Once entirely made up of swamps, marshes and prairies, what's now the city of Markham is a well-developed part of Cook County. It's kept a connection with nature while growing and changing over the years. The Old Indian Boundary Prairies stands out as Illinois' largest preserved area of grasslands. The Nature Conservancy protects the multitude of plant and animal life within this landscape, which includes rare black soil prairie, sand prairie and sedge meadows. A portion of this land was named a National Natural Landmark in 1988. With its motto, "The city with a new vision," Markham is a Chicago suburb dedicated to progress.
Dropseed Prairie in Markham is the Old Indian Boundary Prairies and provide a nice green space.
Enjoy hiking through the Indian Boundary Prairies and take in the nature surrounding you.
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Priced $150k to $200k on average
The city's residential streets feature a mixture of housing styles, including bungalows, Cape Cods, split-level and ranch-style homes. Compared to other suburban areas nearby, home prices can be a compelling reason to choose Markham. "Homes are more attractive here since they are more affordable," says Wendy Lee of Exit Realty Redefined. "The average costs are $150,000 to $200,000." Lee, a franchisee and associate broker, has hosted community events like the Women Wine Wealth Success Series.
Ranch style homes are very common in Markham.
Cape Cod style houses add to the variety of residential architecture in Markham.
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Pace buses 354 & 364, Metra stops
Pace bus routes include No. 364, which runs along 159th Street from Orland Park to Hammond, and No. 354, the Harvey-Oak Forest Loop. For air travel, it's about 17 miles to Midway International Airport and 40 miles to O'Hare International Airport. About 3 miles away, Hazel Crest Metra Station has service on the Metra Electric line, which ends in downtown Chicago at Millennium Station. About the same distance away, Midlothian Metra Station provides access to the Rock Island line, stretching from LaSalle Station to Joliet Station. Markham is surrounded by interstates such as 57, 80 and 294, the Tri-State Tollway, so it's easy to head out of the city. The drive to downtown Chicago is approximately 30 miles.
Residents of Markham enjoy using the Metra that runs through Midlothian.
The Pace Bus runs along Kedzie Ave for easy transportation throughout Markham.
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District’s 70 Illinois State Scholars
Public schools include Markham Park Elementary, graded C-minus, and Prairie-Hills Junior High, graded D-plus, the second junior high school in the country to be awarded Green Globe Certification from the Green Building Initiative. Hillcrest High, graded C-minus, congratulated eight students from the graduating class of 2024 who had been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. The scholars represent the top 10% of seniors from over 670 schools state-wide. Hillcrest is part of Bremen Community High School District No. 228, which had 70 scholars named for 2024.
Markham Park Elementary is a public school located in Markham, IL with over 300 students.
Prairie-Hills Junior High is a public school located in Markham, IL with over 800 students.
Markham Park School is a C- rated school with 303 students.
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Jimmy's, jerk and movie time
Markham has the usual fast-food, pharmacies and essential businesses, like banks and automotive services. Fairplay Foods, located in a shopping center off 159th Street and Kenzie Avenue, is the place to pick up groceries. Other stores and eateries there include Jimmy's, where fish, chicken and grilled menu items get rave reviews and Jerk Flavors Restaurant and Lounge, with lunch specials like jerk chicken alfredo, dinner portions of curry goat and rum cake for dessert. Rae's The Bar is a bakery café known for handcrafted sweet and savory goodies. It's a short drive from home to Walmart and Marcus Country Club Hills Cinema, in a retail area off 167th Street.
Jerk Flavors is a locally owned restaurant and lounge.
Marcus Cinema is on the southern side of Markham and offers a great experience for
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Park District programs and perks
The Markham Park District offers a lot to engage residents. Program director Quinntella R. says the park district is essential to the community. "We serve our children. We serve our seniors. We are a safe haven." Indoor and outdoor amenities include a baseball diamond, two full basketball courts, a playground and a walking trail.
The park district also hosts many events throughout the year. Quinntella says, "Our most popular event is our two-day Halloween event, which brings in over 500 people." There is also a Winter Wonderland event, complete with carriage rides, pictures with Santa and presents.
Besides holiday events, the park district offers spring break camps, summer camps, and after-school programs. "We are always looking forward to the kids coming to the park, and many children grow through the programs offered at the park district," Quinntella says.
Outside of the Rec Center, is a playground perfect for Markham residents to bring their kids.
McNeil Park in Markham has a huge field and a playground perfect for kids!
Outside of the Harold Murphy Center are two full basketball courts that serve Markham.
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A farmers market, The Entrance
About 4 miles away, the Homewood Farmers Market treats residents to Saturday shopping from May through October, often with live music in the background. Entertainment venue The Entrance is another place to enjoy live music, whether professional performers or a crew of local karaoke regulars.
Contentious mayoral elections
Elected as Markham's mayor in 2017, Roger Agpawa is one of the first convicted felons to take office in Illinois. Convicted in a 1999 felony mail fraud case, the former fire chief was allowed to serve based on restoration of rights approved by the governor. After his reelection in 2021, when he garnered 80% of the vote, the opposition again challenged his candidacy. Later in the year, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in Agpawa's favor. The state has four-year mayoral terms.
The historic Markham courthouse can be found off Kedzie Ave in the heart of Markham.
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