ZIP Code 60452

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. Per the 2020 census, the population was 27,478. Human habitation in Oak Forest began during the early Holocene. A Potawatomi longhouse village was established nearby in the 1620s but was abandoned by the 1630s. In 1907, Cook County approved construction of a second county poor farm and infirmary on a site generally at the southeast corner of 159th Street and Cicero Avenue. The Oak Forest Infirmary opened in 1910. In 1947, with a population of 1,618, the residents voted to incorporate as the Village of Oak Forest. In 1971, Oak Forest was reincorporated as a City. It is mostly surrounded by Cook County Preserves (Cook County, Preserves, and Oak Forest Preserves) Some neighboring communities include Crestwood, Midlothian, Markham, and Tinley Park. On August 10, 2020, an EF1 tornado touched down and caused significant damage to portions of the city. The tornado caused power outages north of 155th Street, east to the Markham Country Club, southeast to the Country Club Hills, and northeast to the Tinley park Country Club. It was the first tornado to hit Oak Forest since the city was incorporated in 1971. The current post office has been closed for over 100 years, but the name occasionally continues to be found on current maps.

History

Human habitation in Oak Forest began during the early Holocene. A Potawatomi longhouse village was established nearby in the 1620s. The Oak Forest Infirmary opened in 1910. In 1947, with a population of 1,618, the residents voted to incorporate as the Village of Oak Forest. It was reincorporated as a City in 1971. On August 10, an EF1 tornado touched down and caused significant damage to portions of the city. Extensive tree damage affected most Oak Forest north of 155th Street. The tornado also caused long-term power outages in the area. The city's name is derived from the word "Oak" which means "oak tree" or "oak forest" in German and means "forest" in English. The name "Oak Forest" is now used to refer to a section of road in Tinley Park that was once known as "Cooper's Grove Road" The city is located on the banks of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, which was once called the Cooper's Grove Stand of Timber. The railroad stop was located in a largely forested area of what was previously known as the Cooper’s Grove stand of timber. The current name for this area of timber is the Oak Forest Stand of timber, which is located in the northern part of the village of Bremen/Tinley Park. In 1884, the Goeselville post office was established (replacing the East Orland Post Office) to continue to serve the small settlement.

Geography

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 and 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) (or 99.21%) is land and 0.05 square mile (0.13 km²), (or 0.79%) is water. The city is split into 7 wards and each ward is represented by an Alderman. It has a population of 1,816,000 (as of the 2010 census) (or 1.7% of the city's population). It is located in the northwest corner of Cook County, Illinois, near the border with Lake County and the city of Chicago. Oak Forest is home to Bachelor's Grove Cemetery and Forest Preserve. It also has a number of other historic landmarks, such as the Illinois State Capitol and the Illinois Turnpike. The town is located on the Illinois River, which runs through the center of the town. The Chicago River flows through Oak Forest and into the Chicago River. It was once known as the "Oak River" and is now the "Illinois River" or the "Cook County River".

Demographics

As of the 2020 census there were 27,478 people, 10,102 households, and 7,219 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 71.60% White, 7.52% African American, 4.82% Asian, 0.59% Native American, 6.61% from other races, and 8.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.53% of the population. The city's age distribution consisted of 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 30.2%, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median income was $78,865, and the median income for a family was $94,225. About 2.8% of families and 4.6% of residents were below the poverty line, including 4.7%, 6.2%), and 6.4%. The city has a population of 27,500, and a population density of 4,527.60 inhabitants per square mile (1,748.12/km²). The city is located on the U.S.-Mexico border and is on the border between Mexico and the United States. It is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, with a population in excess of 30,000. It has a median age of 42.0 years, and its population density is 4.5%.

Arts and culture

Every July in Oak Forest is a Festival known as Oak Fest. They host live music, fireworks and other events. The commission responsible for this event was dissolved in 2020, making Oak Fest 2019 the final one. The festival will be held on July 4, 2019, in the Oak Forest area of Oak Forest, North Carolina.

