Residents past and present are the core of Forest Park
Forest Park is rich in history and serves as a peaceful landing spot about 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Much of the village's green space comes from its five major cemeteries, which contain the burial sites of several notable Chicago figures and the historically registered Haymarket Martyrs' Monument. The community of the living makes up the heart of the community, gathering for their annual events and walking to the closest café. "Our community has so much to offer," says Laurie Kokenes, Executive Director for the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. "We work really hard to connect with local businesses and department heads to keep our economy strong and to make sure people know what we're doing here. It's about community support."
Forest Park is just a few miles from downtown Chicago on interstate 290.
Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument Inside of Forest Home Cemetery of Forest Park.
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From Chicago bungalows to modern condos
Housing styles and trends in Forest Park vary widely. There are homes from the early 1900s that have either been rehabbed or well-maintained, alongside newer construction among roomy streets. The classic Chicago brick bungalow is a stylistic staple, accompanied by Craftsman-inspired homes. Meanwhile, modern condos with tall, expansive windows are found right across the street from medieval-looking greystones. Locals enjoy the walkability within the village, as residential streets intertwine with shopping areas. Two-bedroom condos typically sell for around $160,000, three-bedroom maintained historic homes for $350,000, and larger vintage properties for between $450,000 and $550,000.
Brick bungalow's withl large windows stand out on the streets of Forest Park.
There are many large condo properties in the Forest Park area to choose from.
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The local flavor of Madison Street
Everyday errands are made easy by the chain stores scattered in and around Forest Park. The River Forest Town Center is a popular one-stop area for shopping, with stores such as Whole Foods Market, Walgreens and Petco. Along Madison Street, local business thrives, residents stopping into Forest Park Bakery for a fresh scone before they head to the metro or sifting through the clothing racks of Team Blonde. There's a seemingly endless supply of specialty shopping, from fragrant tea supply stores to the displays of vinyl in record shops. There's no shortage of locally favorite eats in Forest Park, either, with people chatting over craft cocktails and burgers at the outdoor patio of Scratch Public House to the simple interior and traditional dishes of Yum Thai.
Kribi Coffee is a popular morning coffee spot in Forest Park.
Louie's Grill is a long time staple of Forest Park, serving the community for over 20 years.
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The distinct and unique events of Forest Park
"Our events are really unique; I think it puts us in the spotlight for what we want to show off," Kokenes says. "Everyone knows us for the Casket Races, but it's just one of many. The Spring Wine Walk is a super cool way to get to know the local businesses." Residents flood Madison Street for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and there's the iconic Casket Races, a colorful tribute to the historic cemeteries. Decorated "caskets" are wheeled down in a parade from local organizations and groups, and residents come to fundraise and hang out.
On the path to Proviso East High
Forest Park is served by Chicago Public Schools and has a few private highly rated options. Children attend kindergarten through second grade at Garfield Elementary before heading to third and fifth at Field-Stevenson Elementary, rated with a B on Niche. Field Stevenson uses exposure to different technologies in its learning practice to prepare students for a tech-driven world. Students move on to Forest Park Middle School, which receives a C, before finishing basic education at Proviso East High. With an overall C-minus, Proviso East offers an extensive and diverse roster of extracurriculars.
Proviso East High School has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
Garfield Elementary School of Forest Park servers K-8th grade.
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Cooling off at the Aquatic Center
At the center of the community, The Forest Park Aquatic Center provides an opportunity to cool off in the hotter months with swimming pools and slides. Outside the Aquatic Center are soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, a skatepark and more. Forest Park is one of the starting points for the Illinois Prairie Path, a nearly 60-mile trail that maps the historical path of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad.
Park District at Forest Park field house.
Park District at Forest Park tennis courts.
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Navigating Chicago
The major thoroughfare of Interstate 290 intersects Forest Park, so navigating the city via car is quickly accessible. There are two major CTA train stations near the interstate, Forest Park and Harlem, as well as several bus stops scattered along main roads. Forest Park is 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, so many residents will use the CTA to avoid traffic at the busiest parts of the day.
Interstate 290 cuts right though Forest Park area.
The Forest Park transit Center is a hub for the CTA and Pace bus system.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
