Oak Park and River Forest were some of the many suburbs that saw a boom in development after The Chicago Fire, where Chicagoans left the city in search of more space and more peace. Today the west suburb has become an exquisite mix of urban bustle and suburban housing with streets full of homes branching off of busy commercial drags. Besides landmarks like the Winslow House or Trailside Museum of Natural History, Oak Park and River Forest are home to a number of local businesses such as spas, fashion stores, and living amenities that keep the community connected and self-sufficient. You can rely on excellent schools as well as park districts that provide numerous programs and events for adults, children and seniors alike. Locals enjoy the cuisine of all kinds at establishments like Hemmingway’s Bistro, Rustico, Hecho en Oak Park, and Sushi House not to mention cozy drink spots like The Little Gem or Maya Del Sol.
Nature lovers can enjoy several parks around town as well as walks through Thatcher or G.A.R. Woods for a relaxing time away from the city noise. Columbus Park sits on the south end of Oak Park and houses multiple sporting fields, an enormous plot of open grass, and the Columbus Park Golf Course, which is one of a number of golfing spots located in the area. With quick access to multiple highways, Oak Park and River Forest allow for simple drives to nearby malls and department stores, and Metra and bus stations create even more options for getting to the City of Chicago and elsewhere in the Chicagoland area.
