Harvey is a suburb 23 miles south of Chicago near the Illinois and Indiana border, with around 21,000 people. “We are in close proximity to several transportation options,” Benjamin White says. White is the president of Better Sister & Brother Growth Network, which provides community mentorships, workforce development, and other services. Harvey was once a significant industrial presence in the area, home to the Dixie Square Mall, one of the first indoor malls in the nation. Businesses are harder to find in modern-day Harvey, and the population has declined since the industrial boom, but locals are looking to turn things around. “Harvey is a great place for investments and developments and could benefit from both and some more homeowners,” White says.
Aerial View of Residential Streets in Harvey Consisting of Rows of Various Home Types Including Bungalows, Arts & Crafts Homes, and Split Level Homes.
Aerial View of Residential Streets in Harvey Consisting of Rows of Various Home Types Including Bungalows, Arts & Crafts Homes, and Split Level Homes.
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Ride the Metra or Pace bus line
Harvey is a prime location for people looking to travel or who often find themselves on the road. Residents have easy access to Interstate 57, which they can take to Chicago. Those looking for public transportation go to Park Avenue and 154th Street to get on the Metra Rail Line. The city has 10 Pace bus routes, providing transportation for nearly 2,500 daily boardings. The Harvey Metra and Pace are working on a reconstruction project to connect the renovated Metra Electric Line, making transfers safer and more accessible for commuters. The project is expected to start construction sometime in 2024. Harvey doesn’t have much for walking or bicycle trails, leading to residents opting for public transportation or their vehicles. “It’s a very nice place to travel from,” White says. O’Hare International Airport is about 38 miles from Harvey for those looking to take a trip.
Several sports fields at Lou Boudreau Field
Outdoor and recreational opportunities in Harvey are more limited than some of their surrounding communities. However, the area still has around 15 parks and other spaces to enjoy. Lou Boudreau Field includes more than 10 acres of paths and athletic fields for different sports. The Harvey Park District holds various events and activities at the parks, along with rental facilities for people to use for parties or small gatherings. They can rent the Holmes Recreation Center on Woodbridge Avenue, Gloria Taylor Banquet Hall on Broadway Avenue or King’s Banquet Hall on 150th Street and Dell Way.
Green Space at Briggs & Ellis Park Which is Part of the Harvey Park District
Harvey residents can take their dogs out at the nearby Dixmoor Playfield.
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Popular clubs and lounges in Harvey
Harvey offers a few shopping and restaurant options, mostly chain restaurants along Sibley Boulevard and some southeast of the city near South Holland. “Harvey doesn’t have much for shopping and dining establishments,” White says. “It is up and coming; they are working on the downtown area and building that up.” Locals can go south on S Halsted Street and find more restaurants, shops and grocery stores.
Harvey offers various clubs and lounges, with Niche giving the city a B for nightlife. The Entrance is a popular entertainment venue for live music and food-themed nights.
Harvey has a number of good places to get a drink like The Entrance.
Wasso's has food and drink need covered for residents of Harvey.
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Lower cost of ownership
Home prices in Harvey range from less than $100,000 for some single-family homes, usually with one or two bedrooms, to around $270,000 for homes with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and a yard. Homes sell after approximately 53 days on the market, higher than the national average 41. “With a low cost of ownership, it is a very good place to be a first-time homeowner,” White says.
Row of Bungalow Style Homes Located on Residential Street in Harvey
Large Arts and Craft Home Located on Residential Street of Harvey
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Be prepared for all seasons
Harvey is like many surrounding Chicagoland areas, where the Midwest weather is in full swing and can change at the snap of the fingers. “You get all four seasons at any time,” White says. “It can be 40 degrees out, then be 70 the next day.”
High marks for local high schools
Niche gives the Harvey School District a D-plus, with a C-plus for clubs and activities. The Harvey School District 152 doesn’t have a high school, so students will attend nearby Township High School or Bremen High School, which receives a B-minus overall and an A-minus for teachers. South Suburban College is in nearby South Holland for students looking to continue their education; there are several colleges and universities in Chicago about 25 miles north of Harvey.
Thornton Township High School Is Part of Harvey School District 152
Bryant Elementary School Is Part of Harvey School District 152
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Harvey crime numbers
CrimeGrade gives Harvey a D-minus, with an F for violent crime and a D-minus for property crime. The crime rate is around 54 incidents per 1,000 residents, with FBI crime data showing Harvey’s crime rate is higher than 83% of other cities and towns in Illinois. “I wouldn’t say that Harvey is unsafe to walk around in, but just be aware of your surroundings and be smart,” White says. In August of 2023, the Harvey City Council approved a new agreement with the police department to enhance public safety services, including auditing policy and procedures and developing a standard operating procedure.
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.
