinois commute before moving?

You should test a Northern Illinois commute during the actual days and times you expect to travel, not just by checking one map estimate. A commute can look very different depending on traffic, train schedules, parking, transfers, and the final distance from station to destination.

If you plan to commute by car, test:

• Morning drive time
  
  
• Evening return time
  
  
• Highway access
  
  
• Local road congestion
  
  
• Weather impact
  
  
• School traffic
  
  
• Construction zones
  
  
• Parking availability
  
  

If you plan to use Metra, compare the full trip.

Several Metra corridors may be relevant to Northern Illinois relocations:

• The Union Pacific Northwest line serves communities including Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, and Woodstock, with service to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.
  
  
• The Milwaukee District North line serves Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Ingleside, and Fox Lake, with service to Chicago Union Station.
  
  
• The North Central Service line includes Antioch, Lake Villa, and Round Lake Beach, also connecting to Union Station.
  
  

Use current Metra schedules and confirm that departure times, return options, parking, and service frequency actually fit your work schedule.

Key takeaway: A nearby station or highway does not guarantee the commute will work for your life.

Image Suggestion: A relocating buyer comparing Metra routes, highway access, and commute times on a Northern Illinois map.
Alt Text: “Testing commute options before relocating to Northern Illinois.”

How should buyers budget before relocating to Northern Illinois?

Buyers relocating to Northern Illinois should budget for the full cost of ownership, not just the mortgage payment. Purchase price is only one part of what it costs to own a home.

Ask your lender to explain the projected monthly payment, including:

• Principal
  
  
• Interest
  
  
• Property taxes
  
  
• Homeowners insurance
  
  
• Mortgage insurance, when applicable
  
  
• Escrow items
  
  
• Estimated closing costs
  
  
• Cash needed to close
  
  

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that the Loan Estimate shows estimated loan terms, projected payments, closing costs, and cash to close, which can help buyers compare affordability before committing to a loan.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/

Then build your own household budget beyond the lender estimate.

Include:

• Utilities
  
  
• Internet
  
  
• Transportation
  
  
• Routine maintenance
  
  
• Emergency repairs
  
  
• Lawn care
  
  
• Snow removal
  
  
• Moving expenses
  
  
• Storage
  
  
• Temporary housing
  
  
• Immediate purchases after closing
  
  

Compare three numbers:

What the lender may approve. What you can comfortably spend. What leaves room for unexpected expenses.

Those numbers do not need to be the same.

Key takeaway: The goal is not only to qualify for the home. The goal is to remain comfortable owning it.

Image Suggestion: A relocation budget worksheet showing mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and moving costs.
Alt Text: “Budgeting for the full cost of owning a home in Northern Illinois.”

Why do Illinois property taxes matter when relocating?

Illinois property taxes matter when relocating because two homes with similar purchase prices can have very different monthly ownership costs. Property taxes should be reviewed carefully before making an offer.

Start with the actual county tax record for the property.

Review:

• Parcel identification number
  
  
• Recent tax bills
  
  
• Assessment information
  
  
• Exemptions currently applied
  
  
• Taxing districts
  
  
• Property classification
  
  
• Any recent changes
  
  

The Illinois Department of Revenue explains that Illinois property taxes are based on property assessments and local taxing district levies, and the property tax cycle generally covers two years.
Source: https://tax.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/tax/research/publications/documents/pios/pio-16.pdf

Do not assume the seller’s tax bill will be your future tax bill. The seller may have exemptions that do not apply to you, and future assessments or local rates may change.

The Illinois Department of Revenue also provides information on property tax relief programs and exemptions, including homestead-related exemptions.
Source: https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html

Ask your lender and real estate attorney to explain the tax estimate being used, the closing proration, and how future tax adjustments may affect your payment.

Key takeaway: Compare the full monthly cost of each property, not only the purchase price.

Image Suggestion: A buyer comparing two similarly priced homes with different property tax bills.
Alt Text: “Comparing Illinois property taxes before relocating to Northern Illinois.”

How should families research schools and everyday services by address?

Families should research schools and everyday services by exact address because district boundaries, enrollment rules, transportation, and available services can vary. A listing description should not be the only source used to confirm school information.

If school access matters, start with official sources.

