Neighborhood Guide - South Suburbs

a guide to THE SOUTH SUBURBS

1

welcome to the

SOUTH SUBURBS

2

10

6

21

18 8

22

20 5

7 12

14

19 17 13 11 23

15 16

9

3

table of CONTENTS Alsip........................................................5

Mokena..................................................15

Chicago Ridge...................................6

New Lenox...........................................16

Crestwood...........................................7

Oak Forest...........................................17

Evergreen Park..................................8

Oak Lawn.............................................18

Frankfort...............................................9

Orland Park.........................................19

Hickory Hills........................................10

Palos Heights.....................................20

Homer Glen.........................................11

Palos Hills.............................................21

Lemont..................................................12

Palos Park............................................22

Lockport...............................................13

Tinley Park...........................................23

Midlothian............................................14

4

alsip

Y

ou know a community is “a great place to live” when that’s its motto.

Located a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago, the Village of Alsip offers a variety of amenities that add to its appeal. For active types, there’s the Apollo Recreation Center, which offers a fitness center, picnic area, playgrounds, sports courts, and a bike path. During the summer, locals head to the Sprayfari Aquatic Park for sun-filled days by the water or they can hit the links at the Fountain Hills Golf Club – a nine-hole course conveniently located in the village.

Residents also benefit from being close to the best of the south suburbs. They are just a short drive from the Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights; outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing, hiking, and biking in Palos Park; and entertainment venues like the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.

Alsip real estate encompasses singlefamily homes, townhomes, and condominiums. The community is accessible by I-294, which is located along its border.

5

chicago ridge

C

hicago Ridge is known for celebrating its residents.

The village offers various community programs including school programs to engage the community’s youth, summer activities offered by the Chicago Ridge Park District, and an Honor Wall that recognizes residents who serve in the military.

Chicago Ridge is also home to one of the area’s most anticipated summer traditions: RidgeFest. The annual event brings delicious food from restaurant row, live entertainment, and hand-crafted items from local merchants. Voted “Best Neighborhood Festival” by the Daily Southtown, it’s a favorite gathering among locals and visitors alike.

Those looking to tap into their competitive side should look no further than the nearby Stony Creek Golf Course or Ball Fore, where they can play a game of miniature golf or hit the batting cages. Meanwhile, those in search of shopping and entertainment have plenty of options at the Chicago Ridge Mall, which features more than 130 stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Real estate in Chicago Ridge consists of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. With a train station along Metra’s SouthWest Service line, the village offers easy access to downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

6

crestwood

C

restwood is a thriving community that oozes with charm.

Characterized as a great place to live, work, and play, the village is within easy reach of Chicago via major interstates and also boasts a budding business community with shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Sports fans head to Ozinga Field to support the Windy City ThunderBolts – Crestwood’s very own professional baseball team.

When it comes to fitness and fun, the Crestwood Recreation & Wellness Center is the place to be. The facility has everything from group fitness classes and local athletic clubs to youth programming and swim lessons. Book lovers find their calling at the Crestwood Public Library, where they can choose from new arrivals or old classics, movies, and magazines.

Crestwood real estate features single-family homes and condominiums. With I-294 along its eastern border and I-57 nearby, the village offers a seamless drive to downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

7

evergreen park

S

mall-town charm and big-city amenities highlight the Village of Evergreen Park – a vibrant community bordered by the City of Chicago.

Home to numerous parks, the suburb boasts abundant green space and recreational opportunities. Several community events are held at Klein Park (also known as Circle Park), where residents enjoy a summer concert series and take advantage of athletic fields and sand volleyball courts. But the fun and games don’t stop there. Three dog parks can be found at 50-Acre Park, along with an agricultural park, disc golf, a driving range, and a sledding hill.

Evergreen Park real estate mostly consists of single-family homes, many of which are ranch-style or bungalows. The village is a 17-mile drive from downtown Chicago and just over seven miles from Midway International Airport.

8

frankfort

R

ecognized by Chicago magazine as one of the best places to live in the Chicago area, Frankfort is an exciting community with plenty of appeal.

Founded in 1855, the village has earned the distinction of being the “Jewel of the South Suburbs.” Frankfort maintains its roots through its historic downtown, which is home to unique boutiques, restaurants, a children’s museum, and a wide variety of community events. In the heart of downtown is Breidert Green Park, which hosts year-round events including a farmers market, outdoor concerts and movies, award-winning craft and art fairs, classic car shows, a 5k walk/run, and more.

