Happy Thursday!

This week on the channel, I broke down the four Chicago suburbs that seem to hold their value through every market cycle. 

Spoiler: it has way less to do with the houses than you'd think.

Also, McDonald's Park is apparently a real thing now. We've got that story below.

Here's what's inside:

LET'S GET INTO IT ↓

💵 Frankfort Police Warning Residents About Counterfeit Bills

Frankfort Police say fake $50 and $100 bills have recently shown up at local businesses. They’re reminding residents and business owners to double-check larger bills before accepting cash. Probably a good week to actually look at the bill before tossing it in the register.

🏥 Silver Cross Earns 5-Star Rating

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox just earned a 5-star CMS rating, the highest possible score. They’re the only hospital in Will and Grundy counties to receive it. Big win for our neck of the woods.

⚽ McDonald’s Is Putting Its Name on Chicago Fire’s New Stadium

McDonald’s signed the naming-rights deal for the Chicago Fire’s new $750 million stadium project. The venue will hold 31,000 people and host concerts year-round. “McDonald’s Park” sounds fake, but apparently not.

🎓 Frankfort Student Awarded National Merit Scholarship

A Frankfort student at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy earned a National Merit Scholarship this week, one of the country’s top academic awards. Pretty cool to see.

This week on the channel, I broke down the four Chicago suburbs that seem to hold value through every market cycle… and why it has way less to do with the houses than people think.

A lot of it comes down to land, zoning, inventory, and communities that basically refuse to change.

A few things I covered:

If you’re curious why some suburbs always seem expensive no matter what the market’s doing, this one explains it pretty well.

Watch the full breakdown here 

New videos every week: market breakdowns, local development, what's actually moving in the suburbs. 

Subscribe here so you don't miss the next one.

💦 Centennial Park Aquatic Center Opening Day (Orland Park)

Summer officially starts when the lazy river opens. Centennial Park Aquatic Center is back for the season this Saturday with waterslides, lap lanes, kiddie play areas, and the full outdoor pool setup. 

Honestly, one of the better summer spots out south if you’ve got kids..

☕ The Great Gut Gathering (Mokena)

Definitely the most niche event of the weekend… but if you’re into wellness, sourdough, kombucha, mushroom coffee, acupuncture, or anything remotely “gut health,” this is your crowd.

🥖 Frankfort Country Market (Frankfort)

One of the best Sunday-morning setups in the South Burbs. 

Local vendors, baked goods, produce, flowers, coffee, live music, and usually way harder to “just stop by for 20 minutes” than people expect.

Coming Up… 

New Lenox Summer Concert Series kicks off June 6th with Brothers Osborne at the Performing Arts Pavilion. Tickets are $50; grab them before they're gone

Thinking about making a move in 2026? Text or call me directly. 📞 708-612-0644

A lot of buyers start their search in Naperville. Good schools, strong downtown, recognizable name. Nothing wrong with that.

But here’s where things get interesting.

For around $750K in Naperville, you’re usually looking at a smaller lot, older home, tighter spacing between neighbors, and higher competition every time something decent hits the market.

Now take that same budget to Frankfort.

Suddenly, you’re looking at newer construction, bigger yards, quieter streets, more privacy, and, in many cases, lower property taxes, too.

That’s the part buyers don’t really see until they start touring both areas side by side.

You’re not necessarily sacrificing lifestyle either. Frankfort’s downtown has gotten better every year, the restaurant scene keeps improving, and you still get that community feel people are chasing in the first place.

Different suburbs. Different strengths. Same budget.

👉 See what $750K looks like in Frankfort

👉 See what $750K looks like in Naperville

Thinking about making the move? Reply to this email, and I'll walk you through both sides based on what actually matters to you.

Prices as of 05/20/26 (Website)

📍 New Lenox — ~$5.25 ⬆️ From Last Week
📍 Mokena — ~$5.15 ⬆️ From Last Week
📍 Frankfort — ~$5.19 ⬆️ From Last Week
📍 Manhattan — ~$5.29 ⬆️ From Last Week

📍 Summer Volunteer at UChicago Medicine (South Side/South Suburbs) — Details 
📍 Caregiver / CNA / HHA at Platinum Care Group (Oak Lawn) — Details 
📍Summer Volunteer Opportunities via HandsOn Suburban Chicago — Details

Friday: 69°/52° — ☁️ Cloudy, possible showers — 💧30% — 💨 SE 5mph
Saturday: 69°/52° — ☁️ Cloudy, possible showers — 💧30% — 💨 SE 5mph
Sunday: 71°/55° — ☁️ Rather cloudy, couple showers possible — 💧30% — 💨 SSW 6mph

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of the South Suburbs Scoop.

Every Thursday, I'll be dropping this in your inbox.

Local news, what's going on this weekend, where the market's at, and a few things to make your week a little easier.

If there's something you want to see more of, just reply and let me know. This thing gets better when you tell me what matters to you.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you right back here next Thursday.

— John

📞 708-612-0644 | [email protected]