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Park Forest, IL

Frequently asked questions

Park Forest, IL

Park Forest is a village located south of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, with a small southern portion in Will County, Illinois, United States. The village was originally designed by Loebl Schlossman & Bennett as a planned community for veterans returning from World War II. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 21,687.

Park Forest is bordered by Olympia Fields to the north, Chicago Heights to the east, University Park to the south, and Richton Park and Matteson to the west. The village has multiple public and private schools. In addition to the arts and culture scene including Tall Grass Arts Association and the Illinois Theatre Center, residents also have access to a myriad of recreational opportunities for both children and adults such as the Park Forest Aqua Center.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Park Forest has a total area of 4.96 square miles (12.85 km²), all land. The village is generally bounded by U.S. Highway 30 on the north, Western Avenue on the east, Central Park Avenue on the west, and Thorn Creek on the south. Parts of Park Forest are east of Western Avenue, however, including a subdivision called "Eastgate". Park Forest is bisected by the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (now the Canadian National Railway) double-track main line, which was paralleled a little further north by the Michigan Central (New York Central) railroad. That rail line has been converted to a nature trail called Old Plank Trail. The beginning of the trail is at Western Avenue, and it runs through Park Forest west to Joliet.

Developers Nathan Manilow, Carroll F. Sweet, and Philip M. Klutznick held a press conference in the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago on October 28, 1946, to announce the planned development of a new self-governing community in Chicago's south suburbs. This project, soon to be referred to as Park Forest, was to be developed by American Community Builders (ACB). The village of Park Forest was partly designed by town planner Elbert Peets in the tradition of planned communities around the nation to provide housing for veterans returning from World War II.

Park Forest was honored in 1954 as an "All-America City" for its citizens' help in the creation of Rich Township High School, on Sauk Trail. It was awarded this same honor again in 1976 for open housing and racial integration and initiatives. A village landmark was the Park Forest Plaza, an outdoor regional shopping center of over 50 stores and restaurants which included Sears, Marshall Fields, and Goldblatt's.

Health and wellness are crucial aspects of life in Park Forest. The St. James Hospital, located in nearby Olympia Fields, serves as a vital healthcare provider for the community, offering comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Park Forest Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Downs Fitness and The Zone. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Park Forest, such as the Old Plank Road Trail and Thorn Creek Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Park Forest, IL are the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, Somonauk Park, and Escape Factor.

Population: 21,687 (2020). ZIP Code: 60466. Area code: 708. Elevation: 712 ft (217 m). Area: 4.96 sq mi (12.85 km²).

FAQs

Is Park Forest, IL a good place to live?

Living in Park Forest offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Park Forest, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Park Forest and residents tend to be liberal.

What is the ethnicity of Park Forest, IL?

Park Forest, IL is home to a population of 21k people, of which 97.9% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.68% of Park Forest, IL residents were born outside of the country (984 people). In 2022, there were 4.02 times more Black or African American (non-Hispanic) residents (14.9k people) in Park Forest, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.71k White (Non-Hispanic) and 710 Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Park Forest, IL expensive?

Park Forest, Illinois's cost of living is 11% lower than the national average. Park Forest's housing expenses are 47% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 13% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 4% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Village of Park Forest

St. James Hospital

Park Forest Parks and Recreation Department

Downs Fitness 

The Zone

Old Plank Road Trail 

Thorn Creek Trail

1950s Park Forest House Museum

Somonauk Park

Escape Factor

Niche

Data USA

Payscale

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