A largely blue-collar suburb that's located 14 miles west of downtown Chicago, the Cook County community of Franklin Park features a large industrial base, low taxes, modest housing prices and close proximity to major expressways. The population of Franklin Park is 19,434; nearby communities include River Grove, Northlake, Bensenville...
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A largely blue-collar suburb that's located 14 miles west of downtown Chicago, the Cook County community of Franklin Park features a large industrial base, low taxes, modest housing prices and close proximity to major expressways. The population of Franklin Park is 19,434; nearby communities include River Grove, Northlake, Bensenville and Schiller Park.
Over one thousand businesses are located in Franklin Park. The town was named after Lesser Franklin, who in 1880, began planning a modern residential and industrial community around the recently-built Chicago and Wisconsin railroad. At that time, the village consisted primarily of grassy fields, dirt roads and farmland.
Today, the community of Franklin Park serves as one of the Chicago area's most active rail hubs. Situated near O'Hare International Airport, the village features different types of housing. The western sections of town contain newer ranch-style homes, while the south and central areas consist primarily of older Victorians and Chicago-style bungalows.
Though single-family housing dominates, some apartment rental units and condominiums are also available. For shopping, residents can visit the Franklin Avenue business district, which has undergone a transformation in recent years. A variety of small, specialty shops have replaced some of the clothing, jewelry and appliance stores.T
The town has two park districts and two public pools. The Franklin Park Ice Arena is a popular choice for recreation enthusiasts. Other leisure-time activities and events include Christmas in Hammill Square featuring live reindeer, a petting zoo and a candle-lighting ceremony; an annual car show showcasing antique, classic and custom cars; an Oktoberfest celebration with German food, entertainment carnival rides and music; and Gazebo Nites in Hammill Square, featuring rock, Latin, swing, blues, jazz and other types of music. The Tri-State Tollway and Kennedy Expressway are close by. A Metra train brings commuters into downtown Chicago in about 30 minutes.
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