Education

Oak Forest is home to Oak Forest High School, one of four high schools in Bremen Community High School District 228. Public grade school districts in Oak Forest include Forest Ridge School District 142, Arbor Park School District 145, and Tinley Park Community Consolidated School District 146. Higher education is also readily available at the South Suburban College University and College Center, and there are branches of University of St. Francis, Chicago State University, Governors State University and Illinois Institute of Technology. Chicago Gaelic Park is a banquet facility open to the public with three banquet rooms, an outdoor patio, new landscaping for outdoor ceremonies or events and The Carraig Irish Pub, a restaurant for dine in or carry out. The city also has a sport field for Irish games as it also promotes the Irish culture through sports, music, dance and theatre. The City also includes one parochial Pre-K through 8 elementary school, St. Damian School, named for its connection toOak Forest Hospital. A portion of Oak Forest west of Ridgeland Avenue feeds into Victor J. Andrew High School. A small portion ofOak Forest feeds into Carl Sandburg High School and Oak Forest is part of Community College District 510 (South Suburban college). The city is also home to the Chicago Golf Club, a golf course, and the Chicago Yacht Club, which is a popular destination for golfers. The Oak Forest Golf Club is located on the banks of the Chicago River. The Golf Club offers a variety of sports and activities for the golfer.

Notable places

George W. Dunne Golf Course and Driving Range, located in Oak Forest just south of 159th Street (U.S. Route 6) Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, near Oak Forest in the Rubio Forest Preserve in Cook County. Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County, a large hospital specializing in long-term care and some other varieties of care, is located in the town. The town is home to the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Cubs fans, among others. The city is also home to a number of other institutions, including the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Chicago Institute of Art and Design, which was founded in 1894. It is located on the banks of the Chicago River, near the city's downtown area, and is known for its architecture and architecture. It also has a large number of historic buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century. The community is also the site of the first golf course in the U.S., which opened in 1881. It was named after George W.Dunne, who was a member of the Illinois Golf Association. The golf course is now called the Oak Forest Golf Club. It has a driving range and is located near the town of Oak Forest, Illinois, in a wooded area known as "The Forest of the Forest" It is also known as the "Oak Forest Golf Course" for its proximity to the town's historic downtown area and the "Forest of the Woods" area.

Politics

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. These districts are represented by state senators Emil Jones, III, Napoleon Harris, and Michael Hastings; and representatives Robert Rita, William Davis, and Al Riley, respectively. The 14th senate/28th house district, which lies west of Central Ave. and north of 159th St., is located north of the city. The 15th Senate/30th House district lies east of Central Avenue and west of Long Ave. The 19th Senate-38th House districts lies west and south of Long Avenue and east of 159st St. and the 15th senate-30th house districts lies east and west-northeast of the town's central business district. The city is home to the Chicago Cubs baseball team, which is based in Oak Forest. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series of baseball in 2008 and 2009. The team also won the Chicago World Series in 2010 and 2011. The Bears won the Super Bowl in 2011 and the Chicago Winter Olympics in 2012. The Blackhawks won the Winter Games in 2012 and 2013, and the World Cup in 2014. The Winter Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Transportation

Central Avenue serves as a sort of Main Street for Oak Forest. The local Jewel-Osco, Food 4 Less, post office, Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest Park District, Police Station/Fire Department/City Hall, and Oak Forest High School are all located. The Oak Forest station of the Metra commuter rail line, located at 159th and Cicero, is a popular option for commuters to Chicago. It is part of the Rock Island District Metra line that runs between Joliet and the LaSalle Street Station in the Chicago Loop. Oak Forest is served by U.S. Route 6 (159th Street) and Illinois Route 50 (Cicero Avenue) Pace (transit) bus route 354 runs from Harvey down 147th and Central Avenue through Oak Forest to Tinley Park. Pace bus route 383 runs down Cicero Avenue (Illinois Route 50) from Chicago Midway International Airport in the south side of Chicago to 159th Street at Oak Forest Hospital. The Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is also accessible a few miles east of Oak Forest on the Illinois State Tollway. It runs from Hammond, Indiana, to Orland Square Mall in Orland Park down 159th St (U.S., Route 6) through Oak forest and other south suburbs. It also runs between Hammond and the Chicago suburbs on Illinois State Route 50. It stops at the Chicago International Airport on the way to and from the Chicago Cubs' O'Hare International Airport.

