Tinley Park

Brookside Glen is an intimate suburb that sits 30 miles from downtown Chicago. “It’s a great location to be off to the beaten path but close to the desirable amenities you need,” says Marge Cahill, Broker for @properties Christie’s International, with 25 years of experience. “It’s an instrumental subdivision. We can have Lake Michigan water. It is such a big attribute to have.” The community is spread out among seven phases, and each of them has its own unique events and sense of community. Most homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the area was developed. “This is a common area HOA, but there are 1000 homes that are comprised of all single families. It ranges from two stories to split level to ranches,” Cahill says. “The high-rise condos are Brookside Place, but they’re earmarked in Brookside Glen. There are no restrictions on extensions, shelters, and pools.” Exteriors come with attached garages and pull-up driveways that lead to sidewalks. Townhouses are also around Brookside Glen but carry separate HOAs. Most houses come with over 1,500 square feet and at least four bedrooms. The condos can be priced around $225,000 to $300,000. Single-family homes range from $300,000 to $650,000. “It just depends on what area you’re in for what park to go to,” Cahill says. “We have a walking trail that encompasses the entire area. We’re down the street from a skate park. The library is down the street.” Union Creek Park, the largest of Brookside Glen’s parks, features a playground, baseball diamonds, a skate park and a picnic area. Arbor Park is a more central location. It holds some exercise spaces, picnic shelters and a smaller playground. Brookside Glen residents practice sustainable farming at the Brookside Bayou and Community Gardens, where wooden walkways and raised beds provide space for residents to grow and harvest seasonal produce. Elementary-aged children can attend Dr. Julian Rogus School on 88th Avenue, which holds an A-minus on Niche. Walker Intermediate carries the same grade on Niche and teaches grade five and six students. Students can do four different sports and three intramurals. Seventh and eighth-grade students head off to Summit Hill Junior High, which also comes with an A-minus grade. Students can participate in 30 extracurricular activities. Lincoln Way East High School has a strong A-plus on Niche. The school provides over 40 electives within the career pathways of business, family and consumer science and technology. After an afternoon of shopping, locals can stop for a bite to eat at The Saucy Crab. This Cajun-inspired restaurant features a wide selection of appetizers and seafood dishes like fried pickles, crawfish, and crab cakes. Chef Klaus’ Country Cookin is a casual spot for breakfast and lunch. This restaurant carries regular breakfast staples as well as German-inspired dishes. Weekly grocery hauls can be completed up Harlem Avenue at Jewel-Osco. The northeast end of the neighborhood is full of shopping centers such as Target, Home Goods and Michael’s. “The different phases will host block parties. Tinley Park hosts a block party in July,” Cahill says. “The Tinley Park hosts an event in July. In the downtown area of Tinley Park, they have free concerts once a month in the summer.” Just east of the neighborhood’s borders, you can find Odyssey Fun World, where locals of all ages can play arcade games, compete in a round of laser tag, ride rides, and win prizes. The amusement park is also home to a zipline, which mainly operates in the summer. “We’re not far from downtown, but you do have to drive,” Cahill says. “You’re literally down the road from Metra station and a mile and a half to the interstate, which connects to I-57, which is 25 to 30 minutes to the city.” Tinley-80th Metra stop is along the Rock Island line, ending on Lasalle Street.

