Orland Park

Twenty-five miles southwest of Chicago, the idyllic village of Orland Park offers a more family-friendly way of living for those who'd prefer to be just outside the chaos of the city. Sandburg is a particularly serene pocket of the village, home to nature preserves and lakes with neighborhood streets nestled in between. With downtown's nearly endless shopping and dining nearby and a Metra station that takes residents right into the city, Sandburg is a popular spot for commuters with families who want access to urban conveniences without having to live in the city. "It's a very family-oriented area because of the highly rated school district, and there are lots of things for kids to do," says Kim Wirtz, an Orland Park resident who's sold real estate in the area for 20 years. "There's a lot of townhouses for first-time homebuyers, too."<br>Ranch-style, split-level and new traditional homes are supreme in Sandburg, though occasionally Colonial Revival homes are also available. Neighborhood townhouses, typically in a traditional architectural style, offer a more affordable option for buyers, and lots are often available for those looking to build their dream home. Sandburg's winding neighborhood streets are dotted with patches of greenery, infusing the area's landscape into its residential sections and offering many residents views of the land's native greenery. Though housing styles vary, there's a relative uniformity to each lawn's mailbox at the foot of its front-facing driveway, providing a sense of serenity in routine. Large trees have plenty of space to spread their limbs across sizeable lots and wide streets, and with no towering developments nearby, residents can relax under plenty of open sky. In Sandburg, prices tend to fall between $400,000 and $600,000, and the median price is $440,000. "After COVID, prices increased because there was a high demand for properties," Wirtz says. "Now, there's low inventory, so the prices have stayed high."<br>“The Orland Park school system is in high demand, and that’s why many people move here,” says Rick Wyrick, a local broker with 30 years of experience. Students in Sandburg start their education at Centennial School, which received an A rating on the educational review site, Niche, for preschool through second grade. Then, they continue to High Point School for third through fifth grade and Orland Junior High for sixth through eighth. Both of these schools received A-minuses. They graduate from Sandburg High, which received an A-plus and ranked in the top 40 public high schools in Illinois on Niche's 2024 Best Schools list. Parents interested in private education can send their children to the nearby St. Michael School, which enrolls preschool through eighth-grade students and received a B-plus on Niche.<br>An abundance of outdoor activities is a major selling point for many buyers looking to move to Sandburg. Residents here spend weekends exploring trails, watching wildlife and having picnics at Orland Grove, and when the weather's just right, they rent kayaks on Tampier Lake and go for a sunset paddle. Smaller parks throughout the community mean many residents are only a short walk away from a playground and a picnic table, and resident golf enthusiasts appreciate the neighborhood's proximity to the public-access Palos Country Club.<br>Sandburg residents have access to nearly endless shopping and dining along the neighborhood's eastern edge. Downtown Orland Park is the village's top spot for restaurants, where locals grab brunch at The White Sheep, get deep-dish from Giordano's and catch live music at Fox's Pizza & Irish Pub on weekend nights. Orland Park Crossing offers shopping from retailers like Chico's and EVEREVE, and nearby residents can stop at Mariano's for groceries. The neighborhood's north end offers additional dining options like Buona and The Original Island Shrimp House and grocery stores like Jewel-Osco and ALDI.<br>Sandburg is 25 miles southwest of Chicago, and the drive takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Residents can also take the Metra from the Orland Park 143rd station, which is located in the neighborhood and gets passengers into the city in under an hour. "What I like about living in Orland Park is that you can get to Chicago in about 40 minutes, but you don't have the hustle and bustle of the traffic and things like that," Wirtz says. The Pace Bus serves Orland Park with a route down La Grange Road, but most of the time, residents need cars to get around. UChicago Medicine Orland Park on the neighborhood's southeast corner provides residents convenient access to medical care, and the nearest airport, Midway, is about 30 minutes away.<br>On Thursdays from June through August, residents meet at Centennial Park West after work for Market at the Park, where they can try food from different vendors, shop for artisanal art and enjoy free weekly entertainment. In June, Orland Park celebrates Summerfest, a three-day event with a lineup of bands, carnival rides and a car show, and each August, residents can explore local cuisines at Taste of Orland Park, a 20-year tradition that celebrates the community's culinary scene.