The Illinois Report Card is the state’s official source for public-school information and includes academic performance, school environment, educator information, and school-specific highlights.
Source: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/

Contact the district directly to confirm:

• Schools serving the exact address
  
  
• Enrollment requirements
  
  
• Transportation
  
  
• Program availability
  
  
• Boundary details
  
  
• Registration documents
  
  
• Timing for enrollment
  
  

Also check everyday services by address:

• Healthcare providers
  
  
• Insurance networks
  
  
• Internet availability
  
  
• Grocery stores
  
  
• Pharmacies
  
  
• Libraries
  
  
• Parks and recreation
  
  
• Childcare or senior services
  
  
• Fitness or community facilities
  
  

During a scouting visit, leave time for normal errands. Visit the grocery store, test the commute, drive to nearby services, and see how the location feels during an ordinary day.

Key takeaway: A community should work for your everyday life, not only for the showing appointment.

Image Suggestion: A relocating family reviewing school district information, nearby services, and community amenities.
Alt Text: “Researching schools and services before relocating to Northern Illinois.”

How do Northern Illinois seasons affect homeownership?

Northern Illinois seasons affect homeownership because buyers need to plan for winter weather, seasonal maintenance, heating, cooling, drainage, and summer conditions before choosing a property. A home that looks great during one season still needs to work year-round.

Ask property-specific questions about:

• Furnace age and service records
  
  
• Air conditioning condition
  
  
• Insulation
  
  
• Attic ventilation
  
  
• Window condition
  
  
• Roof age
  
  
• Gutters and drainage
  
  
• Basement moisture
  
  
• Sump pump equipment
  
  
• Backup systems
  
  
• Driveway slope and snow removal
  
  
• Deck, patio, and exterior maintenance
  
  

The National Weather Service climate normals for Chicago and Rockford document freezing winter temperatures, seasonal snowfall, and warm summers. These are long-term climate references, not forecasts for a specific year.
Source: https://www.weather.gov/lot/ord_rfd_monthly_yearly_normals

For basements, ask about past water intrusion, sump pump history, backup systems, and drainage work. For homes with long driveways, review how snow removal would work in winter.

Key takeaway: A home that looks appealing in July still needs to function well in January.

Image Suggestion: A Northern Illinois home shown in both winter and summer, with notes for heating, cooling, drainage, and snow removal.
Alt Text: “Planning for Northern Illinois seasons before buying a home.”

What inspections should relocating buyers consider?

Relocating buyers should consider inspections and evaluations that match the property, including general home inspection, radon testing, well evaluation, septic evaluation, and specialized inspections when needed. The right inspections help buyers understand what they are purchasing.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends arranging a home inspection early enough to address findings and obtain additional evaluations when necessary. It also explains that a home inspection is different from a lender’s appraisal.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/schedule-a-home-inspection/

Depending on the property, buyers may review:

• General home inspection
  
  
• Radon testing
  
  
• Well evaluation
  
  
• Septic evaluation
  
  
• Sewer scope
  
  
• Roof evaluation
  
  
• HVAC evaluation
  
  
• Structural review
  
  
• Mold or moisture evaluation
  
  
• Pest or wood-destroying insect inspection
  
  
• Waterfront or dock evaluation
  
  
• Flood or drainage concerns
  
  

The inspection is not about making the home perfect. It is about understanding condition, risk, maintenance, and potential cost before closing.

Key takeaway: Inspection choices should match the property, not just follow a generic checklist.

Image Suggestion: A home inspector reviewing a basement, sump pump, electrical panel, and exterior drainage.
Alt Text: “Home inspection before buying a Northern Illinois property.”

What should buyers know about well, septic, water, sewer, and radon?

Buyers should confirm whether a Northern Illinois property uses public water and sewer, a private well, septic system, or a combination of services before purchasing. These systems can affect maintenance, inspections, monthly costs, and future repairs.

For homes with a private well or septic system, request available records and arrange appropriate evaluations.