Inhabiting vast areas of natural preserves and forested woodlands, East Tinley Park is a suburban community bathed in various hues of green. This scenic neighborhood is in the eastern part of the village of Tinley Park, a suburb 30 miles southwest of Chicago. Located near several major highways as well as rail services, East Tinley Park offers convenient commuter access to the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The community is also home to top-rated schools and abundant dining, shopping, entertainment and recreational venues, providing East Tinley Park residents an accessible and comfortable lifestyle. Many area homes belong to gated communities or subdivisions with Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. "There's a good mix of single-family houses as well as multi-family units, and the schools are highly rated” to help retain the area’s property value, says Cheri Cronin, Broker with Coldwell Banker Realty. Largely developed from the 1970s to the present day, East Tinley Park’s residences are well-maintained with verdant landscaping. Properties here are mostly 1,000 to 2,000-square-foot townhouses and condominiums ranging from $150,000 to $450,000. Single-family houses are concentrated in the northwest sector and are priced between $250,000 and $350,000. These homes are around 1,500 and 2,500 square feet with New Traditional designs, and yard sizes vary from 7,000 square feet to half an acre. Collectively, Tinley Park residents are served by five elementary school districts and four high school systems. Particularly for East Tinley Park community members, most are serviced by Community Consolidated School District 146 for primary and middle school education, and by Bremen High School District 228 for secondary schooling. Area students may attend Memorial Elementary School and Central Middle School, both of which have a B Niche score. Tinley Park High School has an A-minus rating and a 91% graduation rate while offering over 12 athletic programs and more than 31 clubs for its students. In addition to several community colleges, Chamberlain University and Rasmussen University are also located within several miles of the neighborhood. East Tinley Park’s sprawling wooded landscape is home to various nature reserves and wetlands. The 585-acre Bartel Grassland and Water Reserve has a rich birdlife and native flora population, offering visitors a viewing area with an observation mound. Kildeer Wetlands is just to the north and is a peaceful place to watch the sunset. Bobolink Meadow Land and Water Reserve has a short trail and family picnic area, and birdwatchers can spot meadowlarks, bobolinks and redwing blackbirds. The neighborhood is also home to parts of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, offering wonderful grounds for trails and wildlife. Anglers may fish at Tryner's Pond, and golfers can book tee times at The Odyssey’s par 72, 18-hole course. Locals can take their children to nearby Memorial Park or Woodgate Park, both of which have playgrounds, ball fields and tennis courts. Various community events in Tinley Park take place at Zabrocki Plaza, including the farmers market in June through September, Music in the Plaza, the Tinley Park Block Party and the Art and Garden Market. Additional festivals to highlight are the Tinley Park Rib Fest and the public art program Benches on the Avenue. The Tinley Park Convention Center is one of the Midwest’s premier destinations for expositions, hosting events such as the Tinley Park Golf Show. For a family outing, visit Odyssey Fun World and explore the park’s amusement rides, zip lines and go-karts. Music lovers can check out the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater."A lot of big acts come down here,” Cronin says. Residents can shop for groceries at Jewel-Osco, which is near the northern end of the neighborhood, and Aldi is closer to the southern tip of East Tinley Park. Brookside Marketplace is home to big-box retailers such as Target, Kohl’s, HomeGoods and Best Buy. Located along North Creek Drive, Cracker Barrel is a popular dine-out option that serves hearty American comfort food, and Hamada of Japan is known for hibachi and authentic sushi rolls. Additional eateries can be explored on 183rd Street, including the sandwich shop, Al's Beef and JoJo Asian Bistros. Located about 9 miles northwest of the neighborhood, Orland Square is a comprehensive indoor mall with over 140 popular fashion labels and restaurants. East Tinley Park remains a car-dependent community, and people drive to work and school. O'Hare International Airport is 40 miles to the north via Interstate 294, and downtown Chicago is 27 miles away through Interstate 57. General hospital, UChicago Medicine at Ingalls - Tinley Park, is 4 miles north. For public transportation, Pace Suburban Bus services the suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area and is a division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and Metra has two rail stops in Tinley Park.

