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.”
Newer subdivisions and house are popping up throughout Park Forest.
Enjoy some fishing or the peacefulness of 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 yard space, private driveways and garages.
Newer townhomes with private two car garages are an option in Park Forest.
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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 has beautiful scenery and numerous foot bridges.
Central Park is the largest of the many parks 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.
Enjoy wine and a charcuterie board at Vintrendi Wine Company in downtown Park Forest.
Downtown Park Forest is full of fantastic shops and restaurants.
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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 grills some tasty ribs outside their restaurant.
Customers having a wonderful time at Stacy’s Bistro in Park Forest, IL.
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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.
The Matteson Metra line connects residents of Park Forest to Downtown Chicago.
Residents of Park Forest are located near to Interstate 57 and 294 for easy access to downtown.
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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.
Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cynthia Frye,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Park Forest, IL sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Park Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $153,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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