Take a scenic drive outside of Chicago to the west and you’ll cruise into Oak Park, a vibrant city filled with business and culture. Over 50,000 residents call the city home for good reason: Oak Park features all of the benefits of big city living, with easy access to Chicago, along with the charm and qualities that come with suburban living. With easy connections to major parts of the metropolitan area through direct Eisenhower Expressway access, I-GO car sharing and Chicago Transit trains, Oak Park is ideal for professionals and families alike. For fitness and nature enthusiasts, Oak Park also features the perfect combination of trails, well-kept neighborhoods and activities throughout the year.
With is unique blend of small-town, friendly communities and a vibrant business community that benefits from its proximity to Chicago, Oak Park is a thriving city attracting a variety of new residents. As a result, residents of nearly every age enjoy living in the area, which features a series of highly livable neighborhoods each with their own unique blend of character. Spending a weekend in Oak Park is a highly enjoyable experience which will delight the senses with a combination of great food, music and volunteer activities. Whether you are looking to raise a family, enjoy retirement, start a business or get away from the crowded life in a metropolis, Oak Park has the perfect combination of big town amenities with a small town feel. For residents looking for a change of pace from the bustling city life of Chicago while still retaining access to city corridors, Oak Park is an ideal spot to call home.
The city’s history dates back to the early 20th century, and railroad connections during the previous century helped to build up the city’s substantial resources. In fact, the city served as the birthplace of epic novelist Ernest Hemingway, whose work is influenced by his early life experienced in the city. Today, Oak Park is thriving with a combination of award-winning schools, natural parks and unique architecture featuring many designs from Frank Lloyd Wright. This unique integration of arts and commerce provides shops, theaters and activities ideal for professionals young and old. The recent influx of new residents reflects the impressive economic development in the city in recent years, and ongoing development provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy the prosperity and growth of the region.
Business life in Oak Park is also thriving, and the city is the historical birthplace of McDonalds founder Ray Kroc. The various business districts provide easy access to regional destinations along I-290, and feature a combination of locally owned companies along with national firms. Residents enjoy an entrepreneurial spirit where innovation, craft and ideas are actively encouraged by the local community. The city’s residential neighborhoods provide for ideal living, with their well-kept grounds and impressive Victorian architecture, combined with a uniquely American character. This impressive diversity combines with an expansive local parks system, a well-run local government and top quality public facilities to make Oak Park one of the single best destinations for Midwestern living today.