Buying a Home Near Naval Station Great Lakes: VA Loan Guide

TL;DR: If you have orders to Naval Station Great Lakes, this guide covers BAH purchasing power by pay grade, the five neighborhoods military families choose most in Lake County, and what the Great Lakes market actually costs once Illinois property taxes enter the picture. Before you start touring houses, grab your free VA Home Loan Snapshot — it takes 60 seconds and shows exactly what you can afford at current rates.

The Lake County housing market is competitive but navigable — well-priced homes in popular military neighborhoods like Grayslake and Gurnee attract multiple offers and can move within weeks, while the Waukegan and North Chicago corridor gives BAH at the E-4 and E-5 level genuine buying power if schools aren’t your top priority. The gap between what your BAH allows and what the market delivers depends entirely on your pay grade, your gate, and whether you understand Illinois property taxes before you sign. Before you start touring houses, the fastest way to get oriented is a free VA Home Loan Snapshot — a personalized report built around your BAH and the Great Lakes market, takes 60 seconds, no credit pull. Then use this guide to choose your neighborhood.

BAH at Naval Station Great Lakes: What Your Housing Allowance Actually Buys

Naval Station Great Lakes falls under the GREAT LAKES NAVTRACEN Military Housing Area (MHA code IL092). Use ZIP code 60088 in the DoD BAH Calculator to confirm your exact rate. BAH increased 4.8% for 2026 — one of the stronger gains among Midwest installations. Families with dependents receive 25.1% more than single service members at the same pay grade, and NS Great Lakes BAH ranks 26th highest among all Navy installations nationwide.

2026 BAH Rates — Naval Station Great Lakes (ZIP 60088)

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1	$1,986	$1,491
E-2	$1,986	$1,491
E-3	$1,986	$1,491
E-4	$2,268	$1,860
E-5	$2,427	$1,872
E-6	$2,760	$2,061
E-7	$2,868	$2,322
E-8	$3,036	$2,370
E-9	$3,222	$2,316
O-3	$3,018	$2,520
O-4	$3,381	$2,688
O-5	$3,729	$2,880

Data last verified: March 2026. Confirm current figures at travel.dod.mil before making housing decisions. Rates effective January 1, 2026, following a 4.8% increase from 2025.

Most E-5s and above with dependents find their BAH supports a home in the $240,000–$330,000 range in communities closest to base, while E-7 through O-4 with dependents can comfortably target the $300,000–$420,000 range in mid-county communities like Grayslake and Gurnee. However, Illinois property taxes significantly affect your real monthly payment — factor them in before assuming your BAH covers everything. See our full 2026 BAH rates guide for national context.

Lake County Housing Market Snapshot

Lake County is not a single market — it’s a spectrum. Waukegan and North Chicago offer the lowest prices and the shortest commutes. Communities like Grayslake and Gurnee hit the sweet spot of quality schools, reasonable commute times, and prices that BAH can actually support. Libertyville is beautiful, upscale, and largely out of range for junior enlisted without significant additional income. Here is where each community sits today.

Market Snapshot by Community

Community	Median Price Range	Days on Market	Market Type
Waukegan / North Chicago	$200,000–$260,000	25–40 days	Balanced
Park City / Gages Lake	$230,000–$290,000	30–50 days	Balanced
Grayslake	$330,000–$410,000	40–55 days	Competitive
Gurnee	$290,000–$380,000	30–55 days	Competitive
Lake Villa / Lindenhurst	$270,000–$330,000	35–55 days	Balanced
Libertyville	$490,000–$660,000	45–65 days	Seller’s

Data last verified: March 2026. Price ranges based on recent sales data. Confirm current figures with your local market expert before making decisions.

Understanding the Gates at Naval Station Great Lakes

NS Great Lakes has six gates, and your gate determines your daily commute more than any other single factor. Gates 1, 6, and 7 are all open 24 hours, seven days a week, and all are located along Sheridan Road just off IL-137 (Buckley Road). Gate 5 operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with Gate 5A open for afternoon traffic from 3:00–5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Gate 7A remains closed except for special events or emergency gate closures.

Gate 1 is the Main Gate and the primary entry for most families, visitors, and those coming from I-94 south. It also houses the Visitor Control Center — first stop for anyone without base access. All commute times below use Gate 1 unless noted.

