Relocating
Relocating to Chicago and the suburbs
Chicagoland covers the city's 77 community areas and hundreds of suburbs, each with different housing, commutes, and property taxes. I help relocating buyers narrow the map quickly, tour efficiently or by video, and buy with confidence before or after the move.
- Daniel EllingtonLicensed Illinois Real Estate Broker
- Infiniti PropertiesBrokerage since 1991, Homewood office
- IL License #475211812Chicagoland and throughout Illinois
Who this is for
Job transfers
Buyers on a deadline who need to find the right area fast.
Families moving to the area
Buyers comparing city living with suburban space.
Remote buyers
Buyers who need to tour and close from out of state.
How it works
- Discovery call Your commute, budget, timeline, and must-haves.
- Narrow the map Compare neighborhoods and suburbs that fit your priorities.
- Tour in person or by video Live video tours and efficient in-person tour days.
- Offer and remote closing Attorney-coordinated closing, in person or remotely.
What I do for you
- Honest comparisons of housing stock, commute, and costs across areas
- Live video tours and recorded walkthroughs
- Property tax comparisons between towns and counties
- Introductions to lenders, attorneys, and inspectors
- Help timing your sale, move, and purchase
Getting around Chicagoland
Commutes shape where people live here. The CTA serves the city and some close-in suburbs, and Metra commuter rail lines reach dozens of suburbs, so living near a station can make a big difference. Driving times vary widely with traffic.
Property taxes also vary a lot by town and county, and Illinois closings use real estate attorneys. I'll explain how both affect your budget before you commit to an area. For schools, I point buyers to the Illinois Report Card and district websites so you can compare directly.
Common questions
Can I buy a home before I move to Chicago?
Yes. Many relocating buyers use live video tours, then visit for a final look or close remotely through their attorney.
Should I live in the city or the suburbs?
It depends on your commute, space needs, and lifestyle. I'll help you compare a few city neighborhoods and suburbs side by side based on what matters most to you.
How do property taxes compare across the area?
They vary significantly by town, county, and even school district. I'll show you the actual tax bill for any home you're considering.
Should I rent first?
Sometimes it makes sense, especially if your timeline is uncertain. But if you know where you'll work, buying can save a second move. We'll weigh both.
How do I research schools?
The Illinois Report Card from the Illinois State Board of Education and district websites are good starting points. Visiting schools and talking with them directly is the best way to decide.
This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Consult a real estate attorney, CPA, or lender about your situation.
Other buyer guides
First-time buyers
Condo buyers
FHA and VA buyers
New construction
Foreclosures and as-is
House hacking
All buyer services
Planning a move to Chicagoland?
Call or text Daniel directly, or send a message. Most inquiries get a same-day response.
Brokerage 708-206-3000 | IL License #475211812
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What Our Clients Say About Us
Dan was an excellent representative for us and I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again
Daniel has been amazing for me as an out of state investors. Very response, pretty decent comps. He's gone above and beyond for me.
Daniel was absolutely phenomenal during our house hunt and closing. Any time an issue came up, Daniel took it in stride and helped everybody involved to have a smooth process. He is wildly friendly and knowledgeable, and was invaluable to us as First Time Homebuyers; he kept us informed and up to date the second anything changed. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Daniel again for my next house, and the next ones after that.