The Brief
- Tatiana Squire, a first-time homeowner in Riverdale, was shocked when her annual property tax bill jumped to nearly $17,000 after a reassessment of her renovated $207,000 home.
- The Cook County Assessor’s Office says the increase reflects the home’s updated market value, but acknowledges the tax burden is unusually high.
- The case highlights a broader issue in Riverdale, where some of the nation’s highest property tax rates are making homeownership increasingly difficult for residents.
RIVERDALE – When Tatiana Squire purchased a renovated home on Clark Street last year, she believed she was achieving a milestone that would change her family’s future.
Except for her grandmother, Squire is the first person in her family to become a homeowner. She bought the three-bedroom, two-bath home hoping to provide stability for her two young sons and a quieter life outside Chicago.
“I was excited about it. I worked hard for it,” Squire said. “I wanted to get my kids out of the city. Not saying Riverdale is perfect, but it’s a peace of mind. My kids can play out front.”…