The Five Neighborhoods Military Families Choose Near NS Great Lakes

Waukegan and North Chicago — Closest to Base, Most Affordable

Best for: E-4 to E-6 families prioritizing short commutes and lower mortgage payments over school district quality.

• Median price range: $200,000–$260,000
• Commute to Gate 1: 5–15 minutes depending on neighborhood
• School districts: North Chicago Community School District 187 (on-base housing zones here); Waukegan Community Unit School District 60

This is the value zone of the Great Lakes market. Waukegan and North Chicago are walkable to base, close to the commissary and NEX, and genuinely affordable — an E-5 with dependents can find a solid 3-bedroom home with BAH covering the mortgage in most parts of these cities. Additionally, you’ll find the shortest door-to-gate commutes of any community in Lake County.

However, be honest about what you’re signing up for. School quality in both districts varies significantly by neighborhood and school. Military families consistently advise researching specific streets — not just ZIP codes — before committing. Furthermore, if your family has school-age children and school rating is a priority, Waukegan and North Chicago may not be the right fit.

On-base housing near Waukegan / North Chicago

On-base family housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities and includes six neighborhoods with 2–5 bedroom homes assigned based on rank and family size. On-base is zoned for North Chicago School District 187. Call the Housing Service Center at (847) 688-3440 as soon as orders arrive — waitlists fill fastest May through August.

Off-base neighborhoods in Waukegan / North Chicago

Off-base, families most often buy in the areas north of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and east toward Sheridan Road. These neighborhoods offer the quickest access to Gate 1 and reasonable home values. Specifically, the areas nearest Lake Michigan command a modest premium but offer lakefront access and lower flood risk than interior neighborhoods.

Grayslake — Best Schools, Strong Community

Best for: E-6 to O-3 families with school-age children who want consistently rated public schools and a strong military family community.

• Median price range: $330,000–$410,000
• Commute to Gate 1: 15–25 minutes via IL-137 west to US-45 south
• School district: Grayslake Community Consolidated School District 46 and Community High School District 127

Grayslake is consistently the most recommended community among military families at Great Lakes, and the reasons are straightforward. Schools earn strong community ratings, the neighborhood mix of established homes and newer developments gives buyers options across price ranges, and quick access to I-94 makes it viable for commuters or families with a working spouse heading toward Chicago. Moreover, Grayslake sits at the center of Lake County — convenient to both the base and to Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and Mundelein amenities.

Notably, Grayslake saw a 16.7% price increase in late 2025, and well-priced homes are attracting multiple offers. An E-7 with dependents ($2,868/month BAH) can target homes in the $300,000–$380,000 range at current prices. An O-3 with dependents ($3,018/month) has meaningful purchasing power here at current VA loan rates.

Not sure which area fits your BAH and your gate? Our local market experts know this market from every angle. Start your free PCS Plan →

On-base housing near Grayslake

Grayslake families living on base will be zoned for North Chicago School District 187 regardless of physical distance — a key reason many families choose to buy off base in Grayslake specifically for the school district advantage.

Off-base neighborhoods in Grayslake

The most popular areas for military families in Grayslake run along Center Street and the neighborhoods south of Rollins Road. Additionally, newer construction phases in eastern Grayslake offer modern floor plans in the $360,000–$420,000 range. D.R. Horton and regional builders have active projects in nearby Mundelein and Gurnee that spill over into the Grayslake commute zone.

Gurnee — Amenities, Entertainment, and a Solid Commute

Best for: E-6 to O-3 families who want a family-friendly suburban lifestyle with strong amenities and good school access.

• Median price range: $290,000–$380,000
• Commute to Gate 1: 10–20 minutes via IL-137 east
• School district: Warren Township High School District 121; Woodland School District 50

Gurnee is the practical middle ground of the Lake County military housing market. It sits directly on I-94, making commutes to base fast and manageable — typically 10–15 minutes to Gate 1 via Buckley Road (IL-137). Home to Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills Mall, the community has the suburban infrastructure that military families with kids appreciate. Similarly, proximity to the interstate makes Gurnee convenient for families where a spouse commutes toward Chicago or Milwaukee.

Home values in Gurnee run $290,000–$380,000 for most single-family homes, with townhomes and condos filling in the lower end of the range. An E-6 with dependents ($2,760/month BAH) has solid purchasing power across the entry-level single-family segment here at current prices. The market tends to move faster in spring and early summer, so if you have a summer PCS window, work with a VA-savvy agent early.

