What Home Sellers Should Know Before Crossing the Border
If you’re a homeowner in Illinois and you’ve recently found yourself comparing houses in Indiana “just out of curiosity,” you’re not alone.
More sellers from the Chicago area and suburbs like Naperville are choosing to sell in Illinois and relocate to Northwest Indiana — like Munster, Dyer, Highland, and Schererville, to name a few. The reasons usually start with finances, but they don’t end there.
Here’s what sellers should actually understand before making the move.
Property Taxes: Where the Numbers Get Real
This is usually the first thing sellers notice — and the hardest to unsee once you do.
As a rough comparison:
- An $800,000 home in Naperville can easily carry $16,000–$18,000+ per year in property taxes
- A similarly priced home in Munster, IN is often closer to $7,000–$9,000 per year
Exact numbers vary by neighborhood and exemptions, but the gap is real. Over time, that difference adds up to tens of thousands of dollars, especially for sellers planning to stay put after buying again.
This is why many Illinois sellers focus less on list price and more on net proceeds and long-term carrying costs when they consider moving.
Schools in Northwest Indiana: Better Than You Might Expect
A common assumption is that moving to Indiana means sacrificing school quality. In Northwest Indiana, that’s often not the case.
For example:
- Munster schools consistently score a 10/10 on platforms like Niche and GreatSchools
- Districts in surrounding areas are a major draw for families relocating from Illinois
Strong schools matter not just for families with kids, but also for resale value and long-term demand. In many cases, schools are one of the reasons buyers are willing to cross the border in the first place.
Cost of Living: It’s Not Just Property Taxes
Property taxes usually start the conversation, but they’re not the only difference sellers notice.
When comparing Illinois to Northwest Indiana, sellers often point out:
- Sales tax: Indiana is generally lower than many Illinois municipalities
- Gas prices: Consistently lower on the Indiana side
- Overall cost of living: Housing, insurance, and utilities tend to be more affordable
None of these alone may be a deal-breaker, but together they change the math of everyday life — especially for sellers downsizing or planning ahead.
Commute Reality: Still Very Doable
One reason Northwest Indiana works for Chicago-area sellers is location.
Many communities offer easy highway access that makes driving to Chicago and nearby job centers a breeze. The South Shore Line’s has extended 8 miles down south to Dyer (the decade-long project is finally coming into fruition in Q1 of 2026), which will significantly improve commute to downtown Chicago for surrounding neighborhoods.
For sellers who still work in Illinois, commute time is often manageable, especially compared to longer suburban-to-city drives within Illinois itself.
Timing Your Sale Matters (We’ve Broken This Down Elsewhere)
Selling in Illinois and buying in Indiana isn’t complicated — but timing matters.
The two markets don’t always peak at the same moment, and sellers who plan early tend to have more flexibility. If you haven’t already, we go deeper into this in our post on when the best time is to list a home, which breaks down seasonal patterns and buyer behavior in more detail.
The short version: pricing and timing decisions affect not just your sale, but your entire move.
Pricing Strategy: One Border, Two Different Buyer Mindsets
This is where sellers sometimes miscalculate.
Indiana buyers tend to be more value-driven, and homes priced even slightly above market often sit longer than expected. If you’re selling in Illinois to fund your next purchase, pricing your home correctly the first time isn’t just about selling faster — it’s about keeping your relocation plan on schedule.
Overpricing can delay your move, reduce leverage, and create unnecessary stress.
Practical Resources Matter When You’re Relocating
When sellers move across state lines, everyday logistics suddenly matter more than expected — property tax portals, utility companies, school enrollment, local services.
That’s why we’ve built community pages for the areas we serve, with practical links for homeowners, including:
- Property tax payment resources
- Local utility companies
- City services and school district information
Having the right information early can save time and prevent last-minute scrambling.
Thinking About Making the Move?
Selling in Illinois and moving to Indiana works best when there’s a clear plan — one that accounts for pricing, timing, selling costs, and the realities of both markets.
If you’re exploring the idea and want help tailoring a strategy that fits your situation, we’re happy to walk through the numbers with you and help you map out next steps — whether you’re ready to list now or just gathering information. Visit the seller page, or start by filling out the form below.
