Oak Park, IL apartments for rent

The little village with its thriving downtown and proximity to Chicago benefits from big-city amenities, while keeping its own laid-back feel and small-town charm. Oak Park was ranked among the 20 Best Towns and Neighborhoods in Chicago and the Suburbs by Chicago Magazine and was named among the best cities in the country to raise a family by livability. What’s more, CNNMoney.com ranked Oak Park the Best Place in the Midwest for the Rich and Single. 

How big is Oak Park? 

With merely 4.7 square miles, Oak Park is nearly 50 times smaller than Chicago.

Where is Oak Park located?  

Oak Park lies 9 miles from Chicago; 25 miles from Naperville, Ill.; and 93 miles from Milwaukee.

What is the weather like in Oak Park? 

Oak Park’s weather usually fluctuates from warm summers to frigid winters. Winter temperatures can drop to the 10s at night and can feature wind chills that make the temperature seem even lower. Average temperatures during the summer months are in the low- to mid-80s and can feature fairly high humidity. Oak Park experiences around 39 inches of snowfall and 36 inches of rain, on average, annually.

What are the pros of living in Oak Park? 

The gorgeous suburb of Chicago features an exciting, safe and friendly atmosphere, along with an abundance of local attractions. The community is a fantastic place to settle down in, offering plenty of places to shop, dine and eat. It also has plenty of sports teams to cheer for, which include the Chicago Bears of the NFL; the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox of the MLB; the Chicago Bulls of the NBA; and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL.  

What are the cons of living in Oak Park? 

The brutally cold, windy and snowy winters can be somewhat bothersome, making commuting on public transportation extra challenging.

Is it expensive to live in Oak Park? 

The cost of living in Oak Park is a bit lower than Chicago. It was voted the third-best neighborhood in the country by the American Planning Association. 

How much does a meal cost in Oak Park? 

A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $30.  

How much do utilities cost in Oak Park? 

Basic monthly utilities for a 915-square-foot Oak Park apartment are priced at $150, on average. 

How much does public transportation cost in Oak Park? 

The Chicago Transit Authority ensures a reliable local public transport system, with monthly passes priced at $100 and single-use tickets costing $3. Oak Park features a 24-hour taxi service, along with ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft. Local public transportation also thrives, as many commute to nearby Chicago.

Where to work in Oak Park? 

Many Oak Park residents commute to nearby Chicago for their jobs, as the city is home to nearly 40 Fortune 500 companies, including State Farm Insurance, Caterpillar and Boeing. The unemployment rate in Oak Park is lower than in Chicago, so there are plenty of employment opportunities here, as well.

What are the top colleges in Oak Park? 

NerdWallet ranked Oak Park 22nd among the top-educated cities in the U.S., while US News & World Report listed its River Forest High School #36 in Illinois and among the top 1,000 in the country. Oak Park is also home to a large number of fantastic universities and colleges, including Northwestern University, Concordia University, the University of Chicago and Loyola University.

What parks are there in Oak Park? 

As its name suggests, Oak Park is home to a large number of parks (16, to be exact), including two swimming pools and an indoor skating rink. Andersen Park is more than 100 years old and has a splash pad, walking trails, a playground and much more. Rehm Park features a swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and chess tables. 

What cultural attractions are there in Oak Park?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is one of the top cultural attractions in the village. It’s the place where Wright did his designs, and has been turned into a museum for admirers and cultural buffs to enjoy. Oak Park’s downtown core features a wide array of boutique stores, tasty restaurants, coffee shops and other thriving businesses, along with a quiet ambiance, which is in contrast with nearby Chicago’s bustling, big-city vibes. 

What events are held in Oak Park? 

Oak-Toberfest is one of the most popular events held in Oak Park, famous for its live music, fantastic food and family fun. The Jazz Thaw celebrates the arrival of spring with the best jazz musicians of Chicago.

What to know about renting in Oak Park?

If you’re set on moving to Oak Park, make sure you familiarize yourself with specific, local tenant laws. Read your lease agreement carefully before signing and learn all about the laws that govern local tenancy. Lease agreements need to be in written form, as oral agreements are not legally binding in Oak Park. Agreements vary from apartment to apartment. While some include basic utilities, other agreements may state that even hallway lights are your responsibility. Before agreeing to rent a place, get to know the area in order to establish if it truly matches your needs.