Orland Park is one of the most common starting points for families who end up in Northwest Indiana. The incomes are similar, the expectations are similar, and the frustration with Illinois property taxes is very similar. St. John tends to be the town that surprises them most. Here's the full comparison.
I've helped a lot of Orland Park families make this exact transition. The conversation usually starts with taxes, then moves to schools, then commute, then "but what's it actually like to live there?" I'll cover all of it.
The Numbers Side by Side
| Category | Orland Park, IL | St. John, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$370,000 | ~$410,000 |
| Avg Sq Ft at Median Price | 1,900 – 2,300 sq ft | 2,800 – 3,400 sq ft |
| Effective Property Tax Rate | 2.2% – 2.5% | ~0.9% |
| Annual Tax on $450K Home | $9,900 – $11,250 | ~$4,050 |
| School Rating | Strong (B+/A-) | Strong (A-rated) |
| Drive to Chicago Loop | 35–45 min | 40–55 min |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% flat | 3.05% flat |
| New Construction Available | Limited, premium priced | Active communities $380K–$600K |
| Typical Lot Size | 7,000 – 10,000 sq ft | 12,000 – 22,000 sq ft |
| Garage | 2-car standard | 3-car standard |
Annual Savings Moving from Orland Park to St. John
Based on a $450,000 home purchase and $120,000 household income.
Schools: Closer Than You Think
Orland Park feeds into Orland School District 135 and Carl Sandburg or Victor J. Andrew High School — both well-regarded. St. John is served by the Hanover Community School Corporation, which is consistently rated among Indiana's top districts. The high school feeds into Hanover Central, which has strong academics, competitive sports programs, and a tight-knit feel that a lot of families coming from larger Illinois districts end up appreciating.
The honest answer: both are strong school districts. St. John doesn't ask you to compromise on education to get the financial benefits. That's a meaningful distinction.
The Commute Difference
Orland Park to the Loop on a good day is 35–45 minutes via I-80/294. St. John to the Loop is 40–55 minutes via I-65 or US-30. You're adding roughly 10–15 minutes each way. For a 3-day hybrid commuter, that's about 90–180 extra minutes per week.
Whether that's worth $9,000 a year in savings is a personal call. Most of the families I work with say yes — especially once they're in a house that's 800–1,000 square feet larger and on a lot nearly twice the size.
What St. John Feels Like
St. John is quieter than Orland Park — less retail density, fewer chain restaurants per square mile, more of a suburban neighborhood feel than a suburban commercial corridor. If you want walkability to restaurants and shops, St. John isn't the answer. If you want space, good neighbors, and great schools with a manageable drive to Chicago, it consistently delivers.
The community has grown significantly over the past decade, and new construction neighborhoods have brought a lot of young families from Illinois. There's a strong sense of community here — people know their neighbors, the schools have active parent involvement, and there are enough local amenities to handle day-to-day life without driving to Crown Point or Schererville for everything.
"We left Orland Park thinking we were making a practical financial decision. What we didn't expect was how much we'd genuinely love it here."
— Homes219 client, relocated from Orland Park to St. John, IN
Who St. John Is Right For
St. John makes the most sense for families who prioritize school quality, home size, and newer construction — and can absorb a slightly longer commute. It's not the right choice for someone who needs to be in the office five days a week and wants the shortest possible drive. But for hybrid workers with kids, it's one of the strongest value propositions in the entire Chicago metro area right now.
Thinking About Making the Switch?
My team works with Orland Park families making this move every month. We know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.
Talk to Nicole's TeamFrequently Asked Questions
Is St. John Indiana a good place to live?
Yes — St. John is consistently ranked among Indiana's best communities. Top-rated schools, newer construction, large lots, low crime, and easy Chicago access make it a top destination for Illinois families relocating to NWI.
How do property taxes in St. John compare to Orland Park?
St. John's effective rate is around 0.9% vs. Orland Park's 2.2–2.5%. On a $450,000 home, you're paying roughly $4,050/year in St. John versus $9,900–$11,250 in Orland Park — a difference of nearly $7,000/year.
How far is St. John Indiana from Chicago?
About 35–40 miles. Drive time is typically 40–55 minutes depending on traffic and your Chicago destination.
What are the schools like in St. John Indiana?
St. John is served by the Hanover Community School Corporation — consistently one of Indiana's top-rated districts, with strong academics, active extracurriculars, and modern facilities.
Nicole Hanson
Nicole is the team lead at Homes219 | Nicole Hanson Realty LLC — a top-5 Northwest Indiana real estate team with 16+ years helping buyers and sellers across Lake and Porter Counties.
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