Wooded Retreats, Forest Preserve Trails & Small-Town Living — Discover Palos Park, Illinois
Thinking about calling Palos Park home? This distinctive southwest suburb is known for its wooded landscape, rolling hills, ravines, quiet residential streets and close connection to the Cook County Forest Preserves. With a small-town atmosphere, a strong appreciation for nature, local arts and community activities, and Metra service into Chicago, Palos Park offers a setting that feels different from many suburban communities.
Getting to know Palos Park
Palos Park is a residential village in Cook County, approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Its identity is closely tied to the natural landscape: wooded ravines, rolling terrain, mature trees and extensive nearby forest preserves. The community has long attracted people looking for a quieter setting with access to outdoor recreation while remaining connected to the greater Chicago area.
The area was settled by European-American families in the 1830s. The arrival of rail service in the 1890s made it easier for residents and visitors to travel between Palos and Chicago, and helped encourage residential development. The Village of Palos Park was incorporated in 1914. Village history describes an early emphasis on preserving the area’s natural character, including large residential lots and limited commercial and industrial development. Today, Palos Park continues to value its wooded setting, community activities and small-town feel.
4,899
2020 Census population, as reported in Village materials. The 2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimate is 4,816.
Cook County
Palos Park is located in Cook County. Confirm the exact municipal boundary and taxing jurisdictions for an individual property.
1914
The Village of Palos Park was incorporated in 1914.
Metra Southwest Service
The Palos Park station is located near 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue.
Sources: Village of Palos Park community profile · Village of Palos Park history · Census Reporter, 2024 ACS 5-year data · Village train service information.
Palos Park subdivisions and neighborhoods
Palos Park is known for residential areas with mature trees, larger lots, wooded surroundings and a mix of home styles. The village’s semi-rural character, rolling terrain and proximity to forest preserves help shape the feel of many streets and residential pockets. The housing mix also includes attached-home communities and condominium developments.
The alphabetical directory below includes subdivision names appearing in the Palos Park MRED closed-sale export supplied for this guide, including names identified through the additional MLS records reviewed for this update. Some names may represent phases, condominium communities, attached-home developments or commonly used neighborhood labels rather than separate legal subdivisions. The property address and recorded documents should be used to confirm the exact development.
Neighborhood directory — alphabetical
- Brookside
- Chinquapin Hills
- Commons Palos Phase 2
- Commons of Palos Park III
- Country Hills
- Deerwood Park
- Edelweiss
- Edelweiss in the Park
- Edelweiss/Lake Condo
- Lake Lucille
- Lake Maria
- Mahaffays
- McGinnis Lake
- Mill Creek
- Monson
- Monson & Companys
- Palos Dells
- Palos Glen Estates
- Palos Oak Ridge Sub
- Palos Oaks
- Palos Park
- Petrossi Kettman
- Shadow Ridge Estates
- Suffield Woods
- Walnut Ridge
- Woodland Shores
Palos Park has additional established residential areas beyond the names appearing in this particular sales export. The MRED subdivision field is a useful starting point, but it is not a complete municipal subdivision map. A blank or inconsistent field does not mean a home is outside a neighborhood.
For municipal information, zoning and planning resources, start with the Village of Palos Park website and its boundary and zoning map.
Palos Park subdivision market snapshot
Palos Park · MRED closed-sale export supplied for this guide
The supplied MRED export contains 69 closed-sale records: 42 detached homes, 26 attached homes and one vacant-land transaction. The residential market tables below include the subdivision names appearing in the labeled records and the additional assignments identified from the MLS information supplied for review. Detached and attached properties are calculated separately so that different housing types are not blended together.
Single-family detached homes
| Subdivision | Average Closed Sale Price |
|---|---|
| Chinquapin Hills | $770,000 |
| Country Hills | $569,900 |
| Deerwood Park | $772,000 |
| Kimber Palos Trails | $395,000 |
| Lake Lucille | $850,000 |
| Mahaffays | $1,140,000 |
| McGinnis Lake | $595,000 |
| Mill Creek | $653,117 |
| Monson | $1,363,000 |
| Monson & Companys | $2,500,000 |
| Palos Glen Estates | $725,000 |
| Palos Oak Ridge Sub | $475,000 |
| Palos Oaks | $502,500 |
| Palos Park | $635,000 |
| Petrossi Kettman | $925,000 |
| Shadow Ridge Estates | $1,510,000 |
| Suffield Woods | $2,550,000 |
| Walnut Ridge | $1,200,000 |
| Woodland Shores | $800,000 |
Attached homes
| Subdivision | Average Closed Sale Price |
|---|---|
| Brookside | $356,750 |
| Commons Palos Phase 2 | $390,000 |
| Commons of Palos Park III | $484,927 |
| Edelweiss | $279,900 |
| Edelweiss in the Park | $318,200 |
| Edelweiss/Lake Condo | $310,000 |
| Lake Maria | $271,250 |
| McGinnis Lake | $460,000 |
| Mill Creek | $273,786 |
| Palos Dells | $230,000 |
The supplied export includes 42 detached-home sales and 26 attached-home sales. The average closed sale price across all detached homes in the export was $814,587; the average across all attached homes was $324,257. These overall averages include records without a subdivision name. Subdivision averages include only the qualifying sales identified with that subdivision in the export.
