Last Updated on: 25th November 2024, 03:44 am
Oak Park, Illinois, is the “Largest Village in the World” and a family-friendly community just outside Chicago. Oak Park is one of several affluent commuter towns near Chicago.
First settled in 1835, Oak Park was incorporated in 1902 after separating from Cicero. It was originally named Oak Ridge for its many oak trees, but when the post office was named Oak Park, the railway and eventually the entire area changed its name to match.
Living in Oak Park IL is ideal for nature lovers thanks to its endless outdoor activities. Award-winning schools make Oak Park a great place to live for families, while its great location just minutes from downtown Chicago and commuter rail service makes it perfect for young professionals.
Here’s everything you have to look forward to ahead of moving to Oak Park!
Table of Contents
Is Oak Park a Good Place to Live?
Oak Park, Illinois, is a great place to live for those who value a vibrant community with rich history, excellent schools, and a convenient location near Chicago. Known for its beautiful historic homes and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, Oak Park offers a suburban feel while being just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, making it ideal for commuters. The area boasts diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Families appreciate the highly rated public schools, while the village’s parks and community events make it welcoming for all. However, housing prices are higher than the national average, reflecting its desirability.
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Where Is Oak Park, Illinois?
The village of Oak Park, Illinois, is a suburb located just west of Chicago in Cook County. It’s bordered by the city of Chicago to the east, the western Chicago suburbs of River Forest and Forest Park to the west, and Berwyn to the south. The village is adjacent to the Austin Community Area of Chicago.
Illinois Route 64 (North Avenue) forms the northern boundary, and Illinois Route 43 forms the western boundary. I-290 runs through Oak Park, making it easily accessible from Chicago. The suburb is also served by the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green Line and Blue Line “L” trains and the Metra Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line commuter rail station in downtown Oak Park. Oak Park is also served by several CTA bus lines (72, 86, 90, 91) and PACE bus lines (305, 307, 309, 311, 313, 314, 315, 318).
Oak Park is a bicycle-friendly community with many cycling clubs, tree-lined streets, many marked bicycle lanes, and multiple trails. Augusta Boulevard, which runs through the village and is part of the Grand Illinois Trail. The Illinois Prairie Path trailhead is less than one mile away.
Is Oak Park in Chicago?
No, Oak Park is not in Chicago. It’s a separate village bordering Chicago to the west.
How Far Is It From Oak Park, Illinois, to Chicago?
It’s just 9 miles from Oak Park IL to Chicago IL. The Metra commuter rail takes 15 to 20 minutes to downtown Chicago.
What Is the Population of Oak Park, Illinois?
The Oak Park population is 54,583, and it has increased by 1,366 residents since the 2010 census. Oak Park is very densely populated, with 11,613 people per square mile.
It’s the 11th-largest municipality in Cook County and the 26th-largest municipality in Illinois.
Demographics of people living in Oak Park IL:
- Median age: 36 years (24% under 18; 10.7% over 65)
- Sex ratio: 54% female and 46% male
- Foreign-born population: 8.2%
- Veteran population: 3.8%
- Educational attainment: 97% of residents have graduated high school, and 72% of adults 25 and older have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Median household income: $103,264
- Racial and ethnic composition: 63.1% White (60% non-Hispanic), 19% Black or African American, 9.3% Hispanic, 5.9% Asian, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 9% two or more races
Is Oak Park Safe?
Oak Park is a safe place to live. The Oak Park Illinois crime rate is 44% higher than the national average, but violent crime is 11% below the national average. The Oak Park crime rate is 3,340 total crimes per 100,000 residents, with 328 violent crimes and 3,012 property crimes per 100,000. The homicide rate in 2022 was 5.8 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 6.3 and the Illinois average of 7.8.
Between 2022 and 2023, violent crimes dropped by 4.4%, while crimes against property increased by 3.6%, mostly due to a slight rise in burglaries and robberies. Crimes against society, like driving under the influence and weapons violations, dropped 21%.
The Chicago crime rate is 10% higher compared to Oak Par, with 64.6% more violent crime. The Chicago homicide rate of 22.8 per 100,000 is 293% higher than Oak Park.
While living in Oak Park IL, you’ll be served by the 109 officers of the Oak Park Police Department.
Who Are the Famous Residents of Oak Park, Illinois?
Oak Park, Illinois, has been home to several notable figures, especially in the arts and literature. Here are some of the most famous residents of Oak Park:
- Ernest Hemingway: The celebrated author and Nobel Prize winner was born in Oak Park in 1899. His childhood home still stands as a museum, preserving his early life in the village.
- Frank Lloyd Wright: The renowned architect lived and worked in the Oak Park suburb, where he designed numerous iconic buildings, including his own home and studio. The community remains a hub for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture enthusiasts.
- Betty White: Born in Oak Park, Betty White is known as the “First Lady of Television,” and is best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls.
- Johnny Galecki: While Johnny was originally born in Belgium, he and his family moved to Oak Park when he was younger and he grew up there. Johnny is best known for his role in Roseanne and The Big Bang Theory.
