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Oak Forest

Oak Forest

Located in Cook County

$324,327 Average Value
$201 Average Price per Sq Ft
43 Homes 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.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve has many trails that are great for exercise, biking, and hiking.
Local nature preserves have marshes.
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.
Ranch houses are commonly seen in Oak Forest.
Some homes in Oak Forest have a Tudor style inspired design.
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.
Oak Forest High School is home of the Bengals.
Parents in Oak Forest may send their children to Lee R Foster Elementary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors and locals have convenient access to the Oak Forest train station.
Oak Forest offers a city like feel in a suburban area.
Oak Forest offers a city like feel in a suburban area.
The Oak Forest Metra stop is about an hour away from downtown Chicago.
The Oak Forest Metra stop is about an hour away from downtown Chicago.
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Hannah Rainey
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Hannah Rainey
Maurice Boone
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Maurice Boone

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

Agents Specializing 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

Parks in this Area

Oak Forest Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$299,900
Median Sale Price
$290,011
Median Single Family Sale Price
$318,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$245,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$198,499
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
311
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$201

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8,044
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Median Year Built
1969
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,723
Below the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,376
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,170
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
832
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Sep 13
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    16100 Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452

    $279,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,430 Sq Ft
    • 16100 Cicero Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Main floor everything and walking distance to the Metra station! This darling ranch style home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sits in an excellent school district. Tons of natural light in the living room. Eat-in kitchen has plenty of cabinet and counter space and all of the appliances are included. Primary bedroom has an attached bath and the other 2 bedrooms have a generous amount of space.

    Joe Moke Weichert, Realtors-Moke Agency

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  • Saturday, Sep 13
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    5341 Crescent Ln Unit D, Oak Forest, IL 60452

    $230,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,500 Sq Ft
    • 5341 Crescent Ln
    • Unit D
    • New 9 days ago

    Updated 2-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath townhome style condo with a full basement nestled in a quiet Oak Forest neighborhood. This well-maintained home features a bright and open floor plan, spacious living room, and updated kitchen with ample cabinet space. Both bedrooms offer generous closet storage, and the full bath is tastefully updated. Attached 1 car Garage also offers plenty of storage.

    Harry Ventimiglia Keller Williams Preferred Rlty

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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    15007 Moorings Ln, Oak Forest, IL 60452

    $549,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,231 Sq Ft
    • 15007 Moorings Ln
    • New 16 days ago

    Welcome to 15007 Moorings Lane in Oak Forest, a beautifully updated home offering approximately 4,231 sq ft of living space. With 5 bedrooms, a dedicated office, and 3.5 bathrooms, this home provides the perfect balance of space, comfort, and style. The main level showcases hardwood floors throughout the kitchen, dining room, family room, living room, laundry room, and office. A ceramic tile

    Sylwia Bukowska Listing Leaders Northwest, Inc

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Oak Forest Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
26,462
Median Age
41
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$81,331
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,616

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
30.5%
Advanced Degrees
8.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

48 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®®

74 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Oak Forest