Welcome to Oak Park, Illinois
Oak Park is bounded by Chicago to the north and east, Berwyn and Cicero to the south and River Forest and Forest Park to the west and has roughly 52,000 residents in apartments or single family homes. Walkable scores rank high for most properties in Oak Park. Located less than 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, the community boasts one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes as well as the Wright designed Unity Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The works of other notable architects such as Mayer, Van Bergen and E. E. Roberts may be found scattered throughout the community. The Village has three historic districts whose emphasis is to preserve the architectural heritage of the community.
A major appeal to residents of Oak Park is the easy access to Chicago with two CTA rapid transit lines as well as Metra train service. The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) dissects the community with access from Austin Boulevard or Harlem Avenue with roughly a 10 minute drive to downtown Chicago outside of rush hour. Oak Park is also known as the birthplace of Earnest Hemingway and the home of Edward Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan. Dr. Julian, a world renown chemist, had his home in Oak Park, and it is still occupied by his daughter Faith.
Shopping opportunities are plentiful in the community. Lake and Marion is considered the downtown area with additional shopping at Lake and Oak Park Avenue. Both of these areas contain numerous restaurants with a variety of cuisines and small owner operated retail establishments. Additional shopping is along Oak Park at the Eisenhower expressway and along the perimeter of Oak Park at North Avenue and Roosevelt Road. The Arts District is located between Ridgeland and Austin and has a variety of small art shops, restaurants and a few businesses. The Buzz Café is the neighborhood’s get together spot in the Arts District. Additional major shopping is found just west of Harlem at Lake Street in neighboring River Forest.
There are 10 public parks with two having public swimming pools. Ridgeland Commons, besides having a pool also has an indoor ice rink and a large open field area for soccer and softball. Public tennis and pickelball courts can also be found in the community. There is a gymnastic center and a recently constructed community rec center as well as two historic residences utilized for weddings and other special events.
Many are attracted to the community for the school system. There are 8 elementary, 2 junior highs and the Oak Park-River Forest High School, which offers AP classes giving many a head start for college. Oak Park Township provides numerous services with an emphasis for senior citizens and offering special programs, transportation, nursing, and meals on wheels for those that need it. Due to the close proximity to Chicago, Oak Park has been the set for numerous film productions. Some of the movies or TV shows that have filmed either in its entirety or partially have been: Home Alone Backdraft Rookie of the Year Return to me The Wedding Code of Silence West Wing The Breakup What Women Want Soul Food Chicago Fire The Lake House
There is a variety of housing styles ranging from smaller starter bungalows to large Victorian or Estate style homes with many situated on large lots. Numerous condominiums also exist with many being in Vintage buildings. Styles can range from early 1900’s to mid-century walk-ups or elevator buildings. Several larger high rise apartment buildings have also been constructed over the past few years. There is housing for most regardless of the size of your pocketbook.
With over 100 years of selling homes in Oak Park, we are confident we can find the right home for you and your family. Need more information? Call me Al Rossell, Designated Managing Broker 708.383.7100
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