Lake County states that its well and septic evaluation process includes a records review and on-site assessment, and water sampling can test for coliform bacteria and nitrates.
Source: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2474/Well-Septic-Evaluations

Lake County also notes that its septic evaluation does not include pumping or an interior tank inspection, and its well evaluation does not include a water-delivery-rate test. Those services may require separate arrangements.
Source: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2474/Well-Septic-Evaluations

Radon should also be part of the conversation. Illinois radon guidance recommends testing before purchasing or taking occupancy and using a licensed measurement professional for a real estate transaction.
Source: https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iemaohs/nrs/radon/documents/radontestguidelineforrealestate.pdf

Ask about:

• System age
  
  
• Maintenance records
  
  
• Water quality
  
  
• Water flow
  
  
• Septic capacity
  
  
• Pumping history
  
  
• Repair history
  
  
• Radon testing
  
  
• Mitigation systems, if present
  
  

Key takeaway: These checks are not automatic deal-breakers. They help you understand ownership responsibilities before closing.

Image Suggestion: A buyer reviewing well, septic, and radon testing records before purchasing a Northern Illinois home.
Alt Text: “Well septic and radon checks before buying in Northern Illinois.”

What should buyers know before purchasing a Chain O’Lakes or waterfront home?

Buyers considering a Chain O’Lakes or waterfront home should look beyond the view and verify access rights, flood risk, shoreline features, insurance needs, docks, piers, easements, and waterway rules. Waterfront living can offer a strong lifestyle benefit, but it also adds property-specific responsibilities.

The Chain O’Lakes area offers access to boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Chain O’Lakes State Park extends into both McHenry and Lake counties and includes water-oriented activities, trails, and picnic areas.
Source: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.chainolakes.html

Before buying near water, ask your attorney and relevant local authorities to verify:

• Recorded ownership boundaries
  
  
• Access rights
  
  
• Easements
  
  
• Shoreline restrictions
  
  
• Dock or pier approvals
  
  
• Seawall documentation
  
  
• Maintenance history
  
  
• Floodplain details
  
  
• Insurance requirements
  
  
• Association or waterway rules
  
  
• Boat launch and storage options
  
  

Do not treat a water view as proof of private water access. Verify the rights attached to the property.

Review flood information through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
Source: https://msc.fema.gov/

Also discuss flood coverage with your insurance provider. FloodSmart explains that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, and separate flood coverage may be needed.
Source: https://www.floodsmart.gov/

For boating, the Fox Waterway Agency publishes sticker requirements for operating watercraft on the Chain O’Lakes.
Source: https://foxwaterway.com/fwa-stickers/

Key takeaway: A thoughtful waterfront purchase accounts for both the lifestyle and the responsibilities.

Image Suggestion: A Chain O’Lakes waterfront home with a dock, boat, and inspection checklist.
Alt Text: “Buying a Chain O’Lakes waterfront home in Northern Illinois.”

Should you buy immediately or rent first when relocating?

You should decide whether to buy immediately or rent first based on your confidence in the location, job situation, budget, timeline, and familiarity with the area. You do not have to force a purchase to match your moving date.

Renting first may help if:

• Your work location is uncertain
  
  
• You have limited time to visit
  
  
• You are comparing multiple communities
  
  
• You need time to learn the area
  
  
• You want to avoid rushing into the wrong home
  
  
• Your current home sale timing is uncertain
  
  

Buying immediately may make sense if:

• You know the area well
  
  
• Your job location is stable
  
  
• Your budget is clear
  
  
• You have already researched communities
  
  
• You are comfortable with the property
  
  
• You have enough time for inspections and closing
  
  

Renting first creates added costs and may mean moving twice. Buying immediately requires more certainty.

If you are relocating for work, share the details with your lender early. Ask what documentation is needed for a new job, remote-work arrangement, relocation reimbursement, or the sale of your current home.

The CFPB’s closing guidance emphasizes responding to lender requests, arranging inspections, shopping for insurance, and reviewing documents before signing.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/

Key takeaway: The right timing depends on your confidence, not someone else’s moving schedule.

Image Suggestion: A relocating buyer comparing rent-first and buy-now options on a planning worksheet.
Alt Text: “Deciding whether to rent first or buy immediately when relocating to Northern Illinois.”

What should you plan for during your first month after moving?

Your relocation plan should include the first month after moving, not just closing day or moving day. The first few weeks are easier when utilities, documents, services, and local requirements are already organized.

