Convenience is the calling card in Franklin Park, a village less than 5 miles south of Chicago O’Hare International Airport and less than 20 miles from Chicago’s downtown lakefront. A trio of Metra commuter rail stations and Interstate 294 further bolster Franklin Park’s reputation for being a quintessential bedroom community. “With all that proximity, Franklin Park is ideal for people who work outside their home,” says Rose Dante, a Realtor at Baird & Warner with almost 15 years of experience. Nearly 18,000 residents live in this near northwestern suburb that is only separated from Chicago by the width of the Des Plaines River.
Franklin Park is a village that provides all of the necessary amenities in an inviting area.
Conductors wait for Franklin Park passengers to board the active the Metra train.
1/2
Midcentury housing styles at lower prices than the Chicago median
Many homes in Franklin Park strike a balance between city living and the larger houses found in Chicago’s further suburbs. Rene Aguirre, a broker at Northlake Realtors, relocated to Franklin Park for that reason. “It was a downsize situation, and I like that it’s quiet and safe,” Aguirre says. “I’ve noticed that people tend to stay in this area a long time, usually 15 to 20 years.”
The median home price of around $315,000 is lower than the national median and in Chicago proper. Midcentury housing styles are predominant. Bungalows, Cape Cods and condos can start for less than $200,000, and it’s unusual for a single-family home in Franklin Park to sell for more than $475,000.
Located in Franklin Park, ranch style homes provide one-story living to home buyers.
The Cape Cod style of home is one of many unique types in Franklin Park.
1/2
East Leyden High combines with neighboring West Leyden for sports
Franklin Park School District No. 84, which includes three elementary schools and Hester Junior High, earns a B-rating from Niche. East Leyden High School earns an A-minus rating and is ranked among Illinois's top 125 public high schools. East Leyden’s enrollment is just over 1,800 students. Interestingly, East Leyden does not have an athletic rivalry with West Leyden in neighboring Northlake. Instead, they compete together as Leyden High School despite being separate schools.
Triton College, a two-year community college, is in neighboring River Grove.
East Leyden High School offers over 60 clubs to help Franklin Park students develop skills.
Scott Elementary School in Franklin Park has a student to teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
1/2
Logistics-friendly location draws in employers
Franklin Park’s location near Interstate 294 and O’Hare makes it ideal for logistics, and warehouses play a big part in the village’s economy. Sloan Valve Company, known for introducing the motion-sensor toilet flusher and manufacturing the flushometer commonly used in American public restrooms, is based in Franklin Park and has over 1,000 employees.
Train traffic is frequent, as there is a major Canadian Pacific Kansas City railyard in neighboring Bensenville.
Metra’s Milwaukee District West line runs from Chicago to Elgin and has two stations in Franklin Park. There is also a station on the North Central Service line, which runs from Chicago to Antioch. Pace’s 319 bus runs through Franklin Park along Grand Avenue.
Home to a thin-crust favorite
Mannheim Road and Grand Avenue are Franklin Park’s primary commercial corridors. Grand Stand Pizza, in operation since 1982, specializes in the tavern-style, thin-crust pizza that many Chicagoans insist is the true “Chicago-style” pie. Oakbrook Center, the second-largest mall in Chicagoland with more than 150 stores and restaurants, is 10 miles away from Franklin Park.
The Grand Stand Pizza provides Franklin Park with authentic Italian cuisine.
Nearby Brook Forest, the Oakbrook Center is one of the most prestigious outdoor malls.
1/2
Plenty of indoor and outdoor recreational options
No matter the season – and Franklin Park experiences all four in full measure – there are ample recreational opportunities. The village operates 17 parks and a community center. In summer, the ballfields, sand volleyball court and public swimming pool at Gouin Park are a major draw. Franklin Park Ice Arena stays open year-round and offers open skating and rec hockey leagues, among other activities.
Gouin Pool, on the south side of Franklin Park, is a great place to cool off.
The sand volleyball pit at Gouin Park is a great way to spend an afternoon.
1/2
Franklin Park Fest is a village celebration
Franklin Park Fest is a four-day event that kicks off the summer and usually occurs in early June. It takes place in the heart of the village at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Calwagner Street, with live music, food vendors and a beer and wine tent. The Saturday of the festival is Railroad Day, where the public is invited to tour the classic railcars on display.
Around Christmas time, the village has a large Winterfest, which includes a tree lighting, a children’s choir singing Christmas carols and Santa Claus' arrival on a fire truck.
Crime rates are below national averages
In 2023, property crime rates in Franklin Park were slightly below the national average, and violent crime rates were well below the national average, according to the FBI.
More than just a Chicago broker, Ivan Blanco is a dedicated advocate for his clients’ interests, committed to transforming their real estate dreams into tangible realities. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and the unique ability to intuitively understand his clients’ unspoken needs, Ivan stands out as a trusted advisor. A natural people person, Ivan has an empathetic communication style that fosters genuine connections. His attention to detail and prompt responsiveness to his clients’ needs ensure that every aspect of their sale or purchase transaction is meticulously handled from the first contact to closing and beyond.
Drawing on his successful background in sales and customer service, Ivan possesses the many skills that have allowed him to excel in Chicagoland’s competitive real estate landscape. As a sharp negotiator and strong communicator, he consistently delivers optimal outcomes for his clients. Dedicated to client education, with his fingers always on the pulse of local real estate trends, Ivan ensures that his clients are empowered with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Over the years, he has built a strong network of peers and colleagues including the best attorneys, lenders and inspectors—ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for his clients.
Ivan’s transition to real estate was driven by a deeply personal journey. Upon learning that their daughter would be born with a variety of health challenges, he and his wife embarked on a path of adaptation and resilience. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to provide for his family while being present for their unique needs, Ivan pursued his broker’s license—allowing him to merge his passion for helping others with his professional expertise. With a heart for service and a desire to empower others to achieve their goals, Ivan has leveraged his skills and capabilities into a fulfilling career where he has meaningful impact on the lives of others while prioritizing his family’s well-being. Closing on his first transaction soon after earning his license, Ivan has never looked back—achieving nearly 100 closings and $25 million in sales within his first four years as a broker.
Relentlessly driven to be of service, Ivan has also earned VA Certification, ensuring that he has the comprehensive, specialized expertise to assist military members, veterans, and their families with all of their real estate needs. Born and raised in Elmwood Park, Ivan has lived in both the city and the suburbs, and currently resides in Schaumburg with his wife and young daughter. He loves the vibrant, raw energy of Chicago, its rich multicultural diversity and, of course, its world-class culinary scene.
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.
