A small southwest Chicago village with ample greenery
With a-small town, almost-rural atmosphere, the small village of Worth, Illinois is bordered by green spaces and waterways, and thousands of acres of nearby forest preserves allow residents to take a step back from the active bustle of Chicago that can be found 25 miles northeast. The community’s first house was built in the 1850s, and by 1883, the population had grown to around 100 and, today, just over 10,000 people call the village “home.” Worth’s south side is bookended by a lush golf course and the Calumet Sag Channel.
“Our village motto is ‘The Friendly Village,’” says Mary Werner, Worth’s Mayor. “Neighbors here know one another and families stick around for generations. Our community is very involved as well. Every year hundreds of residents come together to volunteer and donate towards our annual food drive.”
Modest ranch-style homes and modern builds
Single-story houses occupy most of Worth's narrow, gridded streets, from spacious ranch-style homes and split-levels to modest mobile homes. Little space separates homes from one another, with most houses sitting on lots of a quarter acre or less. The average listing price here is $230,000, making it more affordable than nearby communities like Palos Hills and Palos Heights. One-bedroom, 800-square-foot condo units can be listed for less than $100,000, while brand-new craftsman-style homes with four bedrooms and around 3,000 square feet can be listed in the $500,000s. Houses tend to be sold within two weeks of being on the market.
Ranch style home with blue siding.
Single-story home with attached car garage.
Aerial view of Southwest Estates mobile homes.
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The high acheiving Amos Alonzo Stagg High
Families with school-aged children are drawn to the area by its highly rated public schools. Worthwoods Elementary earns a B-minus overall grade and a B-plus teacher score from Niche. With a B-minus teacher grade, Worth Junior High School serves 400 students in grades six through eight. Amos Alonzo Stagg High School earns an impressive A overall score and is the 81st best public high school in Illinois, according to Niche.
From Water's Edge to Lucas Berg
Worth has sizeable green spaces on three sides of the village. The southern edge is home to Water's Edge Golf Club and the Village of Worth Boat Launch Ramp for public access to the river or the waterside trail. To the west, you'll find Lucas Berg Nature Preserve. And to the east is the well-landscaped Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery. Driving 7 miles west of the village's residential streets will take nature seekers to forest preserves like Paw Paw Woods, McMahon Woods and Wolf Road Woods. The Palos Trail System connects these preserves, where hikers and bikers can enjoy access to over 40 miles of tree-shaded paths.
Water's Edge Golf Club sign.
Waterside trial in Worth, IL.
Village of Worth boat launch ramp and waterside trail.
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Thrift shops and pizza stops
Small businesses line Harlem Avenue and 111th Street. Go thrifting at The Weekend Closet or Neat Repeats. Get ready for game night with a visit to Critical Games, then Roma Café or Oh Boy Pizza to keep everyone well fed. Michael's Pancake House is another local favorite, serving hefty portions of American diner classics in a laidback environment. For dinner, Krapil's Steakhouse and Patio has kept its rustic Northwoods atmosphere alive in Worth since the 1960s. Its 7,500 square foot patio is open throughout the year and features live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Weekend Closet thrift store in Worth.
Michael's Restaurant.
Several businesses at 111th. St and S. Harlem Ave.
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Drive along I-55
Interstates 290 and 55 can both be accessed 15 minutes north of the village and allow residents to easily travel to and from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. For those looking for green space and great schools within commuting distance from downtown, this southwest Chicago village is worth looking around.
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