- Bob Newhart: Fellow Big Bang Theory alum Bob Newhart was born in Oak Park. The actor and comedian was known for the Bob Newhart Show and his trademark deadpan delivery.
Is Oak Park, IL Affluent?
Oak Park is an affluent suburb. The median income for a household is $103,264, about 20% higher than the Chicago metro area ($85,087) and well above the Illinois median of $78,433.
What Is the Cost of Living in Oak Park, Illinois?
The cost of living in Oak Park IL is about 25% higher than the national average. High housing costs, especially real estate prices, and property taxes, are an important factor affecting the high cost of living.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need an annual household income of $106,066 to live comfortably in Cook County.
According to Doxo, household bills in Oak Park are 31% higher than the national average. The average household pays $2,781 per month in bills.
- Monthly mortgage bill: $2,855 (national: $1,402)
- Rent: $1,466 (national: $1,300)
- Average monthly utilities: $300 (national: $366)
- Average monthly auto insurance: $204 (national: $209)
- Average monthly health insurance cost: $102 (national: $114)
- Monthly cell phone bill: $74 (national: $121)
- Monthly cable and internet bill: $136 (national: $122)
The median sales price for Oak Park homes for sale is $523,500, up 27.7% year-over-year. You’ll pay a median sales price of $735,500 for a single-family home. By comparison, the median home price in Chicago is $360,000. You can explore Oak Park Illinois homes for sale to see what your budget can get you.
Oak Park is known for its beautiful and historic homes which contribute to the high housing costs. You’ll find Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Queen Anne homes. There’s a prominent Prairie School architectural style thanks to the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed many homes in the area.
About 40% of people living in Oak Park IL are renters. The average rent in Oak Park IL is $2,113 according to Rentcafe. That’s about 11% lower than Chicago’s average rent of $2,349.
What Is the Sales Tax in Oak Park, IL?
The combined sales tax rate in Oak Park, Illinois, is 10.0%. This includes the Illinois state sales tax (6.25%), Cook County sales tax (1.75%), Oak Park sales tax (1.0%), and the special tax (1.0%). A reduced sales tax of 2.25% is applied to qualifying food and drugs.
How Much Are Property Taxes in Oak Park, IL?
Illinois is notorious for high property taxes, and Oak Park is no exception. The median tax bill in Illinois is $4,529 compared to the national median of $2,551. West Side suburbs like Oak Park had an average tax bill of $6,046 in 2021, about twice as high as the City of Chicago.
Oak Park is one of 15 municipalities in Cook County with the highest levels of unfunded pensions. This will result in increased property taxes in the years to come. In 2024, Oak Park homeowners faced the effects of the recent reassessment. About 35% of homeowners are paying less than the previous year, but 40% of homeowners have double-digit property tax increases.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Oak Park?
Trying to decide where to live in Oak Park IL? Here are a few of the best neighborhoods to consider moving to Oak Park IL.
Rehm Park | Urban Lifestyle
Rehm Park is a wealthy neighborhood known for being a go-to area for young professionals and college students. Even though it’s known for being a space for young adults and college students, it’s also a family-friendly and safe area to settle down in, consider Rehm Park.
Ridgeland Oak Park Historic District | Part Of The National Register Of Historic Places
Since 1983, Ridgeland has been part of the historic district in Oak Park, IL. There are 1,558 buildings spread over 539 acres; it has plenty of well-known structures throughout this neighborhood, such as the George W. Smith House and the Unity Temple.
Downtown Oak Park | A Great Oak Park Neighborhood for Young Professionals & Singles
Downtown Oak Park is highly walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options right at your doorstep. Residents enjoy great public transportation options for an easy commute to downtown Chicago, as well as gorgeous architecture with a combination of historic homes and newer developments.
What Is the Weather in Oak Park Like?
While living in Oak Park IL, you’ll enjoy all four seasons with a humid continental climate.
During the spring and summer months, the weather is hot, humid, and wet, with the average temperature consistently being over 78 degrees. During the fall and winter months, the weather can get cold, snowy, and windy. The average temperature during the fall is in the 60s, and the average temperature during the winter is in the 30s.
On average, Oak Park gets 30.3 inches of rainfall and 11.7 inches of snowfall. Make sure to pack your rain boots, an umbrella, and a good winter coat to prepare for the Oak Park climate!
The best time to visit Oak Park, IL, is between June and September.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Oak Park, IL?
Ready to explore what to do in Oak Park? Oak Park is known for its active arts community, which has an arts district along Harrison Street that features shops and art galleries. There are several professional theater and dance companies in Oak Park, like Momenta and the Oak Park Festival Theater, plus the long-running Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.
Oak Park has 17 community parks, along with ice skating rinks and recreation centers. Be sure to check out the events calendar for upcoming things to do in Oak Park Illinois!
While Oak Park doesn’t have a shopping mall, there are plenty of shopping options nearby. Some of the most popular include Forest Park Plaza, Winston Plaza, River Forest Town Center, and North Riverside Park Mall.
