Surrounded by nearly 400 acres of lush, public green space, the village of Park Forest is appropriately named. But open air isn’t all that this town 25 miles south of Chicago offers its residents. The community makes an effort to honor the legacy of service members, as the suburb was originally planned as a housing community for World War II veterans and their families. “Yes, there are a lot of parks here,” says Nina Kendrick, a former Park Forest local and Broker at Luxe Living Realty. “But it’s the affordability and community-mindedness that really draw people in. Plus, it’s equidistant to two major interstates, making the commutes pretty easy.”
New subdivisions are rising across Park Forest, expanding choices throughout the community.
Residents fish and unwind by the one-acre pond at Somonauk Park in Park Forest.
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Mid-century ranch houses and townhomes
A walk along the sidewalks lining Park Forest’s wide residential streets will reveal mature trees, tidy lawns and well-maintained homes with personal driveways and attached garages. Ranch houses and Split levels with Mid-century modern styles range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet in size and around $125,000 to $300,000 in price, while 1,000-square-foot townhomes can go for $50,000 to $100,000. “Park Forest is a great place for someone looking for their first home,” says Margaret Banks, a Broker at Home Sellers Realty with 30 years of experience in the area. “And for those who want something even more affordable, there are townhomes and co-op communities where the properties have private porches and full basements.”
Park Forest offers ample yards, private driveways, and garages.
Newer townhomes with two-car garages are available in Park Forest, many under $150K.
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Community excitement at Central Park
Central Park, with its impressive grasslands and arched bridges over preserved wetlands, provides outdoor excitement for the whole family. “People love using the tennis courts, dog park and walking trails through the forest preserve,” Kendrick says. “And the Park Forest Aqua Center at the park has a popular community pool that’s open to the public. The park also hosts a few parades throughout the year, like the Fourth of July parade and a silent parade honoring fallen firefighters.” Banks adds that all the events are free. “All you had to do is bring your lawn chair and cooler.” Somonauk Park is in the midst of an $800,000 renovation, which will include a fishing pond, kayaking and zip lines. Residents looking to experience the quiet and serenity of nature can walk the 20-mile Thorn Creek Trail through the undisturbed forested area of the preserve.
Central Park in Park Forest delights with scenic trails and charming footbridges.
Residents enjoy tranquil waterside views at Somonauk Park in Park Forest.
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Wineglasses at Vintrendi and music on Main
Folks sip on the wine of their choice at Vintrendi, which conveniently sits next to Dining on the Green, an event space and banquet hall that overlooks gardens and a gazebo. In the heart of Park Forest is a quaint downtown area, where the Main Street Nights festival is held from June to August. Free of charge, residents can jam to jazz, funk and R&B while local and upcoming artists – as well as well-known musicians like CeCe Peniston and Chicago blues legend John Primer – grace the stage.
Sip wine with a charcuterie board at Vintrendi Wine Company in downtown Park Forest.
Dining on the Green is a downtown Park Forest event space and banquet hall.
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Local eats and cocktails near Main Street
Park Forest residents can grab drinks, turkey burgers and tacos while they watch the game at Stacy’s Bistro, a local spot that also hosts Karaoke Thursdays. On Main Street, locals enjoy classic barbeque take-out plates at All-Out Smoke Pit. Nail and hair salons, boutiques and more restaurants are also on Main Street. Groceries and essentials can be picked up nearby, as Walmart, Food4Less and Aldi all line Lincoln Highway on the north side of town.
All Out Smoke Pit in Park Forest serves classic, slow-smoked ribs and barbecue.
Locals gather for good food and good times at Stacy’s Bistro in Park Forest.
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Taking the Metra or I-57 into the city
Commutes into Chicago are no sweat, as Interstate 57 trails the western part of town and Interstate 294 is just north. “People can also take the Metra into the city. The train picks up along the west side of Park Forest,” Kendrick adds. Bus riders take advantage of the Pace bus that services most of the area.
