Location and Transportation
A strategic location and convenient transportation options are two significant reasons that Oak Forest stands as one of the top suburbs in the Chicagoland area. The city sits directly between the major cities of Chicago and Joliet (both reachable within approximately 24 miles), in southwest Cook County—the largest county in Illinois. This location allows residents and businesses the opportunity of convenient accessibility to bustling city life and amenities, while enjoying the tranquility of quiet suburban living.
Oak Forest’s far southern boundaries traverse Interstate 57, making the typical drive to downtown Chicago well under one hour. I-57 links with Interstate 80 just outside of Oak Forest, providing easy travel to additional major highways, such as Interstate 294, also known as the Tri-State Tollway. Additional local thoroughfares include U.S. Route 6, State Route 43 (Harlem Avenue) and State Route 50 (Cicero Avenue).
Public transportation is a viable option for those residing in Oak Forest—especially with the seemingly non-stop rise in gas prices. Pace suburban bus service offers travel to a number of Chicagoland destinations, ranging from airports and rail lines to shopping centers, hospitals, educational institutions and places of employment.
Oak Forest seniors are provided free wheelchair accessible bus transportation through the City. Residents aged 60 and older can take advantage of this exceptional service, which not only picks up riders from their homes and provides transport to the desired destination (which can range from grocery stores and medical buildings to restaurants and senior activity centers), but also offers drop-off service as well. The bus runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also affords worship transportation on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
An additional affordable way to travel in and out of Oak Forest is via the Metra commuter rail line, accessible at the station located at 159th Street and Cicero Avenue. The station is served by the Rock Island District Line, which provides a link between Joliet and Chicago, plus a number of stops in between. Alternative business districts and countless attractions are located along the line, with connecting services available at these stops as well.
For those needing national or international transport, Midway International Airport is a quick 13-mile drive from Oak Forest, and O’Hare International Airport is just 23 miles away.x
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- Welcome
- Community Introduction
- History
- Location and Transportation
- Tourism
- Homes and Residential Living
- Parks and Recreation
- Arts and Entertainment
- Shopping
- Education
- Business and Industry
- Healthcare
- Worship
- Government
- Important Phone Numbers
- Oak Forest IL Chamber Website
- Oak Forest IL Map
- Oak Forest IL Chamber Participating Advertisers
