$591,534Average Value$212Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
Suburbia surrounded by protected forests
In 1893, Chicago hosted the World’s Fair, attracting thousands of visitors with brand-new inventions like the Ferris Wheel, an automatic dishwasher and Edison light bulbs. As droves of people traveled to Lake Michigan to witness the magic of electricity, the city’s wealthiest residents decided to seek peace and quiet 25 miles inland. They set up the Sharpshooters Association in Palos Park, building spacious summer homes in the midst of the Cook County Forest. By the early 1900s, the village had become an artist’s retreat, and creatives like Claude Buck, Emile Grumieaux, Felix Russmann and Lorado Taft were inspired by the towering trees and clean air. “Palos Park was considered far from the city at the turn of the century,” says Barry Gaw with RE/MAX 10, a Palos Park local who’s accumulated nearly 50 years of real estate experience. “It was a place for artists and poets and writers from the University of Chicago to do their thinking and work on their projects. There were many little cottage-type homes in beautiful settings, and some of them still remain.” Palos Park was officially incorporated in 1914; the population has continued to expand, growing from less than 500 a century ago to approximately 5,000 today. Vacation homes have transformed into year-round residences, shopping centers are an easy drive away and the once-remote enclave is now a village with a top-rated school district.
Palos Park is a southwest suburb of Chicago.
Palos Park
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Investment properties, mid-century modern homes and wooded estates
"Palos Park is more upscale than Palos Heights," says Laurie Mead, a Realtor with @properties. "It's more of an artsy, cultural area, and there are some really nice houses over here.” Prices range from the mid $300,000s to well over $1 million, and prospective buyers will find virtually any type of home; 1920s-era cottages in need of large-scale renovations sell for under $350,000, brick-sided mid-century modern properties with forest views hover around $550,000 and early-2000s estates with backyards swimming pools sell for $1 million. According to Gaw, plenty of homes here have some sort of historical significance, and families can live in former stagecoach stops or even old boarding schools. “About three years ago, I sold a home in Palos Park that was the first time a checkerboard brick design was done,” he says. Most properties sit on over an acre, and driveways are wide enough to accommodate multiple cars. Although space has been cleared for newer builds, the neighborhood is still heavily forested, just as it was over 100 years ago.
Palos Park has a number of homes from the 1920's.
Palos Park has a number of medium sized to larger homes.
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Nearly 50 clubs to choose from at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School
Palos Park is also known for its top-rated public school system, and Palos East Elementary, Palos South Middle and Amos Alonzo Stagg High School all received A grades from the educational review site, Niche. Amos Alonzo Stagg High, part of Consolidated High School District 230, is home to nearly 50 clubs including a student-run newspaper, the Staggline, which welcomes cartoonists and photographers on staff as well as writers. The Marching Chargers, the school’s marching band, have flown to perform at Disney World several times.
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School is the typical school for residents of Palos Park.
Palos East Elementary serves the residents of Palos Park.
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Stargazing, horseback riding and stair workouts in the Palos Preserves
Palos Park is surrounded by protected forest. To the west, find water features like Papoose Lake and Horsetail Lake in the midst of the Palos Preserves, designated the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place in 2021. The wooded area emits less than one-thousandth of the artificial light of Downtown Chicago, and as a result, it’s become a popular destination for stargazing, night hikes, and owling. The Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve includes over 20 miles of unpaved trails ideal for committed mountain bikers and equestrians — in fact, strolling in the woods sometimes means stepping aside for a horse to pass by. There’s also Swallow Cliff, a former toboggan run now home to a popular stair workout. On the weekends, fish on the Saganashkee Slough or visit the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens to admire the waterfall; make sure to pack a picnic. Given the village’s hilly streets, runners from surrounding communities up for a challenge will drive here and park in the library’s lot.
Palos Park features a number of nearby forests great for taking a walk with the dog.
Palos Park
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Homemade ice cream since 1937 and retail options in Orland Park
According to Mead, residents will make the 3-mile drive to Orland Park to run errands or order a bite from fast food stops like McDonald’s and Dairy Queen. Orlano Square, an indoor shopping mall home to large-scale retailers like Macy’s and JCPenney, is located off U.S. Route 45. Nearby grocery stores include Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, but there’s also Jewel-Osco and Aldi farther north. On warm days, residents order ice cream with a historic flair at Plush Horse Palos Park, which has been serving homemade flavors since 1937. “It’s a Palos Park landmark,” says Gaw. “Generations come from all over to enjoy the ice cream. My favorite is vanilla malt, and they have pumpkin in the fall.” At the intersection of South La Grange Road and 123rd Street, find Wu’s House, a regional chain known for its boba, hibachi lunch and sushi bar. Or for fresh-made Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti pomodoro and fettuccine with braised short rib, make a reservation at Francesca’s Vicinato.
