$320,603Average Value$163Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A cozy suburb with small eateries and various housing styles
Oak Forest is surrounded by nature preserves, just as its name suggests. But day to day, this is a suburb with winding streets, cozy locally owned eateries and a prominent high school. It kicked off in the 1920s but continued to grow, revealing a selection of housing styles that span the decades. “You’re going to see small businesses here, and for shopping, smaller plazas,” says Realtor Brandon Rodriguez with Corona Homes Team. He used to work in the food service industry in Oak Forest, prior to becoming a realtor. “Overall, it’s considered a nice [community] that’s safe, where people will be out and about.”
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve has many trails that are great for exercise, biking, and hiking.
Local nature preserves have marshes.
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Ranches in the $200,000s and Modern Traditionals in the $400,000s
There’s plenty of midcentury housing, such as ranches and split-levels. But so are Modern Traditional homes from the late 80s, whether those are single-story properties that take influence from midcentury ranches, or two-story properties that hint at the contemporary multi-gabled style that became popular over subsequent decades. “Brick is a popular material here, and a lot of people seem to like Oak Forest for that reason,” Rodriguez says. “The houses are very nice, the streets are well taken care of, and there’s a mix of attached singles and detached singles. Plus, there are quite a few townhouses and condos, too.” Prices range from $170,000 to $430,000.
Ranch houses are commonly seen in Oak Forest.
Some homes in Oak Forest have a Tudor style inspired design.
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Successful sports teams at Oak Forest High
Schools play a large part in the city's appeal. Foster Elementary has a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio and earns a B from Niche. Hille Middle earns a B-minus. Oak Forest High is centrally located, near City Hall, and is known for a strong sports program. It earns an A. “The people who live here appreciate having a high school that produces professional athletes,” Rodriguez says. “Baseball has been especially popular, with some players going on to the major leagues. City Hall even hangs pictures of notable athletes from the area.”
Oak Forest High School is home of the Bengals.
Parents in Oak Forest may send their children to Lee R Foster Elementary.
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From tennis to baseball at Central Park
Central Park, the city's largest park, features a playground, an inline skate park, baseball and football fields, and basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts. Just east of South Cicero Avenue, locals can find Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, one of the numerous forested reserves surrounding the city's residential streets. This 176-acre preserve contains mossy ponds and wildlife, and visitors can take a stroll on its 2 miles of paved walkways or go fishing for bluegill at Pogie Lake. The site is also home to the remains of a Native American village that was occupied until the late 17th century.
Play a leisurely game of tennis at one of the public tennis courts in Oak Forest.
Children enjoy the playground at Central Park in Oak Forest.
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Pizza places on Cicero Avenue, groceries on Central Avenue
Many locally owned restaurants and shops are located off South Cicero Avenue, which is a city hot spot for nightlife and recreation. Specializing in craft beer and casual dining, Blarney Stone Pub provides patrons with a variety of draft pours, along with numerous types of pizza, pasta and burgers. In the blocks surrounding the pub, customers can go south to grab a classic slice of Chicago deep-dish at Beggars Pizza, or head north to Markella’s Gyros for a quick gyro or hotdog. Sweet tooth fanatics are welcomed at La Isla Michoacana Ice Cream Shop, with its variety of hand-scooped flavors and milkshakes. A selection of quick-service chain restaurants such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds can also be found within the city. Residents typically do their grocery shopping at Jewel-Osco off Central Avenue, or pick up more select items at Swagat Foods Indian grocer or Maria’s Grocery Store.
Enjoy a delicious burger at Blarney Stone Pub in Oak Forest.
La Isla Michoacana in Oak Forest, IL.is highly recommended by many in the Oak Forest community.
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Public library events include craft workshops
Events are one way the community stays together. Acorn Public Library provides local learners of all ages with engaging activities, including book discussion groups, craft workshops and educational presentations. On the city's northern border is Gaelic Park, where Irish culture and tradition is preserved in banquet hall events.