Nestled in the charming village of Orland Park, just to the west of downtown, is the quiet and pleasant neighborhood of Orland Grove. This family-friendly community features top-rated schools, lots of parks and woodlands, and is close to Chicago. Nature lovers will enjoy the ready access to Cook County’s expansive forest preserves. The village of Orland Park has declared itself the “world’s golf center,” so duffers are sure to enjoy access to Silver Lake Country Club’s three public courses. The Crystal Tree subdivision in Orland Grove is the neighborhood’s most visible development. Homes here sit back from quiet streets on well-manicured lawns. “This is a compact neighborhood where everyone knows everybody,” says Sharon Kubasak, a Broker with Baird Warner who has lived in the area for 30 years. “A big draw is that it is a gated community with 24-hour staffed guard houses. “The HOA fees are reasonable at around $400 a month, considering there is 24-hour security.” The entire Orland Grove community has a notably low CAP Index crime score of 2/10. Home styles in Crystal Tree include Tudor-style duplexes with golf course views, modern craftsman-style homes and even luxury custom-built mansions. Large lots are also for sale in the Silo Ridge Estates for those who wish to build their dream home. Home prices throughout the entire Orland Grove community range from about $255,000 for a brick ranch-style house to more than $1.5 million for a modern Tudor-style mansion in Crystal Tree. Children may begin their education at Centennial School, which serves pre-kindergarten through second grade. The school has an A-minus rating from Niche. For third through fifth grade, students move to Meadow Ridge School, which has an A-minus rating. Sixth through eighth-grade students attend Orland Junior High School, also holding an A-minus. Students will finish their secondary schooling at Carl Sandburg High School, which boasts an A-plus rating. Niche ranks the high school 39th of Illinois’ nearly 1,300 public high schools. When it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors, Orland Grove has much to offer. Brown Park, off Westwood Drive, has a playground and walking paths that connect to Doogan Park, which also has a playground and sports facilities, including a baseball field, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts and a frisbee golf course. Hikers will enjoy checking out the trails at Bachelor’s Grove Woods. The forested area has access to more than 350 miles of trails. The more adventurous might want to visit the 19th-century cemetery off one of the trails. Legend has it to be the most haunted graveyard in the country. Additionally, golfers will be delighted to have the private Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club in the neighborhood. The club features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, driving range, clay tennis courts and a beautiful swimming pool with a vacation atmosphere. During the summer, residents can enjoy outdoor concerts at Centennial Park or head to Crescent Park’s weekly farmers’ market at Crescent Park to stock up on fresh produce and artisanal goods. Locals look forward to the annual Taste of Orland Park. The three-day event held in August lets locals sample food and drinks from the area’s top restaurants while listening to live music. Orland Square is a shopping center within walking distance of Crystal Tree. The retail center is home to dozens of merchants, including Macy’s, Forever 21 and Coach. If it’s time to stock up on groceries, Mariano’s and Trader Joe’s are less than a mile away. When the mood calls for dinner out, residents can drive — or walk — the half-mile to RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurant, a casual, family-owned eatery and bar offering an extensive Italian menu of pasta, pizza, seafood and steak. Check out Pop’s Italian Beef and Sausage, a local, counter-service fast-food chain slinging up gyros and Italian beef sandwiches for something more casual. Downtown Chicago is 25 miles northwest via Interstate 55. Midway Airport is a 17-mile drive on US 45. Those who would rather skip the drive can take the Metra from the Orland Park 143rd station and arrive at Chicago’s Union Station in 50 minutes.

