The Village of Oak Park is rich in history and natural beauty, with the bustling Chicago Loop just minutes away. The 52,524 residents take pride in their attractive neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and award-winning schools. Many famous residents hail from Oak Park, including authors Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Rice Burroughs, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and McDonald`s founder Ray Kroc. Hemingway’s childhood home was recently opened as a museum, and two national historic districts are in the town.
Oak Park is also famous for its unique architecture, boasting over 300 noteworthy buildings. Architectural bicycle tours have become a popular summer activity, and the village brings residents together through dozens of attractions and special events. A farmers market features seasonal fruits and vegetables from a four-state area, and the Day in Our Village festival features food, fellowship, and entertainment. Since 1984, Oak Park has been recognized as a “Tree City, USA,” and the real estate market is as varied as the people who live there.
Education
Oak Park schoolchildren attend District 97 elementary schools and District 200 high schools. The village also has a variety of day-care centers, preschools, and private schools to choose from. Besides the public school system, there is an extensive Catholic school system, two Montessori schools, and Christian and Lutheran schools.
Oak Park and River Forest have three outstanding high schools that offer excellent college preparatory programs and a variety of programs to meet the community’s needs. Two four-year colleges are located within a half-mile of the village, and four universities are within eight miles of Oak Park.
History
The Pottawatomie, Sac, and Fox Indians originally occupied Oak Park. An English family moved to the area in 1835, and by 1848, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad brought more residents. The village was named Oak Park after the local post office, and the railway station soon shared the name. The village of Oak Park was incorporated in 1902.
Pricing
Prairie School designs are prevalent in Oak Park, along with Victorian houses and homes in other classic styles. Condominiums and townhouses start just below $100,000 and reach up to $600,000. Single-family detached homes start around $200,000 and can exceed $1 million for estate properties with panoramic views. Land and lots for custom development are limited.
Recreation
Oak Park is a friendly community where residents can shop at the farmers market, watch fireworks on the Fourth of July, and swim at Rehm Park and Ridgeland Commons pools. In the winter, neighbors shovel each other’s driveways; in the summer, they play games and dine out during the plentiful block parties each weekend.
New residents are welcomed each June during the Day in Our Village festival. The popular event at Scoville Park features over 100 activities and information booths to help “newbies” get acquainted with their neighbors.