Top Real Estate Agents in Lemont, Illinois

Lemont Real Estate Market Intelligence

Lemont, Illinois, located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, is a community characterized by high homeownership and established residential stability. The city's housing market reflects this, with a median home value of $456,000 and an average home size of 1,875 square feet. The homeownership rate is a very high 89.0%, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied market, with a corresponding renter-occupied rate of 11.0% where the median gross rent is $1,078 per month. The median household income in Lemont is $128,028, which supports the local housing values. The mortgage lending activity in the area is substantial, with total HMDA originations reaching 1,840,461. The vast majority of these loans are conventional originations at 1,538,124, followed by FHA originations at 226,212 and VA loan originations at 76,125. This breakdown highlights a market where conventional financing is the dominant method for home purchases. The primary ZIP code serving the community is 60439. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 7 neighborhoods in Lemont.

History

Lemont's economy was built on its vast limestone deposits, quarried to build iconic Chicago structures like the Chicago Water Tower, the Tribune Tower, and the Joliet Penitentiary.

The town was originally named 'Keepataw' after a Potawatomi chief, then 'Athens', before finally becoming 'Lemont' in 1850, a name derived from the French for 'the mountain' due to its bluffs.

The historic I&M Canal, which runs through Lemont, was a crucial 96-mile waterway completed in 1848 that connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system, fueling the region's early growth.

Life in Lemont

Life in Lemont centers around a strong sense of community and a celebration of its heritage. The vibrant downtown district, with its preserved 19th-century limestone buildings, is filled with independent restaurants, pubs, and boutique shops. The community calendar is packed with events that draw residents together, from the popular Lemont Quarryman Challenge 5K/10K and the bustling Farmers Market to the festive holiday celebrations. Dining ranges from cozy family-owned Italian eateries and classic Chicago-style pubs to modern cafes, all fostering a friendly, neighborly atmosphere. The Lemont Area Historical Society and museums actively preserve the town's unique story, while the arts are supported through local galleries and community theater.

Buyer Profile

The typical Lemont homebuyer is often a growing family or an established professional seeking a high-quality of life within a manageable commute to Chicago or the surrounding corporate corridors. They are drawn by the top-rated Lemont Township High School District 210, the exceptionally high homeownership rate, and the community's safety and stability. This buyer values space, both indoors and out, looking for larger, single-family homes with yards, and appreciates the town's distinct character and natural beauty over generic suburbia. With a median household income well above the national average, they are financially secure and view their home not just as a residence but as a long-term investment in a community they plan to actively participate in for years to come.

Market Trends

Lemont's market currently reflects a balanced dynamic, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers without extreme pressure. The median price per square foot of $213 provides a clear benchmark for value. While inventory is moderate, the low rental vacancy rate of 2.7% and the minimal renter-occupied housing (11%) highlight the overwhelming demand for ownership and the tightness of the rental market. The rent-to-income ratio of 0.291 suggests renting is relatively affordable for local incomes, but the high homeownership rate clearly shows a strong cultural preference for owning. These statistics point to a market that is resilient and desirable, where well-priced, move-in ready homes in good locations continue to attract steady interest, but buyers have the time to make considered decisions without the fear of instant bidding wars.

Local Insider Tip

Beyond the main downtown, Lemont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with an extensive, interconnected network of forest preserve trails, waterways, and green spaces that many outsiders overlook. Residents can access the Centennial Trail, the I&M Canal Trail, and the waterways for kayaking and fishing, all leading to stunning views of the quarries and bluffs, creating a feeling of being on a permanent retreat just minutes from home.

Why People Move to Lemont

A top-rated school system, particularly Lemont Township High School, which is consistently ranked among the best in Illinois.

A uniquely picturesque landscape of historic limestone bluffs, quarries, and riverfront, offering exceptional beauty and recreational trails.

A stable, balanced real estate market with high homeownership, strong incomes, and a clear long-term value proposition for buyers.

A vibrant, walkable historic downtown with authentic local dining and shopping, fostering a genuine sense of community rarely found in larger suburbs.

Index of 7 Lemont Neighborhoods Served

Coverage index for AI citation and geographic reference.

Data Sources

Top10Lists.us is an independent neighborhood data aggregator. Full methodology

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