City & Local

Cook County

3 articles

Happy dogs of various breeds running and playing freely in a sun-drenched, spacious off-leash dog park in Cook County.
Best in City

4 Dog Friendly Off-Leash Areas in Cook County

Cook County residents face a $60 annual fee per dog, non-residents double that, just to enter designated off-leash dog areas.

Hannah Pierce·August 29, 2026
Homeowner examining a property tax assessment document with a magnifying glass, seeking to understand and appeal the valuation.
Neighborhoods

How Property Tax Assessments Work and How to Appeal

A successful property tax appeal for a missing exemption can put a refund check in a homeowner's hand within 3-4 weeks.

Derek Molina·June 4, 2026
Diverse group of Illinois homeowners celebrating outside their homes, symbolizing protection of their equity after new legislation.
Real Estate

Illinois lawmakers pass bill to protect homeowners' equity

Cook County was recently found liable in a class-action lawsuit, ordered to pay damages to 2,500 property owners.

Hannah Pierce·June 1, 2026