About Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and the Surrounding Communities

Oak Park

Oak Park is a small Chicago suburb just 9 miles from downtown. Founded in the late 1800s, it grew rapidly. Fifty percent of its housing stock was built prior to World War II. It is considered by many to be a living museum of American architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright began his career here, building over 36 homes and the Unity Temple. It was here that Wright developed and perfected his Prairie Style.

The village claims an unusually large number of illustrious residents - novelists Ernest Hemingway and Carol Shields, dancer Doris Humphrey, chemist Percy Julian, drummer Dave Tough and MacDonald's founder, Ray Kroc and of course Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few. The look and feel of the place is more urban than suburban. Sixty percent of the village is contained within three national historic districts with large houses and mature trees forming a canopy over its wide streets.

Through a long and complex process of government and non-government agencies and village ordinances, Oak Park created a strategy that made it one of the most stably integrated communities in the U.S. In addition to Oak Park's reputation for ethnic integration, it is highly regarded as being openly gay friendly. The Utne Reader describes Oak Park as "everything you'd want in a suburb: racially integrated, walkable, prosperous, a vital downtown, good transit, and a character all its own." and labeled it as being one of America's 60 best public places (Jan/Feb 2002 issue).

River Forest

River Forest, Illinois is located just west of Chicago and offers residents a quiet retreat from big city life while offering unparalleled access to all that Chicago has to offer. An exceptional array of historic residences can be found here, from Victorian cottages to spacious estates. Home buyers can find options in any price range, from single-family homes of all types to beautiful townhouses and condominiums.

River Forest has extensive park land available to their residents, with sports fields, fitness centers, public pools, and hundreds of park district activities and programs. Their historic downtown offers residents shopping and dining options that rival those of Chicago, and is home to an extraordinarily rich variety of cultural activities.

Forest Park

Just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park is a small town with the conveniences and resources of a big city. Homes range from comfortable single-family properties ideal for new homeowners to unique luxury residences. Contemporary condominium and townhouse developments have added to Forest Park's diverse housing options, and those seeking to relocate to Forest Park can find many options at a variety of price ranges. With extensive park land, sports fields, several fitness centers as well as a newly built aquatic center, Forest Park provides recreation options for residents of all ages. Forest Park's dining and shopping options are diverse, from the affordable to the upscale. And, Forest Park is especially convenient to Chicago's Loop as well as its diverse neighborhoods, as it is connected to the city by the CTA's rapid transit system.

Berwyn

Berwyn, just steps away from Chicago, is located eight miles west of the heart of downtown. The housing options in Berwyn, are generally limited to single-family homes. Berwyn features one of the most stunning collection of Chicago-style bungalows in the country. These turn of the century homes are typically distinguished by their oak floors, built-ins and stained glass windows. In addition to the bungalows, Berwyn has an outstanding array of historic homes, 320 of which are known to be 100 years or older. In fact, the community boasts two historic districts: Lavaragne Settlements and 12th Street. Berwyn's notable architecture has garnered the community two "Governor's Home Town Awards" and a finalist position for the "City Livability Award", sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

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I have no doubt that you'll find these communities to be fantastic places to live and work. On this site you'll find a brief introduction to Oak Park and many of the surrounding towns and villages. Although this information will provide you a good start, there is a great deal more to learn. Please do not hesitate to email me with any question you have.

Community Profile Report: Click Here to see data specific to Oak Park:

Local Schools To view local school information. Click here

Demographics courtesy of Sperling's Best Places