$169,172Average Value$121Average Price per Sq Ft96Homes For Sale
Plentiful greenspace and access to Chicago
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
Yolanda Zapiain,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Park Forest, IL sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Park Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $154,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
First floor bedroom with direct exterior entrance and adjacent full bath make a perfect in-law suite, private home office, or possibly even an AirBNB space. Entire home is nicely updated with new kitchen cabinets and counters and new stainless steel appliances and even a washer and dryer are included. Easy care plank flooring throughout (no carpet here!) and fresh paint throughout. Fully updated
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 this well-maintained residence, boasting three spacious bedrooms that provide ample natural light and a cozy atmosphere. The two and a half meticulously designed baths feature modern fixtures and luxurious finishes, ensuring a restful experience. Nestled in a highly desirable neighborhood, this home offers both tranquility and convenience, with lush landscaping and a welcoming exterior
Pre-Foreclosure, pending SHORT-SALE: Discover the potential in this 2-bedroom, 1-bath Brick Ranch home offering a solid footprint and a desirable single-level layout. The property experienced some pipe damage during the winter season. Once restored, this home will be ready for its next chapter - making it an excellent opportunity for investors, rehabbers, or buyers seeking value in today's
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 & window, with ample closet space. Laundry room. Home has a newer roof,
This beautifully renovated ranch is the fresh start you've been waiting for. Move in ready and thoughtfully updated, the inviting living room welcomes you with a large picture window, cozy wood burning fireplace, and trendy gray laminate flooring that flows seamlessly through the hallway and all three bedrooms.The bright kitchen shines with modern white cabinetry, quartz countertops, a stunning
Charming corner-lot ranch offering easy one-level living and a fresh, updated feel throughout. This 3-bedroom home features beautiful vinyl wood flooring, fresh paint, new interior doors, and updated light fixtures that give the space a clean, modern touch. The open floor plan creates a bright and inviting flow, with a cozy fireplace anchoring the living room-perfect for relaxing evenings at
Discover effortless one-level living in this beautifully updated modern ranch, ideally located on a corner lot in the heart of Park Forest. This move-in-ready home features three spacious bedrooms and a fully renovated bathroom, complemented by a stylish, updated kitchen equipped with brand-new stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. The current owner has
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
From the moment you enter this originally designed and completely reimagined two-story home, you'll appreciate the thoughtful updates and inviting atmosphere. Within its approximately 2,744 square feet, the current owner has seamlessly combined the home's original architectural elements and one-of-a-kind custom details with thoughtful modern updates, creating a cohesive and truly distinctive
Welcome home to this beautifully updated, move-in ready 3 bedroom/1 and a half bath ranch home offering comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Experience easy, single-level living with an open layout and plenty of natural light throughout, plus an attached, heated garage. Enjoy peace of mind for years to come as all major items have been recently updated: HVAC replaced in 2022, new roof in
Christine BlockerColdwell Banker Real Estate Group
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
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
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
Property Id: 2424387Spacious 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom two-level home in a convenient neighborhood! Enjoy a bright living area with large windows, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Central heating and cooling keep you comfortable year-round, and off-street parking adds ease. Step outside to a huge backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
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 $2229.90. That covers your base rent, $2170.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Smart
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