Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park: A Slice of Real Chicago Suburbia
Let me tell you all about Elmwood Park, this awesome little village just west of Chicago. It’s a place with a rich history, beautiful homes, and a real sense of community. Grab a cup of coffee or an Italian ice, and let’s dive into what makes Elmwood Park so special!
A Bit of History (and a Touch of Rebellion)
Elmwood Park’s story goes way back, even before it officially became a village. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, and in the 1840s, the first white settlers started moving in. But here’s the cool part – Elmwood Park didn’t even have its own name until it was incorporated on April 8, 1914! Before that, it was just lumped in with parts of what’s now Oak Park and Forest Park.
The name “Elmwood Park” actually comes from the Elmwood Cemetery nearby. Back in the day, funeral trains were a common thing, and they’d often head to this cemetery. People started calling the area around the cemetery “Elmwood Park,” and when it came time to incorporate, they just went with it.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Elmwood Park was incorporated in 1914 to prevent being annexed by Chicago. Basically, the folks living here wanted to keep their independence and not become just another neighborhood in the big city. You can still see evidence of this today – there’s this weird little chunk taken out of Elmwood Park’s northeast corner where some landowners voted to join Chicago instead. Talk about neighborhood drama! It’s always been a place that wanted to keep its own identity.
Location and Connection to Chicago: Close, But Not Too Close
One of the best things about Elmwood Park is its location. We’re about 9 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, which means we get all the perks of suburban living with easy access to the big city. Getting to and from Chicago is a breeze. We’ve got the Metra train running through town – you can hop on at the Mont Clare station and be at Chicago Union Station in just 27 minutes. If you prefer buses, the CTA’s 65 line can get you to Navy Pier in about an hour. And for those who like to drive, it’s only about a 17-minute trip to downtown Chicago when traffic cooperates. It’s that sweet spot, you know?
Architecture and Homes: Bungalows and Brick Charm
Elmwood Park might not be as famous for its architecture as some of our neighbors (looking at you, Oak Park), but we’ve got some pretty cool homes here. The village has always been big on keeping things residential and peaceful – no big manufacturing or business districts to mess up our vibe.
One of the coolest parts of Elmwood Park is the Westwood development. Back in 1926, this guy named John Mills bought 245 acres in the northwest corner of Elmwood Park and created this whole neighborhood based on a California design. It’s laid out in this cool spoke-wheel pattern, with more than 1,600 brick bungalows and 146 business lots surrounding a village circle. At the time, these homes were selling for about $8,900 each – can you imagine? In the center of Westwood, there’s this fancy French fountain. It’s like a little piece of Paris right here in Illinois!
Elmwood Park is known for its bungalows, brick two-flats, and classic mid-century homes. You won’t find sprawling estates here, but you will find well-kept homes with manicured lawns, lots of brick, and that unmistakable Chicagoland suburban style. The village also has a unique diagonal street layout in certain areas, which sets it apart from the traditional grid pattern of Chicago.
Community Life and Recreation: A Real Neighborhood Feel
Elmwood Park isn’t just about pretty houses – we’ve got a thriving community with plenty to do. The village is big on bringing people together, and you can see that in all the events and activities they organize throughout the year.
We’ve got some great parks scattered around town. They’re perfect for picnics, playing sports, or just hanging out on a nice day. And for the kids, there are plenty of playgrounds to keep them entertained. One of the coolest things about Elmwood Park is how we’ve held onto our Italian American roots while welcoming new folks. We’ve got a large Italian American population that’s been here for generations, and more recently, we’ve seen an influx of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It makes for this awesome mix of cultures that you can really feel when you’re walking around town.
Local Businesses and Dining: Italian Delights and More
Okay, let’s talk about food because Elmwood Park has some seriously good eats. Remember how I mentioned our Italian American heritage? Well, that shows up big time in our restaurants and delis. One place you absolutely have to check out is Russell’s Barbecue. This place is a local legend – it’s the oldest continuously operating barbecue restaurant in the entire Chicagoland area. They’ve been serving up delicious ribs and other barbecue favorites since way back when. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the history in every bite. We’ve also got some great Italian delis and bakeries. You can find some of the best cannolis and Italian beef sandwiches this side of the Atlantic. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Elmwood Park is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you love Italian cuisine. Some must-visit spots include Johnnie’s Beef – one of the most famous Italian beef joints in the entire Chicagoland area. Get the beef, extra juicy, with hot peppers. You won’t regret it. Jim & Pete’s – a classic Italian-American restaurant that’s been serving up great pasta, pizza, and steaks for generations. Al & Joe’s Deli – a fantastic deli with some of the best subs and sandwiches around. And Caputo’s Fresh Market – if you want to cook at home, this is the place to shop. It’s an Italian grocery store with incredible produce, meats, and imported goods.