On a map, central Tinley Park lies north of the Metra Rock Island Line and south of vast green spaces and community amenities. "Our property taxes have invested in several new amazing parks that are filled with many children from multiple age ranges," says Dr. Mark Alles, an optometrist who has lived and worked in Tinley Park for decades. He and his wife, Jill Alles, co-own Insight Family Vision, Inc., a local business with a close-knit clientele. "There is a wide variety of styles of homes which make a very pleasant and diversified environment to live." These factors, plus a low CAP Index crime score of 2/10 and unique local shops and restaurants create a highly sought-after South Suburb 30 miles from the city center. Millennium Elementary School—which receives an A-minus from Niche—is a short walk or drive from several subdivisions. Fifth graders interested in learning to play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument can participate in the Beginning Band Program, where they'll receive an individual 30-minute lesson every week. Prairie View Middle School, off 175th Street, also scores an A-minus. Over 80% of the student base within Consolidated High School District No. 230 continues to college, according to the district's Illinois Report Card. Victor J. Andrew High School scores an A rating and provides a grand finale for a student's musical education: a nationally recognized field show marching band that competes throughout the United States. Families can also choose from several Catholic grammar schools scattered throughout nearby communities. While most central Tinley Park neighborhoods have a green space within walking distance—like circular Tharp Park, which sits at the heart of the Bristol Park subdivision—residents also have access to their neighborhood's thriving Park District. This expanse starts at West 171st Street with Tinley Park Community Park and spreads northwest to Bremen Grove Dog Park. In between are meeting rooms at the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, workout space at Tinley Fitness and the twirling slides and lazy river at White Water Canyon Water Park. When they're not enjoying concessions by the pool in the summer, residents also enjoy indoor swimming, basketball courts, an indoor running track, outside sand volleyball and tennis courts, and a large playground. "Many residents look forward to Tinley Park's Ribfest, which is held at the newly remodeled 80th Ave Train Station," Alles says. "There are also numerous 5K races that many families participate, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade is also a favorite. There are multiple carnivals throughout the summer months as well." On the rare occasion there isn't an annual event on the horizon, residents of all ages find educational enrichment at Tinley Park Public Library—from poetry workshops to technology classes to story times in English, Spanish and Arabic. Folks convene nearby at Tinley Park Convention Center or view famous acts from the lawn at Credit Union 1 Amphitheater. Just as families tend to stick around in Tinley Park, many of the businesses here have been serving their community for decades. "One of our favorite restaurants is right next door to our business, Frankie's Ristorante, which is also family-owned and run by the 2nd generation of children," Alles says. "It is a popular Italian cuisine by many locals. Another popular German and Slovak cuisine restaurant is Chef Klaus Bier Stube." The Chicago Tribune voted Blueberry Hill Café one of Chicagoland's top ten breakfast restaurants. After their meal, residents choose from Jewel-Osco, ALDI, Whole Foods, and other big-box grocery options, all a short drive away. "Orland Mall is a popular mall with diversified clothing stores located in Orland Park, which is the next town west of Tinley Park," Alles adds. Most homeowners in central Tinley Park benefit from solid brick construction that has stood the test of time as far back as the 1970s. Three-step ranch-style homes with two-car garages are this community's bread and butter, along with New Traditional homes with arched entryways or large front porches and custom builds in subdivisions like Bristol Park. However, Tinley Park's continuous expansion has given way to many other choices, from Tudor-style townhouses to split-level homes. A drive through these suburbs reveals pristine front lawn care and gated backyards with space for a sunroom, playset and fire pit. Most detached options range from about $350,000 to $610,000, while traditional townhouses and two-bed, one-bath condo units range from $165,000 to $450,000. Central Tinley Park residents are close to both of the village's Metra stations, which sit on the Rock Island Line leading northeast to Chicago's LaSalle Street Station. "Many people do commute via car, but traffic will run anywhere from 50 to 80 minutes arrival time," Alles adds. Drivers braving the 30-mile commute choose between Interstates 57 and 80 before merging onto Interstate 94 towards the city center. They're 16 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport and 44 from Chicago O'hare International Airport for commercial flights. As for medical care or career opportunities, the recently added Loyola Medicine Tinley Park sits 3.5 miles west of center.