For fresh produce from October through May, head to the Wednesday morning farmers market in the neighboring community of Palos Heights.
Stop by Plush Horse for your ice cream crave and morning coffee in Palos Park.
Palos Park residents love to get a treat a Plush Horse.
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Live theater, outdoor festivals and Palos Parks’ artistic legacy
Watch the Palos Park Players perform live at the village’s small recreation center, or head to the Palos Park Village Green for their annual Concert in the Park event; plenty of space is cleared for dancing, and kids enjoy face painting booths, balloon animals and juggling. There’s also an Autumn in the Park festival in September, a weekend-long event complete with food vendors, a parade and a children’s petting zoo. Also make sure to stop by the Village Tree Lighting Ceremony. Meanwhile, the Palos Park Public Library hosts a book discussion group and a bi-monthly movie showing. Right next to Francesca’s Vicinato, the McCord House Gallery and Cultural Center displays the work of local artists and offers classes, preserving Palos Parks’ legacy as an artists’ retreat.
Medical care, CTA buses and Metra stops
Palos Park residents can easily access medical care at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, just a short drive — or even a walk — away from the neighborhood. The 425-bed facility has over 600 affiliated physicians and specializes in cancer care, emergency health, behavioral medicine and more. Although the village is largely car-dependent, some residents make use of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Route 379, for instance, heads all the way to Chicago Midway International Airport and the Midway Orange Line Station. There's also Chicago O'Hare, which offers more flight options farther north. Or take the Metra to Chicago Union Station, which serves as Amtrak’s premiere location in the Midwest.
Palos Park residents commute on the nearby Metra.
Residents of Palos Park can take Interstate 55 or 294.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Video By
David Fritzson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rick Wyrick,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Palos Park, IL sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Palos Park, IL over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic RANCH nestled on a beautifully landscaped, fenced wooded lot-perfect for those who love nature and value modern comfort. From the moment you arrive, the quality is clear: mature trees, lush gardens with 2 small ponds & waterfall gently falling into a peaceful koi pond, and a picturesque gazebo creating a private outdoor oasis. Driveway has been crack-filled and sealed. New composite deck
HIGHLY DESIRABLE HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 230 OPTION ZONE: CHOOSE BETWEEN SANDBURG HIGH SCHOOL AND STAGG HIGH SCHOOL IN COVETED MILL CREEK SUBDIVISION. This 4 bedroom, 4 full bath home has been gutted and completely remodeled blending together charm, nature and functionality. Grab a blanket and snuggle up by the fireplace in the expansive living room which features two sets of sliding doors. These
Welcome to your 5BD/2.2BA dream home nestled in a tranquil neighborhood setting surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery. Step inside the bright and inviting great room with a mountain lodge vibe, where soaring vaulted ceilings, new skylights, and natural wood accents complement a striking floor-to-ceiling stone wood-burning fireplace. The open layout and spacious seating areas create a
Leila BowieBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
This stunning three-bedroom, two-full-bath condo is tucked away in the center of Mill Creek. Several fresh improvements and impeccable upkeep. All floors are brand-new hardwood. newly painted and equipped with all-new lighting. Vaulted ceilings and a bespoke stone gas fireplace will create a spectacular entrance,The property is conveniently close to all that Palos Park and Orland have to offer
Perfectly located in a highly desirable Palos Park neighborhood, this bright and spacious 3 bed, 3.5 bath townhome offers the ideal combination of space, style, and convenience. From the moment you step inside, you'll be welcomed by vaulted ceilings in the living room that flood the space with natural light and add striking architectural interest. Main level features an open-concept layout, and
Palos Park has been a beloved destination for over a century, first popularized by weekend and seasonal travelers drawn to its natural beauty. Once known as an artists' colony, the area still retains that creative charm, offering a peaceful, small-town atmosphere surrounded by rolling hills, creeks, ravines, and 11,000 acres of Forest Preserve. This vibrant community is also home to top-ranked
Bridget Gricus@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Be the first to live in this beautiful 3-bedroom 3 bath duplex with open floor plan. Step into modern comfort with this stunning brand-new 3-bedroom home designed for effortless living! Featuring a luxurious first-floor master suite with dual sinks and walk in shower. this home blends convenience with elegance. The open floor plan with luxury vinyl plank floorings perfect for entertaining or
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