CHEAP LAND NEAR CHICAGO: GUIDE TO FINDING AFFORDABLE PROPERTY
Finding cheap land near Chicago is a top priority for investors, homebuilders, and developers looking for affordable property options with strong future appreciation potential. While Chicago is known for its high real estate prices, there are still many suburban and rural areas offering cheap land opportunities within a reasonable distance of the city.
Whether you’re planning to build a home, start a business, invest in farmland, or buy and hold land for appreciation, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the best places to buy cheap land near Chicago, market trends, investment strategies, and tips to find and secure the best land deals in 2025.
Why Invest in Cheap Land Near Chicago?
Buying cheap land near Chicago comes with several advantages, making it an excellent investment opportunity for different types of buyers, including first-time investors, developers, and homeowners looking to build their dream property. Here’s why it’s a smart investment decision in 2025:
- Lower Cost Compared to City Properties
Real estate prices in downtown Chicago and its prime neighborhoods have skyrocketed, making it difficult for new investors and homebuyers to afford property. However, suburban and rural areas surrounding the city still offer affordable land options at a fraction of the cost.
For example:
- A single lot in Chicago can cost $200,000–$500,000 in prime locations.
- Meanwhile, undeveloped land in suburban counties can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per acre, depending on the location.
If you’re looking to buy land on a budget, focusing on rural or suburban land near Chicago can help you save money while still benefiting from market appreciation.
- High Appreciation Potential
With Chicago’s urban expansion and increasing demand for housing, land in developing suburbs is seeing steady value appreciation. Investors who purchase cheap land near Chicago now may experience significant returns in the next 5–10 years as these areas continue to grow.
- Suburban developments are increasing as families and businesses move away from crowded urban areas.
- New highways, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects are driving up land values.
- Landowners can hold property for resale or develop it into income-generating projects.
- Flexible Development Opportunities
Buying cheap land near Chicago allows you to explore multiple development options:
✔ Residential Construction: Build a single-family home, manufactured home, tiny house, or farmhouse.
✔ Commercial Use: Open a storage unit business, RV park, or rental property.
✔ Agricultural Use: Start a small farm, greenhouse, or vineyard.
✔ Investment Holding: Buy land and hold it for future appreciation without immediate development.
Unlike city lots, rural land has fewer restrictions, allowing greater flexibility in how the land is used.
- Lower Property Taxes & Maintenance Costs
Land in Chicago’s outer suburbs and rural counties comes with lower property taxes, making it an affordable long-term investment.
- Taxes on vacant land are often much lower than developed property.
- Land requires little to no maintenance compared to houses or commercial buildings.
- There are no utility costs unless you decide to develop the land.
This makes land a low-cost, low-risk investment, especially for first-time investors looking for cheap land near Chicago.
Best Places to Buy Cheap Land Near Chicago in 2025
If you are looking for cheap land near Chicago, several suburban and rural counties offer affordable land options with strong appreciation potential. As Chicago continues to expand, surrounding areas are seeing increased development, improved infrastructure, and rising demand for residential and commercial properties. These factors make it an excellent time to consider investing in land. Whether you’re planning to build a home, start a business, or hold land for future appreciation, the counties listed below provide some of the best opportunities to buy land at lower prices while still being within commuting distance to Chicago.
- Kankakee County (1 Hour South of Chicago)
Kankakee County is one of the most affordable places to buy cheap land near Chicago, offering low property taxes, vast open spaces, and excellent growth potential. With land prices ranging between $5,000 to $15,000 per acre, it is an ideal location for residential, agricultural, and commercial use.
One of the main advantages of Kankakee County is its strategic location along Interstate 57 (I-57), which provides direct access to downtown Chicago. Additionally, the Metra train service connects this county to the city, making it a convenient location for commuters who want to live in a quiet rural setting while working in Chicago’s business districts.
Real estate demand in Kankakee County has been steadily increasing, with developers focusing on expanding housing communities, commercial spaces, and agricultural businesses. The affordability of land, combined with growing infrastructure and economic opportunities, makes Kankakee County a top choice for investors and homebuyers looking for cheap land near Chicago.
- Will County (45 Minutes Southwest of Chicago)
Will County is another prime location for those seeking cheap land near Chicago, offering land prices that range from $10,000 to $30,000 per acre. This county has been experiencing rapid suburban expansion, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in Illinois.
