Welcome to Homewood, Illinois: Where Tree-Lined Elegance, Academic Excellence, and South Suburban Sophistication Come Together

Tucked 25 miles south of downtown Chicago, Homewood is a proud, well-established village that blends historic charm, natural beauty, and suburban refinement into one of the most desirable communities in the south suburbs. With a population of around 19,000, this Cook County gem offers residents a life of balance — where quiet streets meet big opportunities, excellent schools, and seamless city access.

Known for its low crime, award-winning parks, and nationally recognized high school, Homewood isn’t just a bedroom community — it’s a destination where families thrive, professionals commute with ease, and life moves at a graceful pace.

🌳 A Legacy of Beauty & Thoughtful Planning

Founded in the 1870s and incorporated in 1901, Homewood was developed as a residential retreat along the Illinois Central Railroad, designed with wide boulevards, large lots, and abundant green space. Today, over 600 acres of parks, forest preserves, and conservation areas preserve that original vision.

Residents enjoy:

  • The Old Mill Creek Trail — perfect for biking, jogging, or walking to Flossmoor, Glenwood, and beyond

  • Proximity to Ridgeland Common, a 165-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, fishing ponds, and scenic views

  • Strict zoning laws that protect single-family living and limit commercial sprawl

This is suburban living done right — where nature feels close, and peace is protected.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Nationally Recognized Schools & Family Life

Education is central to Homewood’s identity:

  • Served by Elementary School District 153 and Homewood-Flossmoor High School (District 233) — both consistently ranked among the top public schools in Illinois

  • H-F High School is renowned for academics, arts, athletics, and college placement — with graduates attending Ivy League and top-tier universities

  • Emphasis on innovation, student wellness, and inclusive excellence

The Park District of Flossmoor (shared with neighboring Flossmoor) runs year-round programming:

  • Youth sports leagues, swim lessons, summer camps

  • Fitness centers, indoor pools, and senior wellness classes

  • Signature events like Concerts in the Park, Fall Festival, and Holiday Tree Lighting

It’s a community built for families who value tradition, safety, and intellectual vitality.

🏡 Homes with Character & Craftsmanship

Homewood offers some of the most exclusive single-family homes in the south suburbs:

  • Stately Colonials, Tudors, and ranch-style estates on spacious, landscaped lots

  • Many properties feature original woodwork, custom details, and private backyards

  • Minimal multi-family housing — the village prioritizes low-density, single-family living

With no high-rises, no apartments, and no through-traffic, Homewood maintains a rare level of privacy and tranquility — attracting educators, healthcare professionals, and families seeking permanence over trendiness.

This is a neighborhood where homes are passed down — not flipped — and pride in ownership runs deep.

🚆 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its secluded feel, Homewood is surprisingly well-connected:

  • Served by the Metra Electric Line at Homewood Station — scenic 45-minute ride to downtown Chicago

  • Multiple PACE bus routes linking to Harvey, Flossmoor, and beyond

  • Easy access to I-57 and I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) for drivers

You’re just:
📍 45 minutes from the Loop
📍 25 minutes from Midway Airport
📍 10 minutes from Orland Park and the I-80 corridor

Many residents live car-free during the week, relying on transit, bikes, and walkable streets.

💼 Business-Friendly & Economically Strong

Homewood sits near major employment hubs:

  • Close to corporate offices in Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, and Orland Park

  • Proximity to O’Hare and Midway Airports makes it attractive for professionals in law, finance, healthcare, and tech

  • Business-friendly environment supporting local entrepreneurs and remote workers

This balance of peace and productivity makes Homewood ideal for those who work hard — and want to come home to calm.

❤️ A Diverse, Inclusive Community

While traditionally homogenous, Homewood is increasingly committed to equity, inclusion, and civic engagement. Faith-based groups, school initiatives, and village programs promote diversity in housing, education, and community leadership.

Block clubs, preservation societies, and environmental councils help maintain safety, beautification, and connection — reinforcing a deep sense of belonging and shared stewardship.

 

Neigborhood Expert