Centennial Park is located about 30 miles outside of downtown Chicago, providing residents with some separation from the hustle and bustle of downtown, with woodlands and parks as a natural backdrop. “It is a great place to live with beautiful surroundings,” Dave Shalabi with RE/MAX says. Shalabi has nearly 20 years of real estate experience in the Chicagoland area. Residents in the neighborhood enjoy rows of tall pine and oak trees throughout and roads wide enough for cars to pass each other but with limited street parking options. Homes in Centennial Park reflect the 1970s era they were built in, with a variety of split-level and colonial-style homes and modern townhomes near the neighborhood’s shopping district. Homes sell in the $275,000 to $350,000 range, with most houses costing around $300,000. Most houses include a garage or driveway and a yard with enough space for a small gathering. “It’s a great place to go outside and walk to the park or around the neighborhood,” Shalabi says. Locals primarily depend on their vehicles to get around, but the nearby areas can be reached by walking. The neighborhood shopping districts are to the north on 159th Street and to the east on Harlem Ave and have several restaurant options and local businesses. “It is a regional hub for local grocery stores, businesses and quality restaurants,” Shalabi says. Swing by Aldi near Harlem Ave for deli meats, produce and pantry favorites. Park Center Plaza shopping mall is in the same area, so locals can spend an afternoon shopping before picking up groceries for the week. Head to 159th Street to grab a bite to eat at The Whistle Sports Bar and Grill, known for its breakfast sliders and signature chicken wings. A short drive down 159th Street will bring you to Ashford House, which features authentic Irish dishes and traditional American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Students will start at John A. Bannes Elementary, a B-plus-graded school by Niche. The school selects one student from each grade level weekly as a Bobcat of the Week for outstanding character and leadership qualities. The next stop on their educational journeys is Grissom Middle School, which receives an A-minus. Grissom teaches students the value of teamwork in sports like basketball, soccer and softball. Teenage students will attend Tinley Park High School, an A-minus institution that offers activities like ecology, art, and world language clubs. Centennial Park shares a name with its neighborhood and offers residents paved trails to get some steps in, a large fishing pond, sports courts and a skate park. Across the street, residents can find The Meadow’s Disc Golf Park, a well-maintained 18-hole course with mowed walking paths. Veterans Park in the northern area of the neighborhood offers a baseball field, a playground for kids to burn off some energy, and a green walking space to enjoy some time outside. The park is popular for events and gatherings, including summer camps and girl/boy scout gallery shows. Locals get into the Christmas spirit every year at the local Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy the summer weather and celebrate the 4th of July at the local parade that goes through the neighborhood.

When it comes to finding a comfortable place to live, location is key – The Southlands neighborhood is a part of the larger Tinley Park area, which gives its residents easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment without having to give up a spacious house. “Tinley Park is a well-established community. It’s very centrally located and convenient for commuters,” says John Mendez, a Real Estate Broker and the President of Realty One Group Heartland with over 20 years of experience.<br><br>Roughly 30 miles south of Chicago, The Southlands is a residential neighborhood that consists of rows of streets lined with larger homes and manicured lawns. While public transportation is available all throughout Tinley Park, most residents in The Southlands rely on their own vehicles to get around. For long-distance trips into Chicago and beyond, the Tinley Park Metro Station is only 1.5 miles away and can connect you to the Rock Island (RI) line. <br><br>Homebuyers can find many different houses in The Southlands. Large two-story Craftsman homes with around 3,000 square feet line the streets for anywhere between $400,000 to $500,000. For those who want something smaller, split levels and ranch-style homes go for $260,000 to $375,000. It’s not uncommon to see a remodeled rancher or prairie-style home with a gabled roof on the market for $375,000. Most of these properties have garages, a driveway and connecting sidewalks.