Oak Forest, Illinois
Homes for Sale
Local info from
Notable For
Oak Forest offers its residents an excellent quality of life with numerous parks and plenty of greenery and open space, good schools, and easy access to downtown Chicago. Oak Forest residents can stay active with miles of walking and biking trails, nearby camping at Tinley Creek Woods, the George W. Dunne National Golf Course, and plenty of other outdoor programs and activities. Residents often get involved in Park District events and activities hosted by the local school districts, making this green suburb very active and community-oriented.
Cost of Living
Oak Forest prides itself on being an affordable and diverse neighborhood within the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The cost of living in Oak Forest is similar to the state average, and home values are slightly higher than the state average. Price points in Oak Forest vary, and the suburb offers amenities that residents’ value — including green parks and open space, recreational facilities and community organizations.
Transportation
About 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Oak Forest residents have a few options for transportation into the city and around town. Pace buses travel through town and into neighboring suburbs, and the Oak Forest Metra takes commuters directly to and from downtown Chicago in about 35 minutes. For residents who prefer to drive, there are several main thoroughfares, including Central Avenue and Cicero Avenue, plus easy access to I-57, I-80, and I-294. Midway International Airport is also only 13 miles away.
Schools
Six public school districts serve the residents in Oak Forest, offering eight pre-elementary and elementary schools, two junior high schools, and three high schools. Oak Forest also offers two nationally recognized private schools, both of which have been granted the National Blue Ribbon Award. There are several colleges and universities near Oak Forest, including Moraine Valley Community College, South Suburban College, and Chicago State University.
Attractions
Oak Forest provides plenty of activity for residents throughout the year, and many take advantage of the 20 neighborhood parks, biking and hiking trails, equestrian paths, the George W. Dunne golf course, dog parks, open space and nature exploration programs. The Oak Forest Park District hosts camps and programs for children and events for the whole family, including movies in the park, kite flying, Lagoon Fire Night, and more. The community puts on a variety of cultural and holiday events, including the Irish Fest, the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, and the Old Times Picnic, and the Chicago Gaelic Park hosts public and private events throughout the year, from concerts to trivia nights to weddings.