For those seeking an active lifestyle in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Centennial is a good place for it. "The Centennial neighborhood is fairly new. Obviously, you have the park right there, and houses have been appreciating well," says Rick Wyrick, broker with Baird & Warner. Named after nearby Centennial Park, residents have access to dozens of outdoor activities. Homes include newer subdivisions and established small ranch-style residences, and students attend schools within the Orland School District No. 135, which ranks an A-minus on Niche. The Orland Square shopping mall is 3 miles east, with several chains and local shopping options. Because development here is relatively new compared to much of Chicago, dwellings date back only to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Most of Centennial is comprised of single-family homes, but a few condos and apartments are available throughout the neighborhood, too. Traditional-style residences with spacious front yards and two-car garages around Royal Glen Drive hover at prices between $550,000 and $800,000, some with private pools and hedged backyards. Two-bedroom townhouses in the Colette Highlands Townhome Association cost around $340,000. Established ranch houses with two or more bedrooms near Wolf Road are valued between $250,000 and $400,000. Students in Centennial may attend schools within Orland School District No. 135, which earns an overall A-minus on Niche, and Consolidated High School District No. 230, which scores an A-plus. They may start their education at Centennial School for kindergarten through second grade, which scores an A. They can then attend Meadow Ridge School for grades three through five, and then Century Junior High School for sixth through eighth. Both schools earn an A-minus on Niche. Finally, students may go to Carl Sandburg High School, which scores an A-plus and offers more than 70 extracurricular clubs, such as bass fishing, an art club and a chess team. Centennial Park, where the neighborhood got its name, is comprised of over 200 acres of connected biking and walking trails, amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy. One of the features is Grinding Edge Skate Park, which has a variety of concrete structures for perfecting tricks. The park also features baseball and soccer fields and a volleyball court. The Orland Park Health and Fitness Center is in the northeast corner and has a gym, running track, pools, a hot tub, a steam room and a sauna. In the center is the Centennial Park Playground for families to enjoy together. Centennial Park Aquatic Center includes speed slides, tube slides, a lazy river and several pools for all ages. Residents must pay daily admission fees or annual memberships to access the aquatic center. In the winter, Centennial Park has an ice skating rink opposite the boat launch. Pet owners can also bring their dogs to the Orland Park “Dogout” Dog Park, which requires a membership and has areas for small and large dogs. Just north of most homes is the Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club, which offers member events, dining and benefits for those who join. By the Sportsplex Recreation Center on 159th Street, residents can find grocery and dining options. "Centennial continues to develop with businesses and restaurants opening all the time,” Wyrick says. Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets is an Italian grocery store with a deli and bakery. Nearby is Cafe Miele, where guests can order a delicious omelet, a stack of pancakes or a breakfast sandwich. Girl in the Park serves American grill fare and craft beer, while Anthony’s Pizza is the place to go for sandwiches and deep-dish pizza. Orland Square is a shopping mall off South La Grange Road with popular stores like JCPenney and Von Maur department store. Several chain restaurants and retail shops surround the mall, and locals can also find the nearby Target, Best Buy and Walmart near 159th Street. Commuting to downtown Chicago, about 38 miles away, requires hopping on Interstate 57. Traffic tends to run long, so most trips can take up to an hour. Likewise, O’Hare International Airport is about 32 miles north via US Highway 45, and traffic can get congested throughout the day. UChicago Medicine Medical Center on South La Grange Road is north of town and about 4 miles away from most homes. The Village of Orland Park offers many events and experiences for residents in the area, some requiring membership and others free to anyone. On Thursdays from June to August and between 4 pm and 8 pm, locals can check out Market at the Park, which has a variety of food and craft vendors as well as free weekly entertainment. They also host a Lucky Egg Hunt for Easter in March for children aged between one and nine years old.

In the village of Orland Park, the Grasslands neighborhood is home to 750 acres of open prairie where people can walk among native plants and animals. “You start to feel far away from the houses and businesses,” says Carl Vogel, director of communications with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. A collection of subdivisions lies to the west of the forest preserves, with several neighborhood parks scattered throughout. Families send their children to Orland School District No. 101, which receives an A-minus from Niche, and locals often visit the stores and restaurants in the southern part of Grasslands. The eastern part of the neighborhood is filled by Orland Grassland and Orland Grassland-South, part of the Forest Preserves of Cooks County. This land, while never built on, was once used for farming, and the Forest Preserves have been working to restore it to its natural state since 2002 by removing drain tiles and invasive species. Now, the space is filled with native plants and over 100 varieties of birds. “It’s somewhere you can go see what it was like before settlers were there,” Vogel says. Besides bird watching, locals can hike and bike 13 miles of trails and explore the surrounding greenery. The rest of the neighborhood has several parks, including Discovery Park, which offers amenities such as a playground, bocce ball court and a soccer field. People can also visit the Stellwagen Farm, one of five heritage sites in Orland Park, to learn some local history. Grasslands’ residential area is split into several subdivisions. Sidewalks are separated from the wide roads and cul-de-sacs by a thin line of trees, and many homes sit upon large, manicured lawns with landscaping that is kept up by the local homeowners associations, which charge monthly fees that start at $150. Contemporary ranch styles and split levels sit among mid-century modern homes that sometimes feature asymmetrical roofs, and most properties have wide driveways and two or three-car garages. Prices for a three or four-bedroom single-family typically fall between $425,000 and $575,000. However, the Olde Mill subdivision’s new traditional homes with sprawling brick and stone exteriors start at $625,000. Two-bedroom ranch-style and split-level townhouses in the Eagle Ridge community tend to cost between $275,000 and $325,000. Students can start at Orland School District No. 101, completing kindergarten through second grade at Orland Center School, which receives a B-plus from Niche. They finish third through fifth grade at Meadow Ridge School before attending Century Junior High School, both of which score an A-minus. At Carl Sandburg High, which earns an A-plus and is part of Consolidated High School District No. 230, over half of the student body participates in at least one of over 100 co-curriculars, including Model United Nations and about 20 sports teams. Neighbors often engage with the Forest Preserves through volunteer opportunities scheduled throughout the year. “It’s a very robust volunteer community,” Vogel says. Whether on their own or with a group, people can help the Orland Grassland by cleaning up litter, transplanting seedlings and removing weeds and invasive species. Locals also attend Orland Park events, including Markets at the Park. Every Thursday from June to August, local vendors showcase and sell food, arts, crafts and other goods while enjoying live entertainment. While most of the neighborhood is residential, the southwestern corner of Grasslands is home to several restaurants and stores. Locals can eat dinner at Joy of Thai, with specials such as ginger duck, or at the Italian Barraco’s Pizza, and find groceries at Jewel-Osco or Aldi. The area has a couple of specialty markets, including H-Tide Asian Market and Amish Country Farms. Walmart is about 2 miles away, while Home Depot is about a 5-mile drive. Most residents in Grasslands drive themselves and can take Interstate 80 or U.S. Routes 6 and 45 out of the neighborhood and farther into Illinois. People can also hop on the Metra at the Orland Park 179th station to catch a 75-minute ride into Chicago. The Chicago Midway International Airport, about 20 miles away and reachable by train or car, offers over 80 direct flights to U.S. and international destinations. Grasslands is about 9 miles from Silver Cross Hospital, with emergency treatment and cancer and vascular care services. The hospital has earned accolades in several fields, including receiving the Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care from BlueCross BlueShield and being named Illinois’s number one surgical care provider by Healthgrades.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of the vibrant village of Orland Park, Fernway Park is a smaller neighborhood that offers residents a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to modern amenities. The area’s ranch-style homes are a quick walk from both excellent schools and a variety of parks. There is also abundant shopping and dining nearby, so residents never have to travel far. Whether looking for a peaceful retreat or a vibrant community to call home, Fernway Park has something for everyone. "There is a good shopping center nearby, and the neighborhood parks are all very nice,” says Cheri Cronin, a broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who has served the area for over 40 years. In the Fernway Park area, locals can primarily find three-to-four-bedroom ranch-style homes built in the 1960s with large driveways and attached garages. “The area is a little older, but the homes have been well maintained and updated over the years," says Cronin. Homes can range from $200,000 to 400,000 dollars, with prices rising the closer the house is to parks and schools. Many homes also have spacious front yards with mature oak trees shading the driveways and front doors. Newer parts of the neighborhood have sidewalks, allowing for an accessible place for a stroll. Two of the major thoroughfares outside of Fernway Park are 159th Street and 96th Avenue. These allow access to the greater Chicago area and a fast track to downtown. Multiple bus stops are also available right along 159th Street for locals to utilize. Many residents also have access to sidewalks and greenways throughout the neighborhood, so cars are not the only possible form of travel. Silver Cross Hospital is 11 miles away to the west for medical care. For trips to the east and west coast, the Chicago Midway International Airport is a 19-mile drive north towards downtown Chicago. Neighbors don't have to go far to shop with Orland Towne Center just to the northwest. The shopping center has many retail and fast-food favorites such as Burger King and Taco Bell. Residents can shop for groceries at ALDI or Walmart in the shopping center or Jewel-Osco right across the street. For breakfast on the weekends, check out Lumes Pancake House across the street from the town center. Established in 1991, Lumes uses only the freshest ingredients with a modern farm-to-table feel and is famous for its oven-baked pancake dusted with powdered sugar. A few blocks to the east of the local Elementary School, you'll find Wlodarski Park, which has a playground, plenty of green space to have a picnic on a sunny day and a great walking path. The path connects to Buedingen Park, which offers multiple sports fields and another popular playset for local athletes. On the neighborhood's north end, Crystal Creek Park has three different playgrounds, each designed for a specific age group; plus, there is a sand pit with two diggers for all ages. Younger students can look forward to walking to school with Fernway Park Elementary School located in the center of the neighborhood. The school receives a B rating on Niche and features a wide variety of clubs and activities designed to meet the needs and interests of students. Students then head to Prairie View Middle School, which receives an A-minus, then finish at the A-rated Victor J. Andrew High School. The school is especially proud of its baseball team under their mascot, the Thunderbolts. Just outside the neighborhood, Orland Park has an annual celebration popular with residents known as Party in the Park. This event takes place in June in Kelly Park and provides three days of fun, from the best fireworks show in the southwest suburbs to great local live cover bands, great food from local businesses and family-friendly activities.

