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
Omar Sanchez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Park Forest, IL sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Park Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $158,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this spacious, and fully updated, move-in ready 3 bed 2 bath ranch that combines modern updates, functional living, and incredible natural light. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an exceptionally large and inviting entryway flooded with amazing lighting that sets the tone for the entire home. The open layout seamlessly flows into a beautifully updated kitchen
Jessica Gacsko@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Step into this beautifully renovated ranch-style home where modern upgrades meet timeless comfort. From the moment you walk in, you'll be captived by the abundance of natural light streaming through the home, highlighting the impressive high slanted ceilings that create a bright, open, and airy atmosphere. This home has been completely rehabbed with stylish finishes throughout. Enjoy spacious
Welcome to 340 Winnebago Street, a thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home offering 1,632 square feet of living space and a flexible, move-in-ready layout. The main level features a bright living room, separate dining area, and remodeled kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and updated lighting. New vinyl plank
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
Opportunity awaits at 204 Washington Street in Park Forest. This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a functional layout, spacious living areas, a 1 car attached garage, and plenty of potential for the next owner. The kitchen features ample cabinet space, granite countertops, and a subway tile backsplash, while the second floor provides additional bedrooms and a full bath for added flexibility. The
HOME SWEET HOME!! You will love this completely updated open-concept ranch home nestled on a nice lot outlined with beautiful mature trees. This gem features custom white trim and 6 panel doors, new lighting, nice carpet and flooring throughout. Plenty of space with 3 generous bedrooms and large closets. Updated kitchen with custom granite countertops, solid wood cabinets, breakfast bar and
Spacious 3-bedroom, 1.1-bath ranch in Park Forest with great potential and approximately 1,500 square feet of living space. This home offers a functional one-level layout, a separate family room with fireplace, generous room sizes, and a 2-car detached garage. The property needs TLC and cosmetic updating, making it a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their own style, build equity, or
Move right in and enjoy this beautifully updated home! The spacious interior features newer appliances, granite countertops, white shaker cabinetry, updated flooring throughout, six panel doors, custom window blinds, recessed lighting, and a stylish bathroom complete with a large linen closet. Thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained, the home shows like a professionally staged model while
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
Vacant 3.95 acre lot at the end of Central Park Ave. Great single family homesite or it looks like there are a dozen (12 )duplex lots with water and sewer stubbed in on Tamarack street (this is the South West portion of the property). corporate seller says lets make a deal ! Estate homes on one side and duplex product on the other. If you are looking for a small infill project or a great single
INVESTOR SPECIAL - PRICED TO SELL! Don't miss this value-add opportunity in Park Forest. This solid split-level offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a functional layout, and a partially finished basement with recreation room-ready for your full renovation and vision. Features include a spacious living area with great natural light, detached 1-car garage, and a large backyard with plenty of potential for
Welcome home to this solid brick ranch, offering timeless curb appeal and a layout built for everyday living. Inside you'll find 3 bedrooms plus a versatile flex room perfect as a home office, den, or extra living space to fit your needs. The home features 1.5 baths, a warm and inviting living room, and a separate family room anchored by a cozy fireplace, ideal for relaxing evenings or
Spacious & Well Maintained Park Forest Home!! Spacious living awaits you! Move right into this Beautifully Updated & Maintained home! 3 Huge bedrooms & 2 Gorgeous Bathrooms!! Beautiful kitchen with Newer Stainless Steel Appliances! Eat-in kitchen with space for a table or breakfast bar and a walk-in pantry! Dining Room Right Off the Kitchen! Everything has been maintained by the current owners!
Welcome home to this charming 4-bedroom property in Park Forest, ready for you to move right in while adding your own personal style over time. Renovated in 2023, this home features updated flooring, a beautifully refreshed kitchen, newer appliances, a new furnace, and a new water heater, giving you peace of mind from day one. At the back of the home, you'll find a spacious sunroom with endless
HOME SWEET HOME!! You will love this completely updated open-concept ranch home nestled on a nice lot outlined with beautiful mature trees. This gem features custom white trim and 6 panel doors, new lighting, nice carpet and flooring throughout. Plenty of space with 3 generous bedrooms and large closets. Updated kitchen with custom granite countertops, solid wood cabinets, breakfast bar and
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
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
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom rental home in Park Forest, IL, may be the right place for you. See the pictures
Very nice house for rent.2 bedrooms 1 bathroom $1,850 security deposit $1,850 monthly rent If credit score under 650 Additional $500 security deposit required 4 months proof of employment check stubs Drivers License or State ID required Tenant pays water, electricity and gas.NO ANIMALS!
Newly rehabbed in 2026, this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Park Forest features modern updates and a spacious backyard. Rental requirements include gross household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, a preferred credit score of 650+ (lower scores may be considered with an additional security deposit), employment verification, background, credit, and eviction screening as permitted
Property Id: 2146252 Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home featuring modern finishes and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Enjoy luxury vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and a bright, open living space. The stunning eat-in kitchen showcases crisp white cabinetry, brand-new stainless steel appliances, a gas range, built-in
Welcome home are the words that will come to mind once you walk in. This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom beauty has plenty of sun light throughout. Kitchen has been rehab in 2026, all new stainless steel appliances with new fixtures and floor. Bedrooms are spacious, whole house is newly painted with updated bathroom. Seller is requiring 620 credit score of all applicants. Schedule your showing today!!
Property Id: 2780375 Spacious River North 1 bedroom with private balcony, in unit laundry, dishwasher, and tons of storage space. Located in a full amenity high rise surrounded by grocery stores, restaurants, tons of shopping, and so much more! Amenities include, outdoor pool, grilling stations, huge fitness center, outdoor dog run, and human running track, WFH spaces, and a lounge.
Don't let the exterior fool you-this updated ranch offers a surprising amount of living space with nearly 1,250 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 1 full bath. The remodeled kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and a functional layout perfect for everyday living. Newer flooring flows throughout much of the home, while the in-unit washer and dryer add modern convenience.
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