Official news and information from the City of Oak Forest in Illinois. Just 30 minutes south of downtown Chicago and nestled among picturesque forest preserves, Oak Forest offers a convenient and comfortable lifestyle where everything is close to home – recreation, work, transportation, friends and shopping. Oak Forest has a range of attractive residential amenities: 20 stunning parks, convenient shopping, good schools, and easy access for commuters and those looking to enjoy 24/7 access to Chicago. It is an inviting family-oriented community, rich with lifelong residents and small-town charm. It's not uncommon for those who were raised here to return "home" to start their own families in one of the Chicago market's most affordable and diverse neighborhoods. Oak Forest provides a strong environment for residential, commercial and industrial development too. The city continually strives to enhance its economic vitality and superior quality of life by ensuring top-notch development and redevelopment, protecting its natural resources, supporting its business community, and maintaining attractive neighborhoods. Whether it's access to regional amenities, downtown Chicago or simply friends next door, Oak Forest families and residents can say they are always "close to home."