<br><br>Families living in the area can send their little ones to very reputable schools nearby. John A. Bannes Elementary School is a part of Kirby School District No. 140 and boasts a B-plus grade on Niche. Virgil I Grissom Middle School has an A-minus Niche grade, above-average test scores and a 10-1 student-teacher ratio that gives students the attention they need to succeed. From there, students can attend Victor J Andrew High School within Consolidated High School District No. 230. The school has an A Niche grade, over 70 student extracurriculars and was ranked in the Top 20 Public High Schools in Cook County, Illinois list by Chicago Magazine. <br><br>While The Southlands is primarily residential, people won’t have to travel far for outdoor recreation. “There are a lot of parks, forest preserves and nature areas near the neighborhood. And those have an ice-skating rink and community centers with activities,” Mendez says. Tinley Park Community Park, on the other side of South 80th Avenue, is where residents can find this seasonal ice rink, along with a volleyball court, basketball court and baseball diamond. Come back in the summer for the water park on the grounds. Less than a mile north, Centennial Park has walking paths that go around its 12-acre lake. For indoor activities, many local companies and events look to the Tinley Park Convention Center, 2.8 miles away. Visitors can attend a trade show, exposition, sporting event and more. A little past the convention center is the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater, a live music venue that sees dozens of headline artists a year. <br><br>Shopping for essentials in The Southlands is easier than you think – even though the neighborhood is mostly houses, it's centrally located near many commercial spaces. Tinley Park Commons shopping mall is right on the other side of South Harlem Avenue and has a Jewel-Osco for groceries. There are also banks, a pet clinic and a hair cutter for errands. When you’re hungry, there are plenty of restaurants all along South Harlem Avenue that are a quick drive away. Chow down on a chicken sandwich and some seasoned fries from Fry the Coup, or get a classic cheeseburger and shake from Schoop’s Hamburgers. For more retail options, residents can travel 2.5 miles up Harlem Avenue to Parks Center Plaza and Tinley Park Plaza. The expansive shopping area has everything from Aldi and Sam’s Club to Burlington clothing store – just about every big-box store and food chain restaurant imaginable. <br><br>Settling down in The Southlands means you get the best of both worlds: a comfortable residential neighborhood, and all the dining and shopping amenities you want with Tinley Park.

East Fernway Park is a popular choice for residents looking for a peaceful and convenient place to call home – its location puts people near many amenities, while still keeping its comfortable atmosphere. As a part of the larger Tinley Park area, East Fernway Park is primarily residential with tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes and numerous green spaces. “The parks are really nice over there, and you're close to shopping," says Cheri Cronin, a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who has over 40 years of experience. The median sales price for a home in East Fernway Park is $267,500. "You get more square footage for your money than in Orland Park nearby." Cronin says. Split levels and brick ranch-style homes line the streets for anywhere between $225,000 to $350,000. Most of these single-family homes feature modest front yards, driveways, garages and back yards. Townhouses and condos are also available for $190,000 to $250,000. Since East Fernway Park is mostly made up of winding neighborhood streets, residents prefer to use their own vehicles to get around. US Route 6 and US Route 45 are close by and can take commuters anywhere they need to go. When there’s an emergency, residents will only have to travel 2 miles to get to Advocate Medical Group Outpatient Center in Orland Hills. The only school in the neighborhood is Virgil I. Grissom Middle School, a highly-rated public school that received an A-minus grade from Niche.com. The school features over 15 extracurricular activities, including a Creative Club, Fitness Club and STEM Club. Just to the east of the neighborhood is Helen Keller Elementary School, which has a B Niche grade and strives to provide a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Students living in East Fenway Park can finish their grade school education at Victor J Andrew High School. Its A grade on Niche, over 70 student clubs and Technology & Engineering program can set its students up for success. When you want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air in East Fernway Park, there are several parks within a walkable distance. Buedingen Park, named after Tinley Park’s sister city in Germany, has basketball courts, a playground, a pavilion and walking paths. Gory Park, acquired by the city in 1979, has baseball fields, a playground, a picnic shelter and a sand volleyball court. Commissioner’s Park has a good-sized swing set, jungle gym and a tee ball and a little league baseball field. A walking and biking path runs through the park and goes south through Tinley Park Community Park and Volunteer Park. Shopping is easy for residents of East Fernway Park. When it’s time to get groceries, travel a little under 2 miles to ALDI, Walmart and Jewel-Osco, located just to the northwest in Orland Park along US Route 6. If you’d rather eat out, a few restaurants are just outside the neighborhood. Rocco’s Little Italy is a comfy spot serving Southern Italian fare, wine and dessert. Customers rave about the service and the authentic Italian home cooking; try the chicken or eggplant parmesan. Craving Indian? Head to Tandoori House Indian Cuisine to the south. The restaurant was founded by four brothers, bringing their favorite Indian recipes and high-quality ingredients to the menu. For brunch on the weekends, go to The Skillet House 2 for the large variety of options on the menu, reasonable prices and relaxing ambiance.