Outdoor enthusiasts take to the Old Plank Road Trail – a 20-mile bike path that winds through Frankfort and its historic downtown district. Meanwhile, Prairie Park offers more than 13 acres of preserved native prairie, natural plants, and a fishing pond.

Students in the community are served by schools including Lincoln-Way East High School, which is ranked among the top 10% of public schools in Illinois, according to US News & World Report magazine.

Frankfort is located just over 35 miles from Chicago. Commuters enjoy being in close proximity to train stations along Metra’s Rock Island District line.

9

hickory hills

H

ome to dozens of events, thousands of acres of forestry, golf courses, charming shopping districts, and top-rated restaurants, Hickory Hills offers something for everyone.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate having access to the Palos Trail System, which offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and biking through rolling hills and deep ravines. Among the community’s largest parks is Kasey Meadow Park, which is located by the Cynthia Neal Administration & Recreation Center. The park spans 17 acres and features a splash pad, sled hill, half-mile track, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, a picnic area, playgrounds, and an in-line skating rink.

Krueger Park is also a local hotspot with its fitness center, sand volleyball court, and tennis courts. Meanwhile, Martin Park is the site of Hickory Hills’ Annual Fishing Derby, which awards anglers who catch the longest fish.

Hickory Hills real estate encompasses single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.

Commuters can easily get to downtown Chicago via I-55, and Midway International Airport is less than 20 minutes away by car.

10

homer glen

H

omer Glen is a vibrant community with a beautiful rural atmosphere.

The village is known for retaining its unique character while it continues to develop. This approach has let the village embrace growth while preserving the natural resources and open space that have made it so appealing to residents.

With over 440 acres, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve features hiking trails, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, four campsites, and two picnic shelters. Messenger Marsh is a slightly larger preserve with a trail ideal for similar activities as well as horseback riding and biking. It also has a 7-acre dog park and access to a fishing pond. Parks with tennis courts, fitness stations, and pickleball courts can also be found in Homer Glen.

The village’s nearly 25,000 residents enjoy an abundance of local events, from the Homer Community Festival and Movies Under the Stars to the Big Tree Champions Contest, which celebrates the biggest and oldest trees in the village.

Located approximately 30 miles from downtown Chicago, Homer Glen is close to major interstates such as I-55, I-80, and I-355.

11

lemont

T

here is always a cause for celebration in Lemont. Throughout the year the community hosts several seasonal events, from Heritage Fest in the summer to Lemonster Days in the fall.

Dating back to the 1800s, Lemont has evolved into a vibrant community that overlooks the beautiful Des Plaines River. The village’s topography is especially unique, offering multi-use trails along the Illinois & Michigan Canal and great hills for hiking. The Heritage Quarries Recreation Area sits on thousands of acres of forest preserves and has trails, a learning center, a nature center, and a museum. The Quarryman Challenge invites locals to a 10-mile and 5K race through the scenic town.

Lemont’s 17,000 residents appreciate the community’s abundance of recreational and leisure opportunities. They also enjoy its historic downtown, where they can admire the architecture and stop inside antique stores, salons, boutiques, and delicious dining options.

Most of Lemont’s housing stock includes single-family homes as well as new-construction condominiums and townhomes. There is also a wonderful selection of older homes with beautiful architecture in Lemont’s historic district.

Lemont is a 30-minute drive to downtown Chicago via I-55, and the suburb is served

by Metra’s Heritage Corridor line.

12

lockport

L

ockport is a growing community that remains committed to celebrating its storied past.

The city leads the way in preserving and promoting the history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Corridor and has one of the best-preserved canal sites in existence. The canal’s original warehouses still stand and serve as a living history museum. Lockport is also dedicated to protecting its historic downtown district, which is home to a number of significant structures including the renovated Roxy Theater, where the Midwest Waterways Short Film Festival takes place.

As Lockport has blossomed, retail stores and restaurants are among the new businesses that have joined the community. A plethora of local events keep residents busy throughout the year, from Old Canal Days and a weekly car show in the summer to a seasonal farmers market and an art show.

Those in search of recreation will find plenty of opportunities such as the Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club – an 18-hole championship course. Maintaining over 950 acres, the Lockport Township Park District offers dozens of beautiful parks that boast playgrounds, ample green space, athletic fields, trails, and pavilions.

The park district also hosts events like concerts, pool parties, and golf outings.

Residents can drive to Chicago via I-55 or take the train thanks to Metra’s Heritage Corridor line, which has a station in Lockport.