The additional MLS information supplied for review identified 31 subdivision assignments among records that had previously been missing a usable subdivision name. Twenty records still do not have a confirmed subdivision assignment. The export also includes one vacant-land transaction, which is excluded from the detached and attached residential averages. The supplied records do not establish a verified reporting-period date range, so these figures are a snapshot of the records provided, not a verified rolling six-month report. No sale counts are displayed in the subdivision tables.
When reviewing a home in Palos Park, remember that neighborhood averages are only one piece of the picture. Square footage, condition, renovations, lot size, location, age, layout and the type of property all influence value. A condominium or townhome should not automatically be compared with a detached home simply because both are in the same named area.
Source: MRED closed-sale export supplied for this community guide and additional MLS subdivision information supplied for review. Asking prices are not used as closed-sale results. Vacant land is not included in residential subdivision averages.
Schools serving the Palos Park area
The Village of Palos Park identifies several public school districts serving the community and surrounding area, including Palos School District 118, Consolidated High School District 230, Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A and Lemont Township High School District 210. Which district and school serve a particular home depends on the property’s exact location.
Palos Community Consolidated School District 118
District 118 serves elementary and middle-grade students in its attendance area. The district operates Palos East, Palos West and Palos South Middle School. Confirm the assigned school for a specific property directly with the district.
Official District 118 websiteConsolidated High School District 230
District 230 serves high-school students in its attendance area. The district operates high schools serving communities across the southwest suburbs. Confirm the assigned high school for the property address.
Official District 230 websiteLemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A
District 113A serves elementary and middle-grade students in its attendance area, including portions of the broader area around Palos Park. Contact the district to confirm whether a particular address is included.
Official District 113A websiteLemont Township High School District 210
District 210 provides high-school education for its attendance area. A Palos Park mailing address should not be used to assume high-school assignment.
Official District 210 websiteHigher education and continuing education
Residents can access colleges and universities throughout the southwest suburbs and greater Chicago area. Nearby options include Moraine Valley Community College and other regional institutions. Review each institution’s programs and admission information.
Moraine Valley Community CollegeParks, recreation and outdoor spaces
Palos Park’s natural setting is one of its defining features. The Village describes the community as bordering nearly 11,000 acres of Cook County Forest Preserve property. Wooded ravines, rolling hills, trails and open spaces provide opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Palos Park Woods
Palos Park Woods has north and south access areas with parking and trail connections. Activities include hiking, walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and, in designated areas, equestrian use. Check the Forest Preserve District for current access and amenities.
Palos Park Woods — Forest Preserves of Cook CountyMcClaughrey Springs Woods
Located near Palos Park, McClaughrey Springs Woods offers natural areas, parking, birding opportunities and access to the surrounding trail network. The preserve is a good example of the wooded landscape that defines this part of Cook County.
McClaughrey Springs WoodsPalos Trail System
The regional Palos Trail System winds through rolling hills and deep ravines and is popular for hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and equestrian activities. Trail access points are located across several nearby communities.
Palos Trail System — Forest Preserves of Cook CountyVillage recreation and community activities
The Village offers recreation and community programming through its Recreation Center and seasonal activities. The department uses the Recreation Center, Village Green, Centennial Park and partner properties for programs and activities. Check the Village website for current programs, facility details, events and registration information.
Village Recreation and Parks · Village parksFacility access, hours, programs, trail conditions and amenities may change. Confirm current information with the Village or Forest Preserve District before visiting.
Dining, local favorites and entertainment
Palos Park offers a small-town atmosphere with local dining, neighborhood gathering places and community activities. The Village highlights restaurants, nightlife, local theater and arts-related programming among the area’s attractions. Residents also have convenient access to additional restaurants and entertainment in nearby Palos Heights, Orland Park, Palos Hills and other southwest suburbs.
Local restaurants and gathering places
From casual meals to dinner out, local restaurants and nearby dining options give residents a variety of choices. Check current business listings for restaurant names, menus, hours and operating details.