On-base housing near Gurnee

Families in on-base housing assigned to Gurnee-area zip codes are typically zoned for Woodland School District 50 or Warren Township. Confirm your specific address’s school assignment through the Lake County school liaison office before finalizing a home purchase — Illinois law requires attendance in the district where you live.

Off-base neighborhoods in Gurnee

The most popular areas for buyers run along the Washington Street and Hunt Club Road corridors. Furthermore, the northwest quadrant of Gurnee near IL-132 offers newer home stock with slightly lower price points than the areas immediately surrounding the shopping districts. New construction townhomes from D.R. Horton in nearby Mundelein (Townes at Oak Creek community, priced from the mid-$300,000s) are within the Gurnee commute zone and worth comparing against resale options.

Lake Villa and Lindenhurst — Value and Space, Farther from Base

Best for: E-5 to E-7 families who prioritize square footage and property size over commute time, or who work evening/weekend schedules that make gate traffic less of a factor.

• Median price range: $270,000–$330,000
• Commute to Gate 1: 20–35 minutes via US-41 or Grand Avenue to IL-137
• School district: Lake Villa Elementary School District 41; Antioch Community High School District 117

Lake Villa and Lindenhurst sit southwest of the base and offer larger lots, quieter lake-adjacent neighborhoods, and home prices that give E-5 and E-6 families more space than they’d find closer to base at the same price point. Lake Villa in particular has a strong community feel, with parks, lake access, and year-round outdoor recreation. Consequently, it attracts families who intend to put down roots rather than those on short tours.

The tradeoff is commute time. During peak traffic on US-41 or Grand Avenue, the drive to Gate 1 can stretch to 35–40 minutes. If your duty schedule involves early morning or late afternoon rush hours, the commute from Lake Villa is a real consideration. In contrast, families working non-traditional hours often find Lake Villa’s value proposition very compelling.

On-base housing near Lake Villa

Families considering Lake Villa and choosing on-base housing will commute from base toward Lake Villa rather than the reverse. Most families who choose this area do so specifically because they are purchasing off base.

Off-base neighborhoods in Lake Villa / Lindenhurst

The neighborhoods around Lake Marie and Wooster Lake in Lake Villa offer lakefront access at significantly lower price points than comparable lakefront properties elsewhere in Lake County. Lindenhurst’s neighborhoods along Grass Lake Road and east of US-45 offer newer home stock in the $280,000–$320,000 range.

Libertyville — Top Schools, Upscale Feel, Higher Price Point

Best for: O-3 to O-5 families and senior enlisted (E-8/E-9) who prioritize walkability, school quality, and a vibrant community — and whose BAH or combined household income can support higher home prices.

• Median price range: $490,000–$660,000
• Commute to Gate 1: 20–30 minutes via IL-137 east
• School district: Libertyville School District 70; Libertyville Township High School District 128

Libertyville is widely considered the most desirable community in Lake County, and the market reflects it. A walkable downtown with boutique shopping and restaurants, consistently top-rated public schools, and large historic homes on tree-lined streets make Libertyville a genuine quality-of-life upgrade — for families whose BAH and household income can support home prices in the $490,000–$660,000 range. For most O-4s and O-5s with dependents ($3,381–$3,729/month BAH), Libertyville is achievable with a VA loan and a working spouse, particularly in the lower-end of the price spectrum.

However, be honest about the math. An O-3 with dependents ($3,018/month BAH) buying a $500,000+ home in Libertyville will have a payment that exceeds BAH — factor in the Illinois property tax bill before committing. Additionally, inventory in Libertyville is tight. Well-priced, updated homes attract multiple offers. The market rewards buyers who are pre-approved, move decisively, and work with agents who know the specific streets and school zones.

On-base housing near Libertyville

There is no on-base housing zoned for Libertyville school districts. Families who want Libertyville schools must purchase or rent off base in the correct district boundaries.

Off-base neighborhoods in Libertyville

The most sought-after areas cluster around the historic downtown along Milwaukee Avenue and east toward the Des Plaines River Trail. Newer development along the northern edge of town near Cook Avenue offers more modern floor plans at slightly lower price points than downtown-adjacent properties.

Not sure which area fits your BAH and your gate? Our local market experts know this market from every angle. Start your free PCS Plan →

On-Base Housing vs. Buying: What Great Lakes Families Actually Choose

On-base family housing at NS Great Lakes is managed by Hunt Military Communities across six neighborhoods. Homes range from 2 to 5 bedrooms and are assigned based on rank and family size. If you live on base, you assign your BAH to Hunt and pay no separate housing cost — but you also build no equity, and your children attend North Chicago School District 187 regardless of which on-base neighborhood you’re assigned to.