Before the move, confirm:

• Utility start dates
  
  
• Internet installation
  
  
• Moving company arrangements
  
  
• Insurance timing
  
  
• Possession date
  
  
• Storage plans
  
  
• Temporary housing, if needed
  
  
• Essential items and documents
  
  
• Medication, pet, or school needs
  
  

At the final walkthrough, review:

• Property condition
  
  
• Agreed repairs
  
  
• Included items
  
  
• Main water shutoff location
  
  
• Electrical panel location
  
  
• HVAC controls
  
  
• Sump pump location
  
  
• Appliance manuals or warranties
  
  
• Garage remotes, keys, and access devices
  
  

After arrival, handle:

• Mailing address updates
  
  
• Local service schedules
  
  
• Trash and recycling pickup
  
  
• Routine maintenance
  
  
• School registration, if applicable
  
  
• Vehicle and license requirements
  
  
• Insurance updates
  
  
• Property folder organization
  
  

For people moving from another state, the Illinois Secretary of State currently lists a 90-day deadline for obtaining an Illinois driver’s license. Vehicle title and registration are separate matters, so new residents should review the instructions carefully.
Source: https://www.ilsos.gov/services/newresidents.html

Keep a property folder with closing documents, inspection reports, warranties, service records, insurance information, and tax correspondence.

Key takeaway: Moving feels less stressful when the first month is planned before the truck arrives.

Image Suggestion: A first-month relocation checklist with utilities, internet, documents, driver’s license, and home maintenance tasks.
Alt Text: “First month checklist after relocating to Northern Illinois.”

How can an AI-Certified real estate agent help with a Northern Illinois relocation?

An AI-Certified real estate agent can help relocating buyers organize property comparisons, summarize community questions, track inspection items, prepare clearer timelines, and communicate next steps more efficiently. The value is not just the technology. The value is a more organized relocation process.

Relocation creates a lot of moving pieces.

AI-supported tools may help:

• Compare homes across communities
  
  
• Organize commute notes
  
  
• Summarize property questions
  
  
• Track must-haves and flexible features
  
  
• Create relocation checklists
  
  
• Organize inspection follow-up items
  
  
• Prepare clearer listing comparisons
  
  
• Summarize buyer questions
  
  
• Keep next steps easier to follow
  
  

Still, technology should support professional judgment, not replace it. A strong local agent brings community knowledge, negotiation experience, practical property insight, and human guidance through a high-stakes move.

Key takeaway: Smart tools can make relocation more organized, but local expertise helps you understand what the information means.

Image Suggestion: An AI-Certified real estate agent helping a relocating buyer compare Northern Illinois communities on a tablet.
Alt Text: “AI-Certified real estate agent helping with Northern Illinois relocation.”

What is the Northern Illinois relocation checklist?

A Northern Illinois relocation checklist helps buyers compare communities, costs, commute, property condition, taxes, schools, inspections, and move-in tasks before making a decision. Use it before committing to an address.

Use this checklist:

• Define your daily routine
  
  
• Separate needs, preferences, and flexible features
  
  
• Test the commute at real travel times
  
  
• Review Metra options, if relevant
  
  
• Build a full ownership budget
  
  
• Compare lender approval with comfortable payment
  
  
• Review property-specific tax records
  
  
• Confirm exemptions and future tax expectations
  
  
• Research schools by exact address
  
  
• Check healthcare, internet, shopping, and services
  
  
• Plan for winter and summer maintenance
  
  
• Review heating, cooling, drainage, and basement details
  
  
• Confirm water, sewer, well, or septic systems
  
  
• Test for radon when appropriate
  
  
• Verify waterfront access and flood information, if applicable
  
  
• Review insurance needs
  
  
• Decide whether to buy immediately or rent first
  
  
• Share relocation details with your lender early
  
  
• Build a first-month move-in plan
  
  
• Work with local professionals who understand the area
  
  

Key takeaway: A relocation checklist helps you choose with confidence instead of pressure.

Image Suggestion: A printable Northern Illinois relocation checklist with sections for commute, taxes, schools, inspections, and first-month tasks.
Alt Text: “Northern Illinois relocation checklist for home buyers.”

Make your Northern Illinois move with a clear plan

A thoughtful relocation is not about choosing the most impressive house or making the quickest decision.

It is about understanding how the location, property, expenses, and timing fit together.

Before committing, make sure you can explain why the community supports your routine, what the home will cost to own, which property questions have been answered, and what still needs professional review.

