|
|
Park Forest began life in 1948 as a plan to provide housing for GIs returning from World War II. It was the first post-war planned community and its innovative design has been recognized and used as a model for towns throughout the world. The Village of Park Forest has received numerous livability citations including two All-America city Awards, two Governors Home town Awards, the Burnham Award for excellence in planning for its downtown redevelopment, in 2007 was named one of America’s Most Livable Suburbs by Forbes Magazine, and, in 2014, was ranked third in the nation in affordable housing by Business Insider. Park Forest’s first homes were multi-family rental units for the returning servicemen. Many of the early rentals were later converted to housing cooperatives but a large number remained rentals. Park Forest was recognized by The Chicago Sun-Times as a leader in affordable housing and by Chicago Magazine as a "great neighborhood." Located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago, Park Forest (population 21,975) is part of both Cook and Will Counties.
