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Hopefully, this guide will give you all the information you need to fall in love with the city of New Lenox. In this guide, we will go over all of your burning questions. For instance, “what is the area like?”, “What is there to do?”, “How is the economy?”, “What are the schools like?” and so much more. So buckle up and join us as we explore the city of New Lenox.

New Lenox’s town came from humble beginnings as a small farming settlement alongside Hickory Creek and the Des Plaines River. Early European Colonists and the Potawatomi Tribe shared the land and the waterways for decades. Until, in the 1830s, the tribe was removed from the ground. 

The small development population began to rise after the Chicago and Rock Island Railway finished their construction. It was a massive development for the settlers as the train brought the town industry and people. The village adopted the name from Lenox, New York, the hometown of their township supervisor. As the railway grew in popularity, New Lenox began to gain a strong economy upon their agricultural production. 

Decades later, Interstate 80 was completed nearby to New Lenox, which resulted in another population boom. This addition transformed New Lenox from a rural village to the suburb that it is today. From that point forward, New Lenox only continues to grow in size and industry.

New Lenox is located about 36 miles southwest of Chicago, bordered by Hickory Creek and the Des Plaines River. The town is established in Will County of Illinois. This 15 square mile city borders other well-known northern suburbs such as Mokena, Frankfort, and Joliet, IL. This picturesque spot is a splendid blend of a suburban community feel and a lively city. It’s the type of town where your neighbors know your name. With a beautiful cityscape and mother nature as the backdrop, New Lenox steps away from your average suburban experience.

There tends to be quite a negative reputation when it comes to Chicagoland weather. We have heard the horror stories of the cold and snow just as much as you. But really, Illinois weather is not as bad as you would think. The yearly mean temperature of New Lenox is about 52°F, with an annual average temperature ranging from 85°F to 20°F. The month that is the warmest is July, with an average daily temperature of 76°F. The month that is the coldest out of the year in New Lenox is January, with an average low temperature of 26°F. 

In terms of precipitation, New Lenox ranks relatively average. The average annual rainfall in New Lenox is 16.82 inches. The month of the year with the most precipitation in New Lenox is June, with an average of 2.14 inches.

So if you come to New Lenox, you may not have the frozen tundra experience that Midwesterners speak of, but maybe bring a winter coat and an umbrella for good measure.

Now that we’ve gotten to know the area a bit more, let’s take a good look at the people of New Lenox. New Lenox has a population of 26,926 residents. According to the most recent census, there are an estimated 8,796 total households in New Lenox, with an average of about three household members per home.

Guess what, ladies? New Lenox is a female-dominated town, with 51% of residents being female and only 49% male. The median age for women in New Lenox is 40.4 years old. The male median age is 37.1 years old. That makes for a total median age of 38.7 for Frankfort residents.

As claimed by the most recent census report, the racial demographics of New Lenox show that 96.2% of the population contains White or Caucasian residents. 5.6% of New Lenox residents are Hispanic or Latino. 0.7% of residents are Black or African American. 0.6% of residents are Asian, and 1.6% are biracial. 

Regardless of your heritage or identity, New Lenox is sure to have people just like you. Within the limits of New Lenox, there’s no doubt that you will find your chosen family.

We understand that living cost is of the utmost importance when moving. We get it; moving is expensive and scary. Let us take some of that pressure off of this difficult decision. Here in this section, we have included everything you need to know about New Lenox’s economy and cost of living.

The unemployment rate is 4.2% in New Lenox, a much lower number than the national average of unemployment at 4.7%. It is also essential to consider that Illinois has an unemployment rate of 5.3%, making New Lenox’s unemployment rate better than the state of Illinois as a whole. You have a significantly better chance of employment in New Lenox than most other places in Illinois. The poverty rate in New Lenox is 2.9%, which is considerably lower than the national average of 15.1%.

The cost of living index, a tool to calculate the cost of living in one location compared to others, ranks the cost of living in New Lenox at 106.3 out of 100. Though this number is slightly higher than the living index for the state of Illinois at 93.4, it is crucial to consider that the job market, the overall industry, and the location are much more prosperous in New Lenox than in other parts of the state. As reported on the last census, the median household income of New Lenox is about $110,303, nearly double the national average at $55,322. The median value of a home in New Lenox is $294,800.

And if purchasing a house is not in your wheelhouse, New Lenox has an excellent variety of homes, condos, and apartments to rent at a median monthly rate of only $1,143!

Schools are among the most significant factors of moving for those with a family or planning for a family. It will put you at ease to learn that New Lenox is known for its outstanding education system and dedicated staff members. Two school districts serve New Lenox: District 122, which carries the elementary and middle-level students, and District 210, which holds students at the high school level. 