My approach is to begin with those conversations. The home search should follow your goals, not pressure you into changing them.

Planning a move to Northern Illinois? Let’s discuss your priorities, timeline, and the questions you want answered before making a decision.

Kevin Kalbach
Agent | Realty Executives Cornerstone
Call or text: 815-321-4250
Email: kevin@ourcommunityagent.com

Success Starts With a Callback.

This article provides general relocation information. Confirm property-specific conditions, taxes, insurance coverage, contract terms, and current requirements with the appropriate professionals and public agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Illinois a good place to relocate?

Northern Illinois can be a good place to relocate if the community, commute, home costs, schools, services, and property type fit your lifestyle. McHenry County, Lake County, the Chain O’Lakes area, and nearby communities offer different housing options and daily routines. The best choice depends on your work location, budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term plans.

What should I check before moving to Northern Illinois?

Before moving to Northern Illinois, check your commute, property taxes, school district, insurance costs, utility availability, internet options, seasonal maintenance needs, and property condition. If the home has well, septic, radon concerns, waterfront access, or flood risk, review those details before closing.

Should I rent before buying after relocating?

Renting before buying can make sense if you are unfamiliar with the area, unsure about your work location, or still comparing communities. Buying immediately may work if your budget, job location, timeline, and preferred community are already clear. Compare the cost of renting first with the risk of buying too quickly.

How do Illinois property taxes affect relocation decisions?

Illinois property taxes can significantly affect monthly ownership costs. Two similarly priced homes can have different tax bills based on location, assessment, exemptions, and local taxing districts. Buyers should review the property-specific tax record and ask their lender and attorney to explain the tax estimate and closing proration.

What should I know about buying a Chain O’Lakes waterfront home?

When buying a Chain O’Lakes waterfront home, verify access rights, shoreline features, dock or pier documentation, flood information, insurance needs, easements, and waterway rules. A water view does not automatically mean private water access. Review property-specific documents with the appropriate professionals before purchasing.

Internal Link Opportunities

Use these only if you have real live pages on your website:

• relocating to Northern Illinois → Link to your relocation consultation page
  
  
• moving to McHenry County IL → Link to your McHenry County community page
  
  
• moving to Lake County IL → Link to your Lake County community page
  
  
• buying a home in Northern Illinois → Link to your buyer guide
  
  
• Chain O’Lakes real estate → Link to your waterfront homes page
  
  
• Illinois property taxes → Link to your property tax guide
  
  
• Northern Illinois relocation checklist → Link to your downloadable relocation checklist
  
  
• Success Starts With a Callback → Link to your contact page
  
  

Sources Used

• Metra, Union Pacific Northwest Line Stations: https://ridertools.metrarail.com/es/maps-schedules/train-lines/up-nw/stations
  
  
• Metra, Milwaukee District North Schedule: https://schedules.metrarail.com/pdf/MD-N.pdf
  
  
• Metra, North Central Service Schedule: https://schedules.metrarail.com/pdf/NCS.pdf
  
  
• Metra, System Map: https://ridertools.metrarail.com/es/maps-schedules/system-map
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Loan Estimate Explainer: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/
  
  
• Illinois Department of Revenue, An Overview of Property Tax: https://tax.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/tax/research/publications/documents/pios/pio-16.pdf
  
  
• Illinois Department of Revenue, Property Tax Exemption Information: https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html
  
  
• Illinois Report Card: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/
  
  
• National Weather Service, Chicago and Rockford Climate Normals: https://www.weather.gov/lot/ord_rfd_monthly_yearly_normals
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Schedule a Home Inspection: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/schedule-a-home-inspection/
  
  
• Lake County, Illinois, Well and Septic Evaluations: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2474/Well-Septic-Evaluations
  
  
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Radon Real Estate Testing Guidance: https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iemaohs/nrs/radon/documents/radontestguidelineforrealestate.pdf
  
  
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chain O’Lakes State Park: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.chainolakes.html
  
  
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/
  
  
• FloodSmart, National Flood Insurance Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov/
  
  
• Fox Waterway Agency, Sticker Requirements: https://foxwaterway.com/fwa-stickers/
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Closing on Your New Home: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/
  
  
• Illinois Secretary of State, New to Illinois Driving: https://www.ilsos.gov/services/newresidents.html