Orland Park is a small village on the outskirts of Chicago’s suburban influence that has much to recommend it. Its central district, aptly referred to as Central Orland Park, is home to the village’s wide variety of shops and restaurants, the many amenities of its largest green space and an excellent school system. Despite its position on the Metra line, giving residents quick access to downtown Chicago, the community of Orland Park feels like a small-town haven from the rush of the outside world. With new constructions going up daily, Central Orland Park is an attractive location for anyone looking to reside on the cusp of suburban quietude and downtown hustle. New two-bedroom townhouses with Craftsman features line the streets in Central Orland, many with two-car garages and spacious floor plans. These often start around $290,000. Larger three-bedroom Modern Traditional homes with spacious yards and driveways are priced around $400,000, with the newer constructions climbing to over $550,000. Sprawling brick ranch-style houses with two-car garages and large yards can also be found, with prices typically ranging between $300,000 and $500,000. A healthy mix of young and mature trees shade the sidewalks and roads, all close to green spaces and shopping destinations. "I moved to the area for the school system," says Renee Crews, executive director of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. "The public school system is very strong, and I appreciate a quality education for my kids.” Most students in Orland Park are zoned for Orland Park Elementary School, which scores a B-plus on Niche. They also attend Orland Junior High School, rated A-minus. Both of these institutions fall under Orland School District 135, and staff at both schools received ABCDE Awards from the Orland Board of Education, recognizing their contributions to academic excellence. Students finish at Carl Sandburg High School, graded A-plus and home to distinguished athletics programs including a state-champion boys’ cross country squad. When they want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, residents head west to Centennial Park. This sprawling green space at the southwest end of the neighborhood offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages, with walking and biking trails weaving through them all. Grinding Edge Skate Park in Centennial has concrete structures and a half-pipe for skateboarders to shred. The baseball and soccer fields routinely host tournaments and informal pickup games. In warmer months, locals rent boats and go fishing on the lakes to the south. When winter hits, an outdoor ice skating rink sets up with skate rentals and hot chocolate vendors. Four-legged residents with memberships can also take advantage of the baseball-themed dog park with off-leash areas for small and large breeds. Central Orland residents are spoiled for choice, with shopping options lining Route 45. They can pick up groceries at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, then head to Lowe’s and Target just a few blocks south. Jewel-Osco is across the street from Target, with a Walmart one block down from there. Fast-casual chains like LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Robin line the street, with family-owned restaurants like House of Hamada tucked away along South 94th Avenue. Central Orland Park residents can head to Centennial Park and hop on a train at Orland Park 153rd Station, which sits on the SouthWest Metra line. This runs all the way to Union Station in the heart of Chicago, 25 miles away, in just under 1 hour. Locals can connect to Interstate 80 by driving south 4 miles on Route 45. The village of Orland Park offers a wide range of events that locals can partake in without having to venture far from their homes. The Hostert Log Cabins on West Avenue puts on performances recreating the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder in a historical setting. In warm weather, Paint and Sips are hosted at the Gergana of Magenta Moon School of Art. And of course, the Metra train brings residents into the heart of Chicago to take full advantage of the Windy City’s many event venues. While it has a vibrant shopping district and lively urban atmosphere, residents of Central Orland Park cherish the way their home feels like a country village. “I love the community feel here,” Crews says. “In an age where everyone is hyper-connected online, it's nice to have so many options to meet face-to-face." With an active community theater and arts community, athletic meetups in the park and close-to-home options for a night out, Orland Park offers young professionals and families alike a welcoming blend of suburban living and urban convenience.