Village attractions and dining informationPalos Village Players and local arts
Palos Park has a history of attracting artists and people who appreciate its natural setting. Local theater and arts activities contribute to the community’s creative character. Check current performance and event information before planning a visit.
Village of Palos ParkCommunity events and traditions
The Village and local organizations host community activities and seasonal events throughout the year. Recreation Center programming and community gatherings provide opportunities for residents to connect. Check the Village calendar for current dates and details.
Village events and community informationRestaurant names, hours, event schedules and ownership can change. Check current business listings and official event information before making plans.
Shopping, groceries and everyday conveniences
Palos Park has a primarily residential character, with local services and everyday conveniences available in and around the community. Residents can also reach a wider range of grocery stores, retail centers, specialty shops, restaurants and services in nearby Palos Heights, Orland Park, Palos Hills and other surrounding suburbs.
Local businesses and services
Local businesses and service providers support day-to-day needs in the community. Check current directories for business locations, contact information and hours.
Village of Palos ParkNearby shopping destinations
Nearby communities offer larger shopping centers, grocery options, department stores, specialty retail, restaurants and personal services. Actual travel time depends on the home’s location and traffic.
Community information and local resources
The Village website is a useful starting point for municipal information, community announcements, local services and links to area resources.
Living and visiting Palos ParkHighways, Metra and commuting
Palos Park offers commuter rail service and access to the regional road network. The Metra Palos Park station is located near 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue and serves the Southwest Service. Local and regional travel times depend on the exact home location, destination, schedule and traffic conditions.
Regional road access
Local roads connect Palos Park neighborhoods with nearby communities, shopping, schools, recreation and regional routes. Check current traffic conditions when planning a commute.
Village of Palos ParkMetra Southwest Service
The Palos Park station is located at approximately 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue. Review current schedules, station parking information and service updates before commuting. Service days and schedules may vary.
Village train service information · MetraPace bus service
Pace provides suburban bus service in the region. Routes and schedules can change, so check the official trip planner to see which services are convenient for a specific address.
Pace bus schedules and trip planningFor commuters, try the drive or train trip during the time of day you expect to travel before making a decision based on a map estimate. Check Metra and Pace directly for current schedules and service changes.
Useful information for Palos Park residents
The Village of Palos Park website is a starting point for municipal services, permits, public safety, community notices, maps and local government information. Other services—including schools, fire protection, library services and forest preserves—are provided by separate agencies. The responsible provider can vary by property address.
Village Hall and municipal services
The Kaptur Administrative Center is located at 8999 West 123rd Street, Palos Park, IL 60464. The Village website provides department information, public notices, maps, permits and municipal updates.
Phone: 708-671-3700
Village of Palos ParkPolice and public safety
The Village of Palos Park provides police protection. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police response, call 708-671-3770.
Village departments and public safetyFire protection
The Palos Fire Protection District serves portions of the Palos Park area, but fire-protection boundaries do not necessarily match mailing addresses or municipal boundaries. Confirm the responsible district for the exact property address.
Palos Fire Protection DistrictPalos Township
Palos Township provides township programs and services, including assistance and community resources. Check the Township website for current services, eligibility and contact information.
Palos TownshipPalos Park Public Library
The Palos Park Public Library is located at 12330 Forest Glen Boulevard. It offers books, digital resources, community programs, events and services for residents. Check its website for current hours, programs and membership information.
Phone: 708-448-1530
Palos Park Public LibraryCounty and property information
Palos Park is located in Cook County. Property owners should use the appropriate county and township resources for assessment, tax, parcel and property-record information. Confirm the parcel’s exact jurisdiction before relying on a taxing district or service boundary.
Cook County · Cook County AssessorMore Palos Park stories are coming soon
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Buying or selling a home in Palos Park?
Choosing a home is about more than the town name or subdivision. Property condition, layout, lot size, taxes, school assignments, municipal services, nearby conveniences and recent comparable sales all deserve a closer look. In Palos Park, the wooded setting, lot characteristics and proximity to forest preserves can be important parts of evaluating an individual property.
A neighborhood average can be a useful starting point, but it does not tell the whole story of an individual property. Square footage, condition, renovations, lot size, location, age and property type all influence value.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, downsizing or preparing to sell, having someone who understands the local market can help you make informed decisions.
Let’s talk about your next move.
I’m Karyn Murphy, Managing Broker with HomeSmart Realty Group, LLC. I help buyers and sellers navigate real estate decisions throughout Palos Park and the surrounding Southwest Suburbs.
Call or text: 708.278.6996
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