Public school focus on Arts and Technology
Students living in Park Forest can spend their early years at Mohawk Primary Center, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts, also graded a B-minus, supports middle-grade learners’ focus on academics, arts and technology. Students can then advance to Bloom High School, which Niche grades a C-plus and ranks in the top half of best high schools for athletes in Illinois.
Mohawk Primary Center near Park Forest offers a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts supports Park Forest learners.
Bloom High School offers a well-rounded, enriching path for Park Forest students.
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Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Joan Wall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karina Barrera,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Park Forest, IL sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Park Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $152,750, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
6 BR/3 bath SFH in Park Forest. Plenty of room for living, hosting, and everyday comfort. The main level includes one bedroom and one bathroom. The other five bedrooms are located upstairs along with two bathrooms. Upstairs features a primary suite with a walk-in closet and private en suite bath. Enjoy gatherings in the enclosed sunroom, ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding year-round. Yard
Welcome to this charming ranch-style home offering the perfect blend of comfort and functionality! This well-maintained property features 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, ideal for anyone seeking single-level living. The heart of the home is the large, inviting family room addition, perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. You'll love the bright and cheerful living room, which fills
Welcome to a beautifully well maintained 3 bedroom with 2.5 bath in desirable a location. Move in ready with plenty of space for family comfort and entertaining. Large master bedroom with master bath and walk-in closet, attached garage and eat-in kitchen. Near wooded areas with walking trails. Conveniently located near expressways. Home offers space, comfort and low-maintenance living.
This quaint 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home with recent updates can be yours for cheaper than renting. Oversize living room with newer laminate flooring, spacious oak cabinet kitchen with appliances, brand new microwave. Remodeled bath with new toilet, bathroom fan, vanity and tile. Good size bedrooms, master has new ceiling fan, with ample closet space. Laundry room. Home has a newer roof, new
Welcome back to 338 Farragut St! This beautifully updated ranch is available once again, sometimes life simply changes plans, and we're back on the market. Step inside to find fresh paint throughout, gleaming refinished hardwood floors, a brand-new kitchen and bath, plus a convenient half bath. Spacious bedrooms, a newer roof, soon-to-be-installed appliances, and multiple upgrades make this home
Welcome to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that offers comfort and convenience. This charming property features newer windows, siding, flooring, a furnace, and air conditioning, ensuring modern efficiency and style. The tankless water heater adds to the home's energy efficiency. Enjoy the spaciousness of a large yard, perfect for outdoor activities and gatherings, along with the
Welcome to your new home, sweet home. Stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with a detached 2-car garage. The large family room and spacious eat-in kitchen are perfect for gatherings and entertainment with beautiful natural light filling every room. This home offers ample living space, comfort, and sits on a wide lot perfect for outdoor activity. Family room is off kitchen. This house has an abundance
Mint conditioned 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath split level home includes a side drive, detached 2-car garage and all on a 60 foot lot. Upon entering you'll be greeted with a vaulted ceiling in the living room. Continue on your tour into the formal dining room which is big enough for seating 6-10 people. A cute french door leads you into the kitchen. Updated 32" oak cabinets and lighting in the kitchen.
Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully kept 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch set on a quiet Park Forest street. A cozy living room with a fireplace creates the perfect gathering spot, while the bright, eat-in kitchen offers room for casual meals and easy everyday living. Three spacious bedrooms provide flexible options for sleeping, a home office, or a hobby room. An attached 1-car garage
218 Marquette St, Park Forest, IL 60466 This property is an excellent opportunity for the right investor. Located in a growing area, this spacious home offers strong potential for a full rehab. The house has solid bones and just needs vision, TLC, and a fresh facelift to bring it back to life. There was a recent fire, but the damage appears to be mostly cosmetic-making this a promising project
Must See! Move in ready 3 bed rooms 1 bath charming ranch home. Fresh paint & new flooring through out the home. The spacious living room, filled with natural light welcomes you, flowing into the kitchen with new cabinets, new stainless steel appliances & granite counter tops. Updated bathroom. Step out side to extra living space, that can be used as per your needs. The driveway leads to a one
***Price reduced = See it before you regret it!***Priced at an unbeatable $76 per square foot, this 1706 square foot ranch represents one of the best values in all of Park Forest. Go ahead-compare the square footage, kitchen finishes, bathrooms, and living space-you'll see the difference! Completely remodeled in 2022, this sprawling home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, a modern
Welcome to your beautifully updated ranch home with great curb appeal! The home features 3 bedrooms and a fully updated bathroom. Many updates throughout the entire home such as new luxury vinyl plank flooring, updated kitchen with new cabinets, new bathroom, and large windows that shine in natural light. The French doors offer fresh air, sunshine and access to the private patio. The massive
Discover the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience at Westbridge Apartments in Park Forest, IL. With just 12,000 residents, this peaceful community offers easy access to Chicago through convenient car routes and Metra service. Explore the green spaces of Park Forest, including Sauk Trail Woods and the Old Plank Trail for hiking and cycling adventures. Choose from our range of
$1,800 per month
2 Beds
1 Bath
974 Sq Ft
Beautifully renovated 2 bd ranch home. New flooring throughout. New roof, windows, siding....everything! New Kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, new Stainless appliances, and porcelain in the kitchen, utility room, and bathroom. Two nice size bedrooms. Private yard. New concrete front walk up and rear porch. This wont last long! Immediate occupancy available!!
Oakwood Townhomes – Space, Privacy, and ComfortStep into the comfort of townhome living at Oakwood Townhomes. Offering spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans, each home is designed with multiple levels of living space, private entrances, and thoughtful features that bring a true sense of home.Located in a quiet residential setting, Oakwood provides the privacy you want with the
GLEN ARBORS MUST SEE! Completely rehabbed spacious two bedroom townhouse with full unfinished basement. New floors throughout, new walls and freshly painted to match any color scheme, new kitchen cabinets, counters, appliances (stove, refrigerator and built-in microwave), all new bathroom fixtures. Unit has been updated to provide more lighting fixtures throughout. With this being one of few Glen
Tameka AndersonAlways Home Real Estate Services LLC
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 $2274.90. That covers your base rent, $2215.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Smart
Gorgeous 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house in Park Forest. This property offers 974 square feet of living space. You will simply love it. Fantastic location close to all types of amenities! Make this beautiful property your home. Don't miss out! Check out the 3D tour/photos and submit your application through Zillow today!
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
RENT TO OWN this charming updated 3 bedroom / 1 bath single family home in Park Forest, IL. Enjoy in-unit laundry, a private backyard and 1-car garage. No banks needed. No credit or bad credit is OK. Low money down No SSN OK!..ITIN OK! Why rent and throw money away each month when you could OWN? Flexible terms Open to offers Illinois broker owned and NOT a scam. (We'll really respond to your
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS TWO BEDROOM END-UNIT TOWNHOUSE WITH A FULL BASEMENT. NEW FLOORING THROUGHOUT, FRESHLY PAINTED, CEILING FANS/LIGHTS IN THE BEDROOMS. ONE ASSIGNED PARKING SPACE WITH AMPLE OF STREET PARKING OPTIONS. UTILITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED. MUST HAVE GREAT CREDIT WITH NO RECENT EVICTIONS, BANKRUPTCIES OR RENTAL JUDGEMENTS. AT LEAST TWO YEARS AT CURRENT JOB WITH MONTHLY INCOME 2.5X THE RENT
Tameka AndersonAlways Home Real Estate Services LLC
Completely rehabbed from top to bottom! This beautifully redesigned 1,188 sq. ft. ranch offers a terrific floor plan with modern updates throughout. Step into a spacious and relaxing living room that flows seamlessly into the formal dining area. The bright, open kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and convenient access to the backyard and expansive deck-perfect for
Gorgeous 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Park Forest. This property offers 1,349 square feet of living space. Your family and loved ones will enjoy the spaces and living areas this property offers. Luxury vinyl plank throughout, soft-closing drawers, quartz countertop, new windows, appliances, spacious living area and bedrooms and a Big yard. Fantastic location close to all types of amenities !
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