Somerset Farms, Sycamore — True Cost of Ownership
DeKalb County | Sycamore | 96 homes | 55+ | Homes $180K–$295K | HOA ~$175/mo
Somerset Farms and Old Mill Park are both 55+ communities in Sycamore, both in DeKalb County, and the only two communities in this entire market guide located outside the collar counties. The DeKalb County context — small-town Sycamore, county seat character, genuine downtown, ~2.3% effective property tax — applies identically to both communities. The differences between Somerset Farms and Old Mill Park come down to home style, HOA structure, and physical location within Sycamore. Buyers seriously considering this market should tour both before deciding.
DeKalb County 55+ scarcity: Only two communities in this entire 75+ community Chicago market guide are in DeKalb County. That scarcity means buyers who specifically want DeKalb County's combination of small-town character, manageable taxes, and affordable home prices are choosing between exactly two options. Comparing Somerset Farms to Sycamore neighbor Old Mill Park is the relevant analysis — not comparing either to Naperville or Hoffman Estates alternatives that represent a fundamentally different lifestyle.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Est. Monthly (Low) | Est. Monthly (High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOA fee | $165 | $185 | Common areas; verify exact inclusions |
| Property tax | $345 | $565 | DeKalb ~2.3%; on $180K–$295K homes |
| Lawn care | $60 | $105 | Owner responsibility |
| Homeowners insurance | $90 | $138 | Full structure; lower home values help |
| Utilities | $165 | $245 | Not in HOA |
| Total monthly (excl. mortgage) | ~$825 | ~$1,238 |
DeKalb County Tax by Home Value
| Purchase Price | Annual Tax Est. | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| $180,000 | $4,140 | $345 |
| $220,000 | $5,060 | $422 |
| $258,000 | $5,934 | $495 |
| $295,000 | $6,785 | $565 |
10-Year Projection — $225K Home
| Cost Item | 10-Year Estimate |
|---|---|
| HOA fees (3% annual increase from $175/mo) | ~$24,300 |
| Property tax (~$5,175/yr) | ~$53,800 |
| Lawn care (~$80/mo) | ~$9,600 |
| Insurance (~$112/mo) | ~$13,400 |
| Utilities (~$202/mo) | ~$24,200 |
| Total non-mortgage cost (10 yr) | ~$125,300 |
Questions on Somerset Farms?
Connect with a DeKalb County buyer agent for current listings at Somerset Farms and Old Mill Park in Sycamore.
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