Why Illinois Families Are Moving to Wisconsin — And How Korndoerfer Homes Can Help
Why Illinois Families Are Moving to Wisconsin — And How Korndoerfer Homes Can Help
October 7, 2025
If you live in Illinois—especially near the state line—you’ve probably felt the squeeze of rising housing costs, higher property taxes, and day-to-day expenses that keep climbing. What if you could move just a short drive north and enjoy more home for your money, lower taxes, and a higher quality of life?
That’s exactly why many Illinois residents are making the move to Wisconsin. And Korndoerfer Homes is here to help with new home communities just a few miles across the border.
Wisconsin vs. Illinois: A Smarter Cost of Living
Wisconsin offers clear financial advantages compared to Illinois:
- Lower overall costs: Illinois’ cost of living is about 3% higher than Wisconsin’s.
- Housing savings: Rent and housing costs are often 6–27% more expensive in Illinois.
- Transportation: Costs are about 15% higher south of the border.
- Property taxes: Illinois’ median property tax bills are significantly higher than Wisconsin. Lake County, IL’s $7,861, while Racine County, WI’s is just $3,592.
- Sales taxes: Illinois rates are roughly 62% higher than Wisconsin’s.
These differences add up quickly—making Wisconsin one of the smartest financial moves for families who want to invest in a home without overspending.
Korndoerfer Homes Communities Near the Illinois Border
Korndoerfer Homes builds award-winning semi-custom homes in communities that combine quality, value, and convenience. Here are five great options within easy driving distance of northern Illinois:
Cedar Ridge | Pleasant Prairie
- Just 1–2 miles from the Illinois border (15-minute drive) — the closest of our Wisconsin communities.
- Brand new neighborhood now paved and ready for homes.
- Easy access to I-94 makes commuting simple.
Canopy Hill | Union Grove
- About 15 miles from the border (30-minute drive).
- A growing community with new lots available and a model home open to tour.
- Union Grove offers small-town charm with quick access to Racine, Kenosha, and northern Illinois.
Settlement at Hood’s Creek | Mount Pleasant
- Approximately 20–25 miles north of the Illinois border (30-minute drive).
- Family-friendly neighborhood with strong schools and excellent recreation.
- Balanced location near both Milwaukee and Illinois.
Auburn Hills | Caledonia
- Roughly 30 miles from the Illinois border (30-minute drive).
- A closeout neighborhood with only a few lots remaining.
- Final opportunity to buy in this established Caledonia community.
Creekview Estates | Caledonia
- About 30 miles north of Illinois (30-minute drive) with easy I-94 access.
- Only 1 lot remains! Your last chance to build in this established neighborhood.
- Convenient location for commuting to both Illinois and Milwaukee.
Lifestyle Beyond the Savings
Choosing a Korndoerfer Homes community near the Illinois border isn’t just about saving money—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle:
- Award-winning semi-custom home designs tailored to your family.
- Walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, trails, and green space.
- Access to strong Wisconsin schools and family-friendly amenities.
- Proximity to Lake Michigan, recreation, and year-round activities.
Ready to Make the Move?
Illinois families don’t need to go far to find more value, more home, and a better quality of life. With Korndoerfer Homes, you’ll find beautiful, semi-custom homes in communities that combine Wisconsin affordability with Illinois convenience.
Explore our Wisconsin communities today and see how easy it is to make the move north.
Sources
- My Life Elsewhere — Cost of Living Comparison: Wisconsin vs. Illinois
- NerdWallet — Cost of Living Calculator: Chicago, IL vs. Milwaukee–Waukesha, WI
- Numbeo — Cost of Living Comparison: Madison, WI vs. Chicago, IL
- BestPlaces — Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs. Chicago, IL
- MoveBuddha — Wisconsin vs. Illinois: Moving Cost, Taxes, and Living Differences
- Tax Foundation — Property Taxes by State
Disclaimer: Data is current as of 2024. Figures may vary by city, county, or household, and should be used for general comparison purposes only.
About Korndoerfer Homes
Korndoerfer Homes, LLC. is an employee-owned, single-family home builder headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Every home is designed and built with a focus on quality and value while including livable floor plans, architectural character, energy-efficient features and a new home warranty. Korndoerfer Homes proudly builds in eight counties in southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.korndoerferhomes.com.
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