Most permanent party families who plan to stay 2–3+ years at Great Lakes buy off base. The reasons are consistent: school district control, equity building, and the ability to choose a neighborhood that fits family priorities rather than waiting for on-base vacancy. Furthermore, VA loans make the financial case for buying straightforward — no down payment, no PMI, and Lake County home values have appreciated steadily in most communities military families choose.

Call the Housing Service Center at (847) 688-3440 the week your orders arrive regardless of which path you’re considering. Waitlists fill fast, especially May through August, and knowing what’s available on base helps you make a more informed off-base decision.

Learn more about how to use your VA benefit in our full VA Home Loan guide, and check the Naval Station Great Lakes base guide for installation-specific details. Also review the 2026 military pay charts to see your full compensation picture.

What Military Buyers Need to Know About the Great Lakes Market

Illinois Requires School Attendance in Your District of Residence

This is the most important rule for military families with kids. Illinois law requires children to attend school in the district where they actually live — not the district closest to base or the one you prefer. Therefore, your neighborhood decision and your school decision are the same decision. Research specific school districts before you search for homes, not after. The Lake County school liaison office can help you navigate district boundaries and enrollment timelines.

The Summer PCS Rush Is Real

More sailors PCS to and from Great Lakes in June, July, and August than any other time of year. Consequently, both on-base waitlists and desirable off-base homes in popular areas tighten significantly during summer. If your orders allow any flexibility in report date, arriving before Memorial Day or after Labor Day gives you more negotiating room. Additionally, prices in popular military neighborhoods tend to soften slightly in fall and winter.

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Is Your Medical Home

Medical care for Great Lakes families is provided at Captain James A. Lovell FHCC at 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago — the only fully integrated DoD/VA federal health care center in the country. Your neighborhood’s distance from Lovell FHCC matters, particularly for families with significant medical needs. Most Lake County communities are within 20–30 minutes. For TRICARE information specific to this region, visit the TRICARE North regional page.

Deployment Tempo Is Lower Than Fleet Installations

For most permanent party billets at Great Lakes — especially instructors and training command personnel — deployment tempo is significantly lower than at fleet installations. That’s a genuine quality-of-life advantage for families and a legitimate reason to consider buying rather than renting. A longer, more stable assignment window makes the investment in a home purchase more financially logical. However, verify your specific billet’s tempo expectations before making housing decisions based on assumed shore duty stability.

Illinois Winters Are Not Optional

Polar vortex events are real, measured, and not exaggerated. Temperatures can drop to -20°F with wind chill. Snowfall is measured in feet across the season. Budget for serious cold-weather gear for every family member, factor in higher utility costs in winter, and ensure any home you purchase has a well-maintained furnace. Specifically, look for newer HVAC systems and insulated attics when evaluating older homes in Waukegan and North Chicago. Furthermore, many families underestimate the cost of snow removal services for homes with long driveways.

The Real Cost of Buying Near Naval Station Great Lakes: Taxes, Insurance, and What Your BAH Actually Covers

Property Taxes in Lake County

Illinois consistently ranks among the top two highest property tax states in the nation. Lake County specifically carries one of the highest effective property tax rates in Illinois — currently around 2.68–3.20% depending on the specific municipality and school district. This is not a footnote. It is a significant part of your monthly housing cost that most online calculators don’t surface clearly.

Here is what those rates mean in real terms. On a $300,000 home in Lake County, expect annual property taxes in the range of $8,000–$9,600, translating to roughly $667–$800 per month added to your principal and interest payment. On a $400,000 home, the annual bill runs $10,700–$12,800, or $890–$1,070 per month. These numbers vary by specific location — Waukegan and North Chicago carry higher rates than Libertyville, while Lake Villa and Lindenhurst fall in the mid-range.

Additionally, new homeowners should be aware that property taxes in Lake County are paid in arrears and due in two installments annually. Plan your cash flow accordingly when you close. The Lake County property tax office is the authoritative source for rates specific to any parcel you’re evaluating.

