Forest Park

Forest Park

Located in Cook County

$327,628 Average Value
$230 Average Price per Sq Ft
34 Homes For Sale

Residents past and present are the core of Forest Park

Forest Park is rich in history and serves as a peaceful landing spot about 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Much of the village's green space comes from its five major cemeteries, which contain the burial sites of several notable Chicago figures and the historically registered Haymarket Martyrs' Monument. The community of the living makes up the heart of the community, gathering for their annual events and walking to the closest café. "Our community has so much to offer," says Laurie Kokenes, Executive Director for the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. "We work really hard to connect with local businesses and department heads to keep our economy strong and to make sure people know what we're doing here. It's about community support."

Forest Park is just a few miles from downtown Chicago on interstate 290.
Forest Park is just a few miles from downtown Chicago on interstate 290.
Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument Inside of Forest Home Cemetery of Forest Park.
Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument Inside of Forest Home Cemetery of Forest Park.
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From Chicago bungalows to modern condos

Housing styles and trends in Forest Park vary widely. There are homes from the early 1900s that have either been rehabbed or well-maintained, alongside newer construction among roomy streets. The classic Chicago brick bungalow is a stylistic staple, accompanied by Craftsman-inspired homes. Meanwhile, modern condos with tall, expansive windows are found right across the street from medieval-looking greystones. Locals enjoy the walkability within the village, as residential streets intertwine with shopping areas. Two-bedroom condos typically sell for around $160,000, three-bedroom maintained historic homes for $350,000, and larger vintage properties for between $450,000 and $550,000.

Brick bungalow's withl large windows stand out on the streets of Forest Park.
Brick bungalow's withl large windows stand out on the streets of Forest Park.
There are many large condo properties in the Forest Park area to choose from.
There are many large condo properties in the Forest Park area to choose from.
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The local flavor of Madison Street

Everyday errands are made easy by the chain stores scattered in and around Forest Park. The River Forest Town Center is a popular one-stop area for shopping, with stores such as Whole Foods Market, Walgreens and Petco. Along Madison Street, local business thrives, residents stopping into Forest Park Bakery for a fresh scone before they head to the metro or sifting through the clothing racks of Team Blonde. There's a seemingly endless supply of specialty shopping, from fragrant tea supply stores to the displays of vinyl in record shops. There's no shortage of locally favorite eats in Forest Park, either, with people chatting over craft cocktails and burgers at the outdoor patio of Scratch Public House to the simple interior and traditional dishes of Yum Thai.

Kribi Coffee is a popular morning coffee spot in Forest Park.
Kribi Coffee is a popular morning coffee spot in Forest Park.
Louie's Grill is a long time staple of Forest Park, serving the community for over 20 years.
Louie's Grill is a long time staple of Forest Park, serving the community for over 20 years.
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The distinct and unique events of Forest Park

"Our events are really unique; I think it puts us in the spotlight for what we want to show off," Kokenes says. "Everyone knows us for the Casket Races, but it's just one of many. The Spring Wine Walk is a super cool way to get to know the local businesses." Residents flood Madison Street for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and there's the iconic Casket Races, a colorful tribute to the historic cemeteries. Decorated "caskets" are wheeled down in a parade from local organizations and groups, and residents come to fundraise and hang out.

On the path to Proviso East High

Forest Park is served by Chicago Public Schools and has a few private highly rated options. Children attend kindergarten through second grade at Garfield Elementary before heading to third and fifth at Field-Stevenson Elementary, rated with a B on Niche. Field Stevenson uses exposure to different technologies in its learning practice to prepare students for a tech-driven world. Students move on to Forest Park Middle School, which receives a C, before finishing basic education at Proviso East High. With an overall C-minus, Proviso East offers an extensive and diverse roster of extracurriculars.

Proviso East High School has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
Proviso East High School has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
Garfield Elementary School of Forest Park servers K-8th grade.
Garfield Elementary School of Forest Park servers K-8th grade.
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Cooling off at the Aquatic Center

At the center of the community, The Forest Park Aquatic Center provides an opportunity to cool off in the hotter months with swimming pools and slides. Outside the Aquatic Center are soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, a skatepark and more. Forest Park is one of the starting points for the Illinois Prairie Path, a nearly 60-mile trail that maps the historical path of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad.

Park District at Forest Park field house.
Park District at Forest Park field house.
Park District at Forest Park tennis courts.
Park District at Forest Park tennis courts.
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Navigating Chicago

The major thoroughfare of Interstate 290 intersects Forest Park, so navigating the city via car is quickly accessible. There are two major CTA train stations near the interstate, Forest Park and Harlem, as well as several bus stops scattered along main roads. Forest Park is 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, so many residents will use the CTA to avoid traffic at the busiest parts of the day.

Interstate 290 cuts right though Forest Park  area.
Interstate 290 cuts right though Forest Park area.
The Forest Park transit Center is a hub for the CTA and Pace bus system.
The Forest Park transit Center is a hub for the CTA and Pace bus system.
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Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ReGina Artelt, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Forest Park Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$289,000
Median Sale Price
$286,125
Median Single Family Sale Price
$425,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$380,300
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$240,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
204
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$0
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$230

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
34
Months of Supply
2.00

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 1pm

    7637 Wilcox St, Forest Park, IL 60130

    $550,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,102 Sq Ft
    • 7637 Wilcox St
    • New 3 days ago

    Rare opportunity to own a historic Victorian house on an oversized lot located on one of the most coveted one-way streets in Forest Park! This vintage style home has 3-bedrooms and 2-bathrooms with a 2nd floor office and option for an office/studio in the basement. While vintage in style, this home also features a rehabbed kitchen with peninsula and an oversized picture window overlooking the

    Jim Buczynski Compass

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    3 - 5pm

    850 Des Plaines Ave Unit 207, Forest Park, IL 60130

    $199,500

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,126 Sq Ft
    • 850 Des Plaines Ave
    • Unit 207
    • New 4 days ago

    This sunny two-bedroom, two-bath condo offers comfort and convenience with a smart layout, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy two private balconies, generous closet space-including a spacious walk-in closet-and an assigned parking spot. The building features two elevators, a fitness room, a sauna, and a newly upgraded laundry area. Located in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood

    J. Alday Realty of America, LLC

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    12 - 2pm

    1032 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304

    $525,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1032 S Maple Ave
    • New 3 days ago

    Don't miss this rare opportunity in highly sought-after Oak Park! This Gem sits on an oversized lot and is ideally located directly across the street from scenic Maple Park-offering a tranquil setting with immediate access to green space, playgrounds, and walking paths. This spacious property includes two large garages, each accommodating 2.5 cars-perfect for secure parking, storage, or a

    Jose Cortina Realty of America, LLC

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Forest Park Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,673
Median Age
43
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$73,606
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,707

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
48.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Forest Park