One of the major reasons Will County is attracting investors is its strong economy and large-scale development projects. Several new housing communities, shopping centers, and commercial developments have been built in recent years, increasing property values and making land investments highly profitable.
The county’s excellent highway connectivity, including access to Interstate 55 (I-55) and Interstate 80 (I-80), makes it a desirable location for commuters who want to live in a suburban environment while maintaining easy access to Chicago. Additionally, Will County is home to several business parks and industrial zones, which drive demand for commercial land purchases.
If you’re looking for an area where land values are expected to rise steadily, Will County is a great place to buy and hold property. The combination of economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and a high demand for housing makes it one of the best places to invest in cheap land near Chicago.
- Grundy County (1 Hour Southwest of Chicago)
For those who prefer a more rural setting with affordable land prices, Grundy County is a great option. With land prices averaging between $8,000 to $20,000 per acre, this county provides plenty of opportunities for buyers looking to purchase land for farming, ranching, or recreational use.
Despite its rural charm, Grundy County is well-connected to larger suburban areas like Joliet, which has been seeing increased residential and commercial development. This means that property values in Grundy County are gradually rising, and those who invest now could benefit from long-term appreciation.
One of the major appeals of buying land in Grundy County is the peaceful atmosphere, low cost of living, and lower property taxes compared to more urbanized areas. This makes it an ideal location for those looking to build homes on large plots of land, start agricultural ventures, or simply hold land as an investment.
For investors who want cheap land near Chicago while still being relatively close to major business hubs, Grundy County offers a unique opportunity to secure land at a low cost before demand increases further.
- DeKalb County (1 Hour West of Chicago)
DeKalb County is one of the most underrated investment areas for those looking for cheap land near Chicago, with land prices averaging between $6,000 to $18,000 per acre. This county is home to Northern Illinois University (NIU), making it an excellent location for investors interested in student housing developments or rental properties.
Due to NIU’s presence, there is a consistent demand for housing, and investing in land here offers multiple opportunities, including:
✔ Developing student rental properties
✔ Building single-family homes
✔ Using land for agricultural purposes
The county also benefits from its strategic location along Interstate 88 (I-88), providing a direct route to Chicago, making it attractive for commuters and real estate developers. Many buyers overlook DeKalb County, but its combination of affordability, accessibility, and economic growth makes it one of the best hidden gems for land investment near Chicago.
- Lake County (45 Minutes North of Chicago)
For those who want cheap land near Chicago but still prefer a location closer to the city, Lake County is an ideal choice. While land prices are higher than other suburban counties, averaging between $20,000 to $50,000 per acre, the proximity to Chicago, strong economy, and high-end real estate market make it a great long-term investment.
Lake County is known for its wealthy communities, excellent schools, and strong commercial development, making it a desirable place for businesses and homebuyers alike.
If you are looking for a high-growth suburban market, Lake County offers plenty of opportunities, including:
✔ Developing residential properties for high-income buyers
✔ Buying commercial land in a business-friendly area
✔ Investing in land with strong long-term appreciation potential
Additionally, Lake County has some of the best recreational amenities in Illinois, including lakefront properties, golf courses, and hiking trails, making it an excellent location for those interested in developing luxury real estate or vacation rental properties.
For investors who are willing to spend slightly more upfront, Lake County provides some of the best long-term returns in the Chicago real estate market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buying Cheap Land Near Chicago
- Is it a good time to buy land near Chicago in 2025?
Yes! Land values are steadily rising, making 2025 a great time to buy.
- What is the cheapest area to buy land near Chicago?
Kankakee County and Grundy County offer some of the lowest land prices near the city.
- Can I buy land and build a house near Chicago?
Yes! Many suburban and rural areas allow residential construction.
- Are there financing options for buying land?
Yes! You can use:
✔ Bank loans
✔ Owner financing
✔ USDA rural development loans
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Cheap Land Near Chicago in 2025?
Buying cheap land near Chicago is an excellent investment opportunity with high growth potential. Whether you want to build, develop, or hold land for future value, now is the perfect time to invest.
📢 Ready to buy land near Chicago? Start your search today! 🚀