Veterans and Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief

Illinois offers meaningful property tax relief for disabled veterans through the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities. The exemption works on a sliding scale based on service-connected disability rating. Specifically, veterans with a 30–49% disability rating receive a $2,500 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV); veterans rated 50–69% receive a $5,000 EAV reduction; and veterans with a 70% or greater disability rating receive an exemption on the first $250,000 of EAV — which effectively eliminates most or all property tax on a typical Lake County home for eligible veterans. A Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption also provides a $5,000 EAV reduction for two consecutive years after returning from active duty in an armed conflict.

Apply through the Lake County Veterans and Disabled Persons exemption office. The exemption must be renewed annually and is not automatic. Connect with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs for guidance on application requirements.

Illinois State Income Tax and Military Pay

Here is good news for your finances: Illinois does not tax active-duty military pay. While Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax rate, active-duty military pay is explicitly exempt and subtracted from your adjusted gross income on your state return. This is a meaningful benefit over a typical tour — a sailor earning $60,000 in base pay saves approximately $2,970 annually in state income taxes compared to a civilian earning the same amount. Military spouses working in Illinois may also have options to exempt their income under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act depending on domicile state election. Consult the Illinois Department of Revenue’s military filing page for current guidance.

Homeowner’s Insurance Near Naval Station Great Lakes

Homeowner’s insurance in Lake County typically runs $1,200–$1,800 annually for a standard single-family home, translating to roughly $100–$150 per month. Lake County does not carry hurricane or wildfire risk as primary concerns, but winter storm damage, ice dam coverage, and sump pump failure riders are worth including given Illinois weather patterns. Additionally, some neighborhoods in Waukegan and along the North Shore near Lake Michigan have minor flood risk — check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for any property near waterways before purchasing. USAA and Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) are consistently recommended for military families due to their understanding of PCS-related coverage transitions.

Planning Your Move to Naval Station Great Lakes

Use these resources to build your PCS plan and take advantage of every benefit available to your family at Great Lakes.

• VA Home Loan Snapshot — get your personalized purchasing power report
• VA Home Loan guide — understand how to use your benefit
• BAH Calculator — confirm your exact rate by rank and ZIP
• 2026 BAH rates guide — how Great Lakes compares nationally
• Naval Station Great Lakes base guide — installation overview and community resources
• PCS Plan tool — personalized relocation roadmap
• DITY/PPM move guide — know your options for the move itself
• PCS binder and checklist — stay organized from orders to close
• PCS tax write-offs — don’t leave money on the table
• Find Your Base directory — guides for every major installation

Frequently Asked Questions — Buying a Home Near Naval Station Great Lakes

What are the 2026 BAH rates at Naval Station Great Lakes?

BAH at NS Great Lakes increased 4.8% for 2026. Key rates using ZIP 60088: E-5 with dependents is $2,427/month, E-6 with dependents is $2,760/month, O-3 with dependents is $3,018/month, and O-4 with dependents is $3,381/month. Use the DoD BAH Calculator with ZIP 60088 to confirm your exact rate by rank and dependency status.

Which gate should I use at Naval Station Great Lakes?

Gates 1, 6, and 7 are all open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are located along Sheridan Road just off Buckley Road (IL-137). Gate 1 is the Main Gate and the most commonly used entry for families coming from south or west of base. Gate 5 operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with Gate 5A open 3:00–5:00 p.m. weekdays for afternoon traffic.

What neighborhoods do military families most recommend near NS Great Lakes?

Grayslake and Gurnee receive the most consistent recommendations from military families for their balance of school quality, commute time, and home prices that BAH can reasonably support. Waukegan and North Chicago are popular for families prioritizing short commutes and lower home prices. Lake Villa and Lindenhurst attract families who want more space. Libertyville is the top choice for O-3 and above families prioritizing school quality and community amenities at a higher price point.

How bad are property taxes in Lake County?

Lake County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Illinois at approximately 2.68–3.20%. On a $300,000 home, expect annual taxes in the $8,000–$9,600 range, adding $667–$800 per month to your principal and interest payment. This is a significant cost that many online calculators don’t surface — factor it into your budget before assuming your BAH covers a mortgage. Your VA Home Loan Snapshot accounts for these taxes in its calculations.

Does Illinois tax active-duty military pay?

No. Illinois explicitly exempts active-duty military pay from state income tax. Even though Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate, military pay is subtracted before the state tax is calculated. Military spouses may also have options under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act depending on domicile state election. Consult the Illinois Department of Revenue’s military filing guidance for your specific situation.

