Oak Park Illinois is a beautiful suburb located to the west of Chicago. This small but vibrant town is home to renowned persons like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright and offers spectacular artistic sceneries for all to see. It is also a great place for vacationers and Chicago natives to explore. Getting here is easy as it is well connected to downtown Chicago via the 'L' Blue and Green Lines, CTA buses and Metra commuter rail.
For every foodie, a trip to Oak Park will not be complete without trying out its famed restaurants. One of the most popular dining options is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. It has been in operation since 1971 and offers pizza lovers their cherished Chicago Classic topped with lean sausage, cheese and tomato sauce. Aside from the signature pizza, this restaurant also serves grilled chicken sandwiches, lasagna and spaghetti.
Other must-see restaurants include Munch, a plant-based eatery that provides vegetarian and vegan dishes to the residents of Oak Park. Its menu is a mix of American and European cuisines with the emphasis on healthy ingredients. Munch is located at the heart of downtown Oak Park and is a perfect spot for anyone looking to try something new and different.
The Ridgeland Recreation Complex is another must-visit attraction in Oak Park. It features a swimming pool, ice skating rink, and the Elsie Jacobsen Memorial Garden inspired by the elements - air, water, earth, and light. This is a great place to visit with family and friends. The facility also boasts a multi-purpose theater that is equipped with modern equipment.
Oak Park is also known for its extensive shopping opportunities and is a hub for boutiques, bookshops and gift shops. For the more serious shoppers, there are a number of high-end department stores and shopping malls in the area. In addition to this, there is a seven-screen Lake Theatre that was built in 1936.In terms of healthcare, the area is covered by numerous local and private hospitals. However, the 'Center for Health and Wellness' at Ridgeland is the largest medical center in Oak Park and has a full-time staff of 62 physicians and nurses.
The Median Household Income (Total) in Oak Park is $223,125, which is higher than the average for the state of Illinois. The city is served by many educational institutions including the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northern Illinois University. It is a highly sought-after location for both students and professionals alike. Moreover, the city has an excellent safety record. In 2021, the crime rate in Oak Park was lower than the national average. This is largely due to the community's focus on education and high standards for its citizens. Additionally, the city's racial diversity is among the best in the state of Illinois. Its racial makeup includes whites, Asians, Hispanics and blacks. There are also some Native Americans living in the region. In 2021, the majority of the population was female.