There are a large variety of individual storefronts in Oak Park that you can choose from, though. Here are a few of the top places: CarefulPeach Boutique, Chic Chick’s Boutique, Target, and Needful Things.
Here are some of the best Oak Park things to do for families, couples, and more.
Wonder Works Children’s Museum | Imagination. Creativity. Learning
With 6,400 square footage where kids can play and explore different interactive exhibits, Wonder Works is on a mission to create a space where kids can be curious and creative through play-based learning. This Oak Park IL place is perfect for people with young kids.
Wonder Works Children’s Museum 6445 W North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-4815
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Oak Park Conservatory | 50,000 Annual Visitors
The Oak Park Conservatory is free to the public, and has different types of showrooms ranging from Mediterranean, Tropical, and Desert. This conservatory is one of the top three historical sites throughout Oak Park, and is known as a gem within this community.
Oak Park Conservatory 615 Garfield St, Oak Park, IL 60304 (708) 725-2400
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Scoville Park | AED Equipped
Scoville Park is a historic property that’s a great place to spend the day playing on the playground or practicing your swing on the tennis court. This park is also now equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Scoville Park 800 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 725-2000
Additional Places To Visit In Oak Park
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Taylor Park 400 Division St Oak Park, IL 60160, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Ridgeland Common Park Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum 339 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Barrie Park 1011 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
- Austin Gardens 167 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
What Are the Top Oak Park, Illinois Restaurants?
Food is what brings people together, and in Oak Park, you have many great choices. Here are some of the best places to eat after moving to Oak Park IL.
Maya Del Sol | Latin Infused Cuisine
Since 2007, Maya Del Sol has been providing Latin American cuisine with bold and delicious flavors from Mexico, Central, and South America. They work with fresh ingredients, and their specials are based on the season.
Maya Del Sol 144 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 358-9800
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II Vicolo Trattoria | Traditional Neapolitan Cuisine
As an authentic Italian Oak Park restaurant, you will receive everything from homemade pasta, pizza, fresh seafood, and delicious meat. This restaurant is a family-friendly option that has something available for everyone.
II Vicolo Trattoria 116 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 386-5801
Rustico | Rated Best Restaurant In Oak Park
Rustico is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with delicious and authentic food and a full bar. And it was named the best restaurant by Restaurant Guru for 2021.
Rustico 722 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 948-7855
Additional Restaurants In Oak Park
- Citrine Cafe 100 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- The Little Gem Cafe 189 N Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60301
- Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60301
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 950 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
- Papaspiro 728 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
- Hemmingway’s Bistro 211 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill 139 S Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60302
- George’s Family Restaurant 145 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
What Is the Oak Park Job Market Like?
While living in Oak Park IL, you’ll find many job opportunities in surrounding suburbs and Chicago. Oak Park itself is mostly residential, although there are some Oak Park jobs available. The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce business directory is a good place to start for local opportunities.
The top three employers in Oak Park, Illinois, are West Suburban Medical Center, PortionPac, and Citizens Rx.
The average hourly wage in Oak Park is $21.72, and the median salary is $75,000 per year, according to Payscale.
You can explore jobs in Oak Park IL on Indeed or search for City of Oak Park jobs.
What Is the Median Household Income in Oak Park, IL?
The median household income in Oak Park, Illinois, is $103,264. This is 20% higher than the median for the Chicago area.
Are There Good Public Schools in Oak Park, Illinois?
Oak Park has a great school district, and award-winning schools ranked among the best in the state. Families living in Oak Park are served by two school districts: Elementary School District 97 (K-8) and High School District 200. Here are a few school options in Oak Park:
- Beye Elementary School, ranked #237 among Illinois elementary schools
- Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, ranked #148 among Illinois middle schools
- Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF), an award-winning school and ranked #42 among high schools in Illinois
Planning to attend college? The University of Illinois at Chicago is just seven miles away! The village is also served by Triton Community College.
Is River Forest High School a Good School?
Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) is one of the best high schools in Illinois. In 2008, OPRF graduated 94% of its senior class and had an average composite ACT score of 24.5. The school has 60+ clubs and activities for students, including athletics and chapters or affiliates of well-known national organizations.
How Many Schools Are in Oak Park, IL?
There are 11 schools in Oak Park, Illinois, including eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Oak Park Statistics & Information
- Oak Park county: Cook
- Oak Park area: 4.70 square miles
- Oak Park elevation: 620 feet
- Oak Park IL zip codes: 60301 to 60304
- Oak Park area code: 708
- Oak Park time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Oak Park: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), 8.8 miles away
Oak Park, Illinois Map
Explore attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do in Oak Park IL below!
Is Living in Oak Park IL Right For You? Get Started With a Free Moving Quote
Does living in Oak Park IL seem like a perfect fit? The Oak Park movers at Federal Companies have your back, and we will work hard to make your transition to your new home seamless and easy. Call us at (800) 747-4100 for a free quote!
