A cozy suburb with small eateries and various housing styles
Oak Forest is surrounded by nature preserves, just as its name suggests. But day to day, this is a suburb with winding streets, cozy locally owned eateries and a prominent high school. It kicked off in the 1920s but continued to grow, revealing a selection of housing styles that span the decades. “You’re going to see small businesses here, and for shopping, smaller plazas,” says Realtor Brandon Rodriguez with Corona Homes Team. He used to work in the food service industry in Oak Forest, prior to becoming a realtor. “Overall, it’s considered a nice [community] that’s safe, where people will be out and about.”
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve has many trails that are great for exercise, biking, and hiking.
Marsh brush and bridge
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Ranches in the $200,000s and Modern Traditionals in the $400,000s
There’s plenty of midcentury housing, such as ranches and split-levels. But so are Modern Traditional homes from the late 80s, whether those are single-story properties that take influence from midcentury ranches, or two-story properties that hint at the contemporary multi-gabled style that became popular over subsequent decades. “Brick is a popular material here, and a lot of people seem to like Oak Forest for that reason,” Rodriguez says. “The houses are very nice, the streets are well taken care of, and there’s a mix of attached singles and detached singles. Plus, there are quite a few townhouses and condos, too.” Prices range from $170,000 to $430,000.
Ranch houses are commonly seen in Oak Forest.
Some homes in Oak Forest have a Tudor style inspired design.
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Successful sports teams at Oak Forest High
Schools play a large part in the city's appeal. Foster Elementary has a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio and earns a B from Niche. Hille Middle earns a B-minus. Oak Forest High is centrally located, near City Hall, and is known for a strong sports program. It earns an A. “The people who live here appreciate having a high school that produces professional athletes,” Rodriguez says. “Baseball has been especially popular, with some players going on to the major leagues. City Hall even hangs pictures of notable athletes from the area.”
Oak Forest High School is home of the Bengals.
Parents in Oak Forest may send their children to Lee R Foster Elementary.
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From tennis to baseball at Central Park
Central Park, the city's largest park, features a playground, an inline skate park, baseball and football fields, and basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts. Just east of South Cicero Avenue, locals can find Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, one of the numerous forested reserves surrounding the city's residential streets. This 176-acre preserve contains mossy ponds and wildlife, and visitors can take a stroll on its 2 miles of paved walkways or go fishing for bluegill at Pogie Lake. The site is also home to the remains of a Native American village that was occupied until the late 17th century.
Play a leisurely game of tennis at one of the public tennis courts in Oak Forest.
Children enjoy the playground at Central Park in Oak Forest.
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Pizza places on Cicero Avenue, groceries on Central Avenue
Many locally owned restaurants and shops are located off South Cicero Avenue, which is a city hot spot for nightlife and recreation. Specializing in craft beer and casual dining, Blarney Stone Pub provides patrons with a variety of draft pours, along with numerous types of pizza, pasta and burgers. In the blocks surrounding the pub, customers can go south to grab a classic slice of Chicago deep-dish at Beggars Pizza, or head north to Markella’s Gyros for a quick gyro or hotdog. Sweet tooth fanatics are welcomed at La Isla Michoacana Ice Cream Shop, with its variety of hand-scooped flavors and milkshakes. A selection of quick-service chain restaurants such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds can also be found within the city. Residents typically do their grocery shopping at Jewel-Osco off Central Avenue, or pick up more select items at Swagat Foods Indian grocer or Maria’s Grocery Store.
Enjoy a delicious burger at Blarney Stone Pub in Oak Forest.
La Isla Michoacana in Oak Forest, IL.is highly recommended by many in the Oak Forest community.
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Public library events include craft workshops
Events are one way the community stays together. Acorn Public Library provides local learners of all ages with engaging activities, including book discussion groups, craft workshops and educational presentations. On the city's northern border is Gaelic Park, where Irish culture and tradition is preserved in banquet hall events.
Gaelic Park in Oak Forest features multiple Irish themed events.
Acorn Public Library of Oak Forest is open daily from 9am to 5pm, closed Sunday.
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Oak Forest Metra near 159 Street
True to the city's laidback atmosphere, traveling by foot or bike is embraced here. “There are lots of sidewalks, and you’ll see a lot of people out on bicycles, especially compared to other nearby areas,” Rodriguez says. “Oak Forest also has its own Metra station on the east end.” Cicero Avenue, besides being a place to grab hot eats, is also a key north-south corridor for traveling the region. Intersecting with Cicero is West 159th Street, another important corridor for travel and retail. Both of these feature bus stops.
Visitors and locals have convenient access to the Oak Forest train station.
Oak Forest offers a city like feel in a suburban area.
The Oak Forest Metra stop is about an hour away from downtown Chicago.
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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.
