Named by the Dutch immigrants who settled here in 1846, the Village of South Holland has come a long way from its beginnings as an onion-growing agricultural community to its modern identity as a diverse, family-oriented suburb about 5 miles south of Chicago's city limits. Though close to the city and near the busy junction of Interstates 94 and 294, South Holland is distinctly suburban in nature. Until 2023, it held the unique distinction of being the last remaining “dry” community in Illinois, meaning alcoholic drinks were not available for purchase.
South Holland is safe and family friendly to the south of Chicago.
The statues of children are a notable landmark in South Holland.
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Ranches and bungalows clustered along residential streets
Single-family homes – particularly bungalows, ranch-style and split-level houses – are central to South Holland’s appeal. “People do move down from Chicago, but often they’re coming from other southern suburbs since South Holland doesn’t have any high rises, condos or apartments,” says Kason Wallace, Broker/Realtor at Premier Midwest Realty. “It’s all single-family homes here.”
The median home price of around $230,000 is less than the national median, yet higher than many nearby suburbs. “It’s more of an older community with just a couple of pockets of newer homes,” Wallace says.
There are many modern traditional homes in South Holland.
There are many colorful homes in South Holland.
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Developing career skills at Thornwood High and South Suburban College
Around 1,500 elementary and middle school students attend South Holland School District No. 151, which receives a D-plus rating on Niche. About 800 students attend C-rated South Holland School District No. 150. High schoolers attend C-rated Thornwood High. Thornwood’s athletic program is particularly accomplished, producing five Major League Baseball players, two NBA players and two Olympians.
South Suburban College is a community college option for post-secondary education.
Greenwood Elementary School serves students from preschool through third grade in South Holland.
Educational opportunities abound at Thornwood High School in South Holland.
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Access to I-94 and I-294 keys economy
Now a community of about 22,000 people, South Holland's economy is no longer onion-based. It's also not strictly a commuter suburb. With I-294 to the south and I-94 on the city’s east side, the trucking industry has a significant presence here. Union Pacific also operates a large freight yard on South Holland’s north side. Carl Buddig’s meatpacking plant is the largest employer.
Residents have numerous transit options. Pace operates bus stops throughout South Holland, and there is a Metra commuter train station in neighboring Harvey.
For flights, Chicago Midway is about 20 miles from South Holland, and Chicago O’Hare is around 40 miles away.
162nd Street is the place for shopping and dining
U.S. Route 6, known locally as 162nd Street, is South Holland’s primary commercial corridor. Wallace says Blueberry Field Pancake House is likely its most well-known restaurant, and in 2023 it also became the first establishment in the village to receive a liquor license. Although no longer a dry community, there are no bars or liquor stores in South Holland. Andy’s Grille, a hot dog and frozen custard stand, now located in an otherwise industrial neighborhood on the southwest side, is another local institution that’s been in operation for more than 50 years.
More shopping and dining options are nearby at the River Oaks Center mall in neighboring Calumet City.
The service at The Blueberry Field Pancake House is warm and welcoming in South Holland.
The Blueberry Field Pancake House has excellent breakfast food in South Holland.
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Ample parks and South Holland Community Center
South Holland has 31 parks, with Gouwens and Veterans Memorial parks being the largest. Residents can also get discounted rates at the nearby Glenwoodie Golf Club. Indoor recreation is available at the 50,000-square-foot South Holland Community Center, which has a gym, indoor track and swimming pool.
Wampum Lake Nature Preserve, to the south, has multiple picnic shelters and year-round fishing. Wampum Lake is one of the 20 Cook County Forest Preserve lakes designated for ice fishing when ice reaches the proper thickness.
The South Holland Community Center has a large basketball court.
Locals love the amenities available at the South Holland Community Center.
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Events enhance a sense of community
South Holland consciously works to create a sense of community. The mayor, for instance, hosts quarterly coffee meetings with residents. The village sponsors two musical groups – the South Holland Master Chorale, and the South Holland Municipal Band. The groups perform at civic events like Independence Day and Heritage Fest as well as at other venues in the area.
The July 4th Celebration in South Holland is a day of fun, food and games.
The July 4th Celebration begins with a Rib Fest Contest at Veterans Park in South Holland.
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Motor vehicle theft above national average
Rates of motor vehicle theft and robbery in South Holland are higher than the national average, while other crime rates are at or below national averages.
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