13

midlothian

I

f you’re looking for a suburb with a wealth of local amenities, Midlothian is a great place to plant roots. For starters, the village is home to the Midlothian Country Club, one of the Chicago area’s most celebrated private clubs known for its luxurious facilities, history, and tradition.

Midlothian’s 15,000 residents can also soak in nature with a hike through Sundrop Prairie Nature Preserve, or join the Midlothian Historical Society to help preserve the town’s history. The community also boasts a variety of local events including movies in the park, a back-to-school fair, a fall fest, a garden walk, and a holiday celebration.

Those in search of recreational opportunities will find their calling at the Midlothian Meadows Trail, where they can bike or hike three miles through the woodlands.

Midlothian is served by Metra’s Rock Island District line. The community is also in close proximity to I-57 and I-294.

14

mokena

M

okena has it all. With a population of just over 20,000, the community has grown thanks to its convenient transportation, recreational opportunities, and local services.

Residents take advantage of numerous parks, paths, and trails including the Hickory Creek Preserve and the Old Plank Road Trail. For days better suited for indoor activities, the Mokena Park District offers a wide variety of facilities including basketball and volleyball courts, a track, exercise rooms, and a fitness center.

Over the years, the village has made several enhancements to its downtown area, which features a mix of offices, shops, and restaurants.

Housing choices in Mokena include single-family homes and condominiums.

Two Metra train stations are located in the village, providing an easy commute to downtown Chicago. Meanwhile, those traveling by car have access to I-80.

15

new lenox

S

hopping, entertainment, and hospitality abound in “The Crossroads of Opportunity,” otherwise known as New Lenox.

The village has created a name for itself with its Triple Play Concert Series, which brings a variety of well-known musical acts to the New Lenox Commons. Beyond providing entertainment, the series helps fund a variety of other special events like movie nights, free concerts, Kids Fest, and more. Other celebrations include an annual summer festival and the Spring Arts Festival.

When it comes to recreation, residents of New Lenox have no shortage of options.

The community’s park district provides a wide range of activities including The Sanctuary – an 18-hole, championship-level golf course. Meanwhile, the Old Plank Road Trail runs directly through New Lenox, and there are three forest preserves in the area.

While New Lenox is located nearly 40 miles from Chicago by car, commuting is a breeze thanks to two Metra stations that serve the village. In addition to a stop along the Rock Island District line, there’s a stop on the SouthWest Service line with both providing transportation to downtown Chicago.

16

oak forest

O

ak Forest offers something for everyone, from scenic forest preserves and vibrant neighborhoods to robust recreational opportunities.

The community is committed to maintaining its small-town charm and strives to protect its natural resources, including picturesque creeks and other bodies of water in the area.

With a variety of local amenities available to them, residents enjoy several neighborhood parks; a health and fitness center; biking and equestrian paths in the forest preserves; and a wide-range of leisure and educational programs. The city is also home to the George W. Dunne National Golf Course – an 18-hole course that has been recognized by Golf Digest.

In addition to offering convenient access to major interstates like I-57, I-80, and I-294, Oak Forest is served by Metra’s Rock Island District line. Residents can hop on the train in town and ride directly to the LaSalle Street Station in downtown Chicago.

17

oak lawn

K

nown for its distinctive hometown atmosphere, Oak Lawn is home to more than 57,000 residents who take pride in their neighborhoods.

In addition to the community’s neighborly spirit, residents are drawn to the many amenities that comprise the village, from excellent healthcare facilities to ample parks and green space. The Oak Lawn Park District maintains facilities such as playgrounds, athletic fields, a driving range, outdoor swimming pools, an indoor ice arena, a community theatre, and the 18-hole Stony Creek Golf Course.

Locals come together for a variety of special events throughout the year, including a weekly farmers market during warmer months, a Fourth of July parade, a summer concert series, and the annual Fall on the Green celebration.

Oak Lawn’s well-kept residential streets consist of single-family homes, multiunit buildings, and condominiums.

In downtown Oak Lawn, residents enjoy shopping areas, a public library, and a Metra train station that offers direct service to downtown Chicago. The village is nearly 15 miles from Chicago’s Loop and about five miles from Midway International Airport.

18

orland park

W

ith an abundance of parks and a growing shopping and dining scene, Orland Park is one of the most soughtafter places to live in Chicago’s south suburbs.