Recent developments

The Gateway Project is a mixed-use commercial and residential development at the corner of Illinois Route 50 (Cicero Avenue) and 159th Street. The Fresenius Medical Care Center is to serve as a kidney dialysis center. PNC Bank, which was the bank branch from 2009 to spring 2012, has relocated to Tinley Park. In 2016, a 2 unit building was built between the CVS Pharmacy and First Savings Bank of Hegewisch which was bought by Starbucks and ATI Physical Therapy opened in fall 2016. In October 2012, the builder Net3 Real Estate bought the land for $270,000. The center is due to be complete in spring 2013. The city council chose a suitable location for it, near 159th on Lorel Avenue. The development was promoted by the mayor as greatly enhancing the tax base of the city and generating additional commercial interest in the Cicero Avenue Corridor. Construction of the mixed-used development will bring more than 50,000 square feet (5,000 m2) of new retail and restaurant space and approximately 80 residential units to the city. The project is said to provide the community with a transit-orienteddevelopment at the METRA commuter rail line. In spring 2012 the builder broke ground on the Gateway Development, which still has the same two buildings built in 2008. In June 2012 a developer proposed to theCity council to develop the Fresenious Medical Care center. Later that month, the city council approved it to be developed.

Air Quality, Water Quality, Superfund Sites & UV Index

The Air Quality index is in Oak Forest, Cook County, Illinois = 6.8. These Air Quality index is based on annual reports from the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as are the amounts of seven pollutants including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. The Water Quality Index is 31. A measure of the quality of an area’s water supply as rated by the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments, and toxic discharges. The Superfund Sites Index is 10. Higher is better (100=best). Based upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts. The UV Index in Oak Forest = 3.6 and is a measure of an area's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is most often a combination of sunny weather, altitude, and latitude. The UV Index has been defined by the WHO (www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index) and is uniform worldwide.

Employed

The most recent city population of 27,478 individuals with a median age of 37.8 age the population grows by 1.73% in Oak Forest, Cook County, Illinois population since 2000 and are distributed over a density of 4,563.69 residents per square mile of area (1,761.94/km²). There are average 2.79 people per household in the 10,020 households with an average household income of $70,143 a year. The unemployment rate in Alabama is 10.10% of the available work force and has dropped -4.37% over the most recent 12-month period and the projected change in job supply over the next decade based on migration patterns, economic growth, and other factors will increase by 21.16%. The number of physicians in Oak Forest per 100,000 population = 255.4.

Weather

The annual rainfall in Oak Forest = 36.9 inches and the annual snowfall = 28.7 inches. The annual number of days with measurable precipitation (over .01 inch) = 110. The average number of days per year that are predominantly sunny = 188. 84 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily high temperature for the month of July and 13.9 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily low temperature for the month of January. The Comfort Index (higher=better) is 46, where higher values mean a more pleasant climate. The Comfort Index measure recognizes that humidity by itself isn't the problem. (Have you noticed nobody ever complains about the weather being 'cold and humid?) It's in the summertime that we notice the humidity the most, when it's hot and muggy. Our Comfort Index uses a combination of afternoon summer temperature and humidity to closely predict the effect that the humidity will have on people.

Median Home Cost

The percentage of housing units in Oak Forest, Cook County, Illinois which are owned by the occupant = 78.88%. A housing unit is a house, apartment, mobile home, or room occupied as separate living quarters. The average age of homes = 35 years with median home cost = $162,660 and home appreciation of -11.74%. This is the value of the years most recent home sales data. Its important to note that this is not the average (or arithmetic mean). The median home price is the middle value when you arrange all the sales prices of homes from lowest to highest. This is a better indicator than the average, because the median is not changed as much by a few unusually high or low values. The property tax rate of $16.10 shown here is the rate per $1,000 of home value. If for simplification for example the tax rate is $14.00 and the home value is $250,000, the property tax would be $14.00 x ($250,000/1000), or $3500. This is the 'effective' tax rate.

Study

The local school district spends $4,815 per student. There are 17.2 students for each teacher in the school. 32326.97% of the area’s population over the age of 25 with an Associate Degree or other 2-year college degree, 15.86% with a master’s degree, Ph.D. or other advanced college degree and 6.77% with high school diplomas or high school equivalency degrees (GEDs).