The Mob Ties: A Shadowy Past
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. If you’ve heard about Elmwood Park, you’ve probably also heard about its ties to organized crime. Historically, the village has had connections to the Chicago Outfit, particularly in the mid-to-late 20th century. It was a known hotspot for mob activity, with legendary figures like Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana having some association with the area. Certain old-school restaurants and social clubs have long been rumored to be mob hangouts, and there are plenty of stories floating around about what used to go down in back rooms and basements. While those days are largely a thing of the past, the mystique still lingers. You’ll hear longtime locals drop hints about who used to run what and which places were “connected.” Whether you take it all at face value or chalk it up to urban legend, there’s no denying that Elmwood Park has a bit of that classic Chicago underworld intrigue. It’s a part of history, and you have to acknowledge it.
Fun Facts and Interesting Tidbits: The Elmwood Charm
Alright, time for some fun facts about Elmwood Park that’ll make you the star of your next trivia night: Remember that funeral train thing I mentioned earlier? Well, it turns out that back in the day, people from Chicago would actually take the train out to Elmwood Park for picnics. They’d hang out in this grove of 180-year-old elm trees near what’s now Harlem Avenue and Irving Park Road. That’s actually where the “Elm” in Elmwood Park comes from. Elmwood Park has had its share of famous residents. While we might not be as well-known as Oak Park for this, we’ve still got some bragging rights. For instance, the creator of Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs, lived here for a while. Speaking of famous connections, while Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, he actually spent some time living with his grandmother right here in Elmwood Park. Maybe some of his early inspiration came from our tree-lined streets! Remember that Westwood development I talked about? Well, when it was built, it was a record-breaking $25 million project. That was a huge deal back in the 1920s!
Community Events and Activities: Keeping it Lively
Elmwood Park knows how to have fun! Throughout the year, there are various events that bring the community together. We’ve got summer concerts in the parks, holiday parades, and all sorts of festivals celebrating our diverse heritage. One of the coolest things is how the village embraces both its Italian American roots and its growing Hispanic and Latino population. You’ll see this reflected in our community events, where you might find a traditional Italian feast day celebration one week and a vibrant Cinco de Mayo festival the next.
Education: A Focus on the Future
Elmwood Park is big on education. We’ve got our own school district, Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401, which includes Elmwood Park High School. The high school has a pretty good reputation and offers a variety of programs to help students prepare for college or careers. It’s a place where they really try to give the kids a solid foundation.
Final Thoughts: A Real Slice of Suburbia
Living in Elmwood Park is like being part of a big, diverse family. We’ve got this amazing mix of old and new – historic homes and modern developments, long-standing Italian American families and newer Hispanic and Latino residents, classic barbecue joints and trendy new eateries.
We’re close enough to Chicago to enjoy all the perks of the big city, but we’ve still got that small-town feel where you know your neighbors and bump into friends at the local deli. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning exploring the beautiful Westwood neighborhood, an afternoon grabbing some world-class barbecue at Russell’s, and an evening enjoying a community concert in the park.
Sure, we’re not perfect—what place is? But there’s a reason why so many of us who grew up here choose to stay, and why others are drawn to make Elmwood Park their home. It’s more than just a suburb of Chicago; it’s a community with its own unique identity, values, and charm.
Elmwood Park may not be as flashy as some of its neighboring suburbs, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place with history, character, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Whether you’re grabbing an Italian beef from Johnnie’s, walking through Central Park, or hearing old-timers talk about the “good old days,” there’s something undeniably special about this village.
So, whether you’re thinking about moving here, visiting, or just passing through, take some time to soak it in—Elmwood Park has a story to tell, and it’s worth listening to. It’s one of those Chicago suburbs that feels like a neighborhood where everybody knows everybody. It’s got history, personality, great food, and a little bit of that old-school Chicago edge. If you’ve ever driven through and wondered what makes this place tick, buckle up—there’s a lot to know. It’s a place that’s real, and that’s something you can’t fake.