The village appeals to those looking for a vibrant, tight-knit community in close proximity to the city of Chicago. Parks, trails, and golf courses abound, offering plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoorsy types. During the summer, popular destinations include the Centennial Park Aquatic Center and Lake Sedgewick, where locals can fish and rent kayaks and pedal boats. The annual Taste of Orland Park is another highlight for residents. The three-day summer event features live music and showcases a variety of the community’s local restaurants.

Home to Orland Park Crossing and Orland Square, the community has no shortage of shops. When it comes to live entertainment, there are several nearby attractions including the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – one of Chicagoland’s largest outdoor music venues – located in Tinley Park.

Approximately a 27-mile drive from downtown Chicago, Orland Park offers convenient access to I-294, I-355, I-57, and I-80. Commuters are just a train ride away from the city thanks to Metra’s SouthWest Service line, which has three stops in Orland Park.

19

palos heights

P

alos Heights is a nature lover’s dream.

Not only is the city home to the Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, where locals and visitors take in the area’s beautiful scenery, but it’s also close to Swallow Cliff – an 800-acre nature preserve – and numerous forest preserves.

As a tight-knit community, Palos Heights boasts many amenities and maintains a small-town feel. Community events are held year-round and include the Southwest Half Marathon, an indoor and outdoor farmers market, the annual Classic Car Show, and an Independence Day celebration and parade. Palos Heights also has programs such as Adopt-a-Pot – a community planting program that invites local businesses and residents to sponsor a pot or help plant flowers.

With a train station along Metra’s SouthWest Service line, Palos Heights offers transportation to Chicago’s Union Station.

Major highways and interstates such as I-294 and I-57 are also located nearby.

20

palos hills

P

alos Hills could be defined as a recreation paradise.

The city is home to the Palos Hills Golf Club – a nine-hole public course that sits on 45 acres of prairie grasses, wildflowers, wooded perimeters, and Stony Creek. The course caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

After a round, golfers can grab a snack and a drink at the clubhouse before returning home.

For those who prefer to stay off the links, Palos Hills has many parks with trails, playgrounds, fishing spots, ice skating, picnic opportunities, and movies in the park. Meanwhile, the 800-acre Swallow Cliff features a 100-foot bluff with limestone stairs that offer the ultimate scenic workout.

In addition to plentiful outdoor amenities, the community hosts its annual Friendship Fest in the summer. The four-day festival includes a classic car show, petting zoo, pony rides, games, live music, and more.

Palos Hills real estate encompasses single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. Residents enjoy access to nearby train stations along Metra’s SouthWest Service line, which takes them directly to Chicago’s Union Station.

21

palos park

A

unique community surrounded by nature, Palos Park has a history of attracting outdoor enthusiasts.

Prior to being incorporated in 1914, the village was a getaway destination for city dwellers looking to escape urban life. Today, residents and visitors are still drawn to the area’s natural beauty including hills, creeks, ravines, and wooded landscape, along with ample recreational opportunities like fishing, biking, and hiking. Centennial Park is among the area’s newest attractions featuring various athletic fields.

With a population of almost 5,000, Palos Park is a close-knit community. There are plenty of seasonal events including Concerts in the Park and the Autumn in the Park festival, featuring live music, a parade, great food, and a BBQ contest.

Palos Park has a vibrant art scene and a long history as an artists’ community.

Log Cabin Center for the Arts trains creative types in the artistic process and offers classes to experienced artists and newcomers alike. On stage, the Palos Village Players produce a few shows every year.

A 25-mile drive from downtown Chicago, Palos Park has a Metra train station in town that provides direct access to Chicago’s Union Station.

22

tinley park

T

inley Park is a music lover’s haven.

Known for its eclectic entertainment offerings, the village is home to popular live music destinations like the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – one of Chicagoland’s largest outdoor concert venues.

From small clubs to restaurants, it’s hard to

t

find a local spot that doesn’t have nightly performances. Come summertime, the village hosts Music in the Plaza concerts, where residents can listen to live music under the stars. The event also features food and drinks from favorite Tinley Park establishments.

Summers also bring the annual farmers market to downtown Tinley Park, with local vendors offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers at Zabrocki Plaza.

Beyond music and community events, Tinley Park boasts an abundance of recreational opportunities. The village’s park district is made up of 40 parks and includes the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, which has an indoor track and batting cage and several basketball and volleyball courts.

Located 30 miles from Chicago, Tinley Park has convenient access to I-57 and I-80. The community is also served by Metra’s Rock Island District line, meaning commuters are just a quick train ride away from the city.

23

24

25

26

SO114-01