What school district will my kids be in at NS Great Lakes?

Illinois law requires children to attend school in the district where they physically live. On-base housing is zoned for North Chicago School District 187. The Fort Sheridan housing area is zoned for North Shore School District 112. Off-base families are zoned for the district corresponding to their home address — this is why your neighborhood choice and school district choice are the same decision. Contact the Lake County school liaison office before finalizing any home purchase to confirm the specific district assignment for your address.

Are there new construction homes available near NS Great Lakes?

Yes. D.R. Horton is actively selling townhomes in the Townes at Oak Creek community in Mundelein (within the Grayslake/Gurnee commute zone), with homes priced from the mid-$300,000s and move-in dates ranging from late 2025 through spring 2026. Additional builder activity is ongoing in Grayslake and Gurnee. New construction can work well with VA loans — just ensure the builder is familiar with VA appraisal requirements and allow adequate time in your PCS timeline for construction completion.

Can I use a VA loan to buy near NS Great Lakes?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the smartest financial moves available to you. A VA loan requires no down payment and no PMI — significantly reducing your monthly cost compared to conventional financing. Lake County home values have appreciated steadily in most military-friendly communities, making ownership a strong long-term decision. Your free VA Home Loan Snapshot shows your specific purchasing power at current rates with no credit pull required.

What is the commute like from Libertyville to NS Great Lakes?

Libertyville to Gate 1 runs approximately 20–30 minutes via IL-137 east during normal traffic conditions. During peak morning commute hours, especially on IL-137 approaching Sheridan Road, add 5–15 minutes. Libertyville’s proximity to the Milwaukee Avenue corridor and Metra’s North Central Service line gives the community strong regional connectivity beyond just the base commute.

How do property tax exemptions work for disabled veterans in Lake County?

Illinois’s Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities reduces your equalized assessed value (EAV) on a sliding scale. A 30–49% service-connected disability rating reduces EAV by $2,500; a 50–69% rating reduces EAV by $5,000; and a 70% or greater rating exempts the first $250,000 of EAV from taxation — which can eliminate most or all property tax on a typical Lake County home. Apply annually through the Lake County Chief County Assessment Office, and connect with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs for application guidance.

What is homeowner’s insurance like near NS Great Lakes?

Annual homeowner’s insurance near NS Great Lakes typically ranges from $1,200–$1,800 for a standard single-family home. Lake County doesn’t have hurricane or wildfire as primary risks, but winter storm, ice dam, and sump pump coverage riders are worth adding given Illinois weather. Properties near Lake Michigan or local waterways should be checked against the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. USAA and Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) are both well-regarded options for military families navigating PCS-related coverage transitions.

What is Hunt Military Communities and how do I apply for on-base housing?

Hunt Military Communities manages all on-base family housing at NS Great Lakes across six neighborhoods with homes ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms assigned by rank and family size. When you live on base, your BAH is assigned to Hunt and covers your housing cost entirely — you have no out-of-pocket rent. Call the Housing Service Center at (847) 688-3440 the week your orders arrive. Do not wait until you’re in-processing. Waitlists fill fastest May through August, and a two-to-three month wait is not unusual during peak PCS season.

Key Takeaways

• BAH increased 4.8% for 2026 — use ZIP 60088 in the DoD BAH Calculator to confirm your exact rate by rank and dependency status before making any housing decisions.
• Property taxes are the variable that changes everything — Lake County’s effective rate of 2.68–3.20% adds $667–$1,000+ per month to your payment depending on home price. Factor this in before assuming your BAH covers your mortgage.
• Illinois does not tax active-duty military pay — this is a meaningful financial advantage that offsets some of the property tax burden for active-duty families.
• Your school district and your neighborhood are the same decision — Illinois requires attendance where you live. Research specific district boundaries before you search for homes.
• Gates 1, 6, and 7 are open 24/7 — all on Sheridan Road off IL-137. Your gate choice and your commute time are determined by which community you buy in.
• Disabled veterans should apply for Illinois’s SHEVD — a 70%+ disability rating can effectively eliminate property taxes on a typical Lake County home, changing the entire financial picture.
• Call the Housing Service Center at (847) 688-3440 when orders arrive — on-base waitlists fill fast May through August. Knowing your options helps you make a smarter off-base decision.
• Get your VA Home Loan Snapshot before you tour houses — it’s free, takes 60 seconds, and shows your real purchasing power with taxes and insurance included. Get yours here →