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Oak Forest, IL

Frequently asked questions

Oak Forest, IL

Oak Forest is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The city is out 24 miles (39 km) south-southwest of downtown Chicago in Bremen Township.

Human habitation in Oak Forest began during the early Holocene. This is made evident by the remains of hunting camps on what would become the grounds of the city's hospital. Several millennia later, the final known indigenous settlement in Oak Forest, a Potawatomi longhouse village, was established nearby. However, it was abandoned by the 1620s.

The origins of present-day Oak Forest begin with a railroad whistle stop on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad 1 block south of the intersection of 167th Street and Central Avenue which primarily served area dairy farmers. This stop was located in a largely forested area of what was previously known as the Cooper's Grove Stand of Timber. By the 1880s this particular area of timber was being referred to as the "Oak Forest" due to its abundance of oak trees. A section of the former "Cooper's Grove Road" paralleling the railroad track from 66th Court to 167th Street in Tinley Park became known as "Oak Forest Avenue," because it was the road from the Village of Bremen/New Bremen (now Tinley Park) that led to this "Oak Forest."

Oak Forest is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is mostly surrounded by Cook County Forest Preserves (hence the name). Some neighboring communities of Oak Forest include Crestwood to the north, Midlothian to the northeast, Markham to the east, Country Club Hills to the southeast, Tinley Park to the southwest, Orland Park to the west, and beyond Bachelor's Grove Cemetery and Forest Preserve is Palos Heights to the northwest.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Oak Forest has a total area of 6.07 square miles (15.72 km²), of which 6.02 square miles (15.59 km²) (or 99.21%) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) (or 0.79%) is water.

Oak Forest, IL offers a variety of health and wellness activities and projects to support the well-being of its residents. The Oak Forest Park District offers gymnastics programs designed to improve children's physical fitness, coordination, and self-esteem​​. Oak Forest Dental Wellness focuses on comprehensive dental care, enhancing oral health through various treatments and services provided by experienced professionals​​. Other notable activities include the Youth Sports Programs offered by the Oak Forest Park District, which provide structured physical activities for children and teens​​. Family Wellness Workshops educate families on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Oak Forest Walking Trails offer residents outdoor exercise opportunities. Mental Health Counseling Services support the community's mental health needs. 

The top sites in Oak Forest, IL are Bachelors Grove Cemetery, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, and Rubio Woods.

Population: 27,478 (2020). ZIP Code: 60452. Area code: 708. Elevation: 670 ft (204 m). Area: 6.07 sq mi (15.72 km²).

FAQs

Is Oak Forest, IL a good place to live?

Oak Forest is a suburb of Chicago with a population of 27,199. Oak Forest is in Cook County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Oak Forest offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Oak Forest, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What district is Oak Forest, IL in?

Most of Oak Forest is part of Illinois's 1st congressional district and is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Democrat Bobby Rush. Some very small areas totaling under 0.05 square miles (100,000 m2) at the city's southeast edge are in the 2nd district. Oak Forest is a part of 3 state legislative districts of the Illinois General Assembly.

Is it expensive to live in Oak Park, IL?

Oak Park, Illinois's cost of living is 30% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Oak Park's housing expenses are 109% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 3% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Oak Forest 

Oak Forest Park District

Oak Forest Dental Wellness

Mental Health Counseling Services

Bachelors Grove Cemetery

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve

Rubio Woods

Niche

Payscale

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