For your young ones who are just beginning their educational journey, there’s a variety of options for public schooling. In terms of public schools, your child will attend one of four schools from 1st-3rd grade and another one of four from 4th-6th grade, depending on your location. The schools in this district are well-known for valuing each student’s progress and having caring and dedicated teachers for every student’s education. 

After elementary school, your child will attend one of two middle schools in the district, either Liberty Junior High or Alex M. Martino Junior High. Despite the larger size of these two schools, they both genuinely prioritize your student. They provide lots of one-on-one time and after-school programs like tutoring to engage and assist each student. They also are known for their sports teams and clubs that strive to reach all students, regardless of their interests. 

Perhaps, if you are more interested in private education for your child, New Lenox may be the place to be. The area is home to a selection of some of the state’s best private schools. From Trinity School to New Lenox Bridgepoint Academy, these K-8 schools are sure to present your students with the best private education that money can buy.

Following junior high, your child will move on to the next school district, District 210. This district is home to Lincoln-Way Central High School and Lincoln-Way West High School. Despite which school your child ends up in, know that they will be in great hands. District 210 schools provide some of the best support and education in the area. Teachers and staff are committed to the success and the future of your child. These high schools are known for the wide range of activities your child can get involved in. From sports to clubs to academic teams, your student is bound to find something for them. 

For the future of your child and their education, New Lenox is the place where you belong.

Safety is always a significant concern, especially for those with children. Why don’t we go over some of the crime statistics and safety services that New Lenox provides? 

In the past 15 years, the most common crime reported was theft, with about 342 cases in the last year. After theft, follows burglaries with around 21 cases per year. Pertaining to the violent crime index, New Lenox received a score of 81.2, which is tiny compared to the national average of 205.8. New Lenox is a relatively safe place to live, and you can be at peace knowing that you are in one of the lower-ranked cities when it comes to violent crime.

But we understand that concern remains. That is why you should know New Lenox is recognized for its law enforcement team. Their officers are well-trained and dependable for all of your safety concerns.

Are you getting hungry after all that information? You’ve come to the right place. New Lenox has several fantastic cuisine options, no matter the time of day or style you have a craving for.

The first place you have got to check out is the Country Charm Restaurant. For breakfast or lunch, this fresh American dining experience will certainly hit the spot. With a menu ranging from Belgium waffles to biscuits and gravy, and a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options, you are sure to find your new favorite dish. This place is also known for its phenomenal service and welcoming staff. It surely is the perfect place for a cozy breakfast.

The next must-try place is Cooper Hawk’s Winery and Restaurant. For a night out with some friends or a family dinner, this is the place to go. It has a very modern aesthetic and a lively interior that presents a luxury dining feel without the luxury dining prices. Try their vast selection of wines and savor some of their American-styled food. Yum!

For a quicker bite of something different, try out El Burrito Loco. Please stop in and sit down or hit their drive-thru for the finest Mexican cuisines around. Further, make sure to try out their homemade guacamole and horchata alongside some of their famous tacos.

Regardless of the type of day out you are looking for, New Lenox is the spot to be. With hundreds of different things to do here, it was hard to narrow it down. But we have selected a few places that you need to look into. 

For a nice day outside, check out the Hickory Creek Preserve. This 1,541-acre forest preserve is a beautiful scene for hiking, biking, or running. Take a stroll through nature and breathe in that fresh air. And don’t worry, this park provides different lengths of paved trails to tailor to both beginners and experts.

Need a night out with your friend? Look no further than Board and Brush, a wine tasting and wood sign workshop for you to fancy. Book ahead for a group session to design your own wooden sign to spice up your home decor. All while enjoying some fine wines to sip and have fun.

When the air gets cold and crisp, you know what that means: Corn Mazes. Lucky for you, Konow’s Corn Maze in New Lenox has all you need for a perfect fall day with friends and family. This farm has attractions, such as petting zoos, rides, trampolines, and much more. There are also pumpkin patches where you can pick out that perfectly round pumpkin to carve. And when the sun goes down, venture into the corn maze and discover your way out!

For a free and relaxed day, check out the New Lenox Commons. With a performance stage, the regularly hosts concerts to a summer theater camp; this space is perfect for relaxing or engaging yourself creatively.

Hopefully, we’ve helped you learn more about what makes New Lenox so wonderful. New Lenox is a community like no other with living conditions that will make you glad you made the move. So what are you waiting for? Get on over here and join the home of proud Americans.