Gaelic Park in Oak Forest features multiple Irish themed events.
Acorn Public Library of Oak Forest is open daily from 9am to 5pm, closed Sunday.
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Oak Forest Metra near 159 Street
True to the city's laidback atmosphere, traveling by foot or bike is embraced here. “There are lots of sidewalks, and you’ll see a lot of people out on bicycles, especially compared to other nearby areas,” Rodriguez says. “Oak Forest also has its own Metra station on the east end.” Cicero Avenue, besides being a place to grab hot eats, is also a key north-south corridor for traveling the region. Intersecting with Cicero is West 159th Street, another important corridor for travel and retail. Both of these feature bus stops.
Visitors and locals have convenient access to the Oak Forest train station.
Oak Forest offers a city like feel in a suburban area.
The Oak Forest Metra stop is about an hour away from downtown Chicago.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rafay Qamar,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Oak Forest, IL sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $166,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WELCOME HOME. GORGEOUS BRICK FORRESTER LOCATED IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE FOREST VIEW HILLS. SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH HOME IN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 230. VAULTED CEILINGS IN LIVING ROOM. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM. GRANITE TOPS, SS APPLIANCES. NEW ROOF IN 2015, A/C IN 2014, FURNACE IN 2007, SUMP PUMP & WATER HEATER 2017. HUGE FAMILY ROOM WITH WET BAR & FIREPLACE, GREAT FOR
Welcome to 16052 Debra Drive, a custom-built Oak Forest home that has been exceptionally maintained and thoughtfully updated over the years. This spacious property features a large living room addition and a bright 3-season room, both added in 2008, creating the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing. The fully fenced (2005) backyard is a private oasis with an above-ground pool, tranquil koi
True FIRST FLOOR END UNIT Condo With NO Stairs PLUS PRIVATE GARAGE Awaits The Most Fussy Of All Buyers-Large Sun Filled Eat In Kitchen Has Plenty Of Cabinet/Countertop Space + Formal Dining Area-Convenient In Unit Laundry Room-Large Living Room Is Ideal For Entertaining-Both Bedrooms Are Nice Size With Plenty Of Closet Space-The Primary Bedroom Boasts Private Bathroom-Enjoy Your Morning Coffee Or
Short Sale Opportunity here please know it could take some time to get to closing. Come check out this wonderful All Brick 3 Bedroom, 2 bathroom Ranch in Oak Forest! Roof done in 2021! Side Driveway, detached garage and Large Lot! Absolutely gorgeous kitchen, featuring all new, white, shaker style cabinets, stone countertops, all stainless appliances and a large dining area. Luxury vinyl plank
WELCOME HOME. GORGEOUS BRICK FORRESTER LOCATED IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE FOREST VIEW HILLS. SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH HOME IN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 230. VAULTED CEILINGS IN LIVING ROOM. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM. GRANITE TOPS, SS APPLIANCES. NEW ROOF IN 2015, A/C IN 2014, FURNACE IN 2007, SUMP PUMP & WATER HEATER 2017. HUGE FAMILY ROOM WITH WET BAR & FIREPLACE, GREAT FOR
Welcome to Manchester Courts! A beautiful place to call home! We are under NEW MANAGEMENT! Now Touring By Appointment ONLY!!!!Manchester Court Apartments in Oak Forest, IL is conveniently located near the Metra station and major expressways and offers 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment homes; free heat, cooking gas and water, stove, refrigerator, balcony, blinds, 24-hour on-call
Completely updated and truly move-in ready, this beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath home in Oak Forest has it all. Enjoy a modern kitchen and stylish bathrooms, a fully finished basement with a custom wet bar, and an attached 2-car garage. The oversized backyard is perfect for entertaining, featuring a fire pit and plenty of room to relax or play. Just 3 minutes from the Metra station and
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $3334.90. That covers your base rent, $3275.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Smart
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