Moving to Orland Park, Illinois
Moving to Orland Park? Compare cost of living, best neighborhoods, commute options, local jobs or schools, and things to do in this practical Illinois guide.
Cook County (Southwest suburb) • Population: 59,000
About Orland Park
Orland Park is a strong family-oriented southwest suburban option for households that want polished everyday convenience, solid schools, and a familiar suburban rhythm. Shopping, dining, parks, and recreation are built deeply into daily life here, which is why so many families compare it against Tinley Park, New Lenox-style markets, and nearby Will County options. It is more about comfort and reliability than about urban energy. For many households, that is exactly the point.
Best For
- Families with children
- Shopping and dining enthusiasts
- Those wanting newer suburban developments
- South Side Chicago workers
Things to Do in Orland Park
Orland Square Mall
Major regional shopping center.
Centennial Park
Aquatic center, sports, events.
Lake Sedgewick
Fishing and nature area.
Orland Park Civic Center
Community events and programs.
Neighborhoods
Orland Park
A mix of established and newer housing that works well for families wanting a polished suburban routine.
Orland Hills
Useful comparison for buyers who want nearby access with a bit more budget flexibility.
Living in Orland Park: The Southwest Suburbs' Retail and Golf Hub, Rebuilding Its Downtown
Orland Park earned an unofficial nickname, "World's Golf Center," from a mid-1990s count that found over 1,000 golf holes within 15 miles, and it still shows up on the village flag and water towers today. Orland Square, the largest mall in the Chicago Southland at over 1.2 million square feet, anchors the retail scene, and the village is now mid-construction on the Main Street Triangle, a $120 million, 140,000-square-foot downtown redevelopment near the 143rd Street Metra stop, built around an expanded University of Chicago Medicine campus and a Weber Grill restaurant and cooking school, targeted for completion in 2027.
It is a car-first suburb: Walk Score rates it 28, minimally walkable, and the Metra SouthWest Service into the city runs less frequently than lines serving the northwest suburbs. Consolidated High School District 230 is solidly ranked but not top-tier statewide, and neighboring Tinley Park is frequently cited as the more walkable, more active downtown of the two.
Who Usually Likes It Here
- You want major shopping, dining, and recreation (the Sportsplex, Centennial Park West, a genuine golf-course density) without leaving town.
- You're comfortable being car-dependent and don't need a walkable downtown core day to day.
- You want a Metra SouthWest Service connection to the city, even if service is less frequent than the northwest corridor lines.
What to Think Through
- !This is a car-first suburb; Walk Score rates it 28, so don't expect to run errands on foot.
- !The new downtown (Main Street Triangle) is still under construction as of 2026, so judge the current town center in person, not from renderings.
- !If a walkable downtown is a priority, compare neighboring Tinley Park directly before deciding.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Orland Park
Is Orland Park a good place to live in Illinois?
Orland Park can be a strong fit depending on budget, commute needs, and lifestyle priorities. Review local housing costs, daily travel routes, and neighborhood fit before deciding.
What should I compare before moving to Orland Park?
This is a car-first suburb; Walk Score rates it 28, so don't expect to run errands on foot.
What is the cost of living like in Orland Park?
Median Home Price is around $400,000. Average Rent (1BR) is around $1,400. The real monthly fit still depends on taxes, commute, childcare, and how much of your routine happens in or outside Orland Park.
What are popular areas in Orland Park?
Popular areas in Orland Park usually balance commute convenience, school access, and nearby amenities. Start with neighborhoods listed on this page and compare recent local market trends.
What is Orland Park known for?
Orland Park earned an unofficial nickname, "World's Golf Center," from a mid-1990s count that found over 1,000 golf holes within 15 miles, and it still shows up on the village flag and water towers today. Orland Square, the largest mall in the Chicago Southland at over 1.2 million square feet, anchors the retail scene, and the village is now mid-construction on the Main Street Triangle, a $120 million, 140,000-square-foot downtown redevelopment near the 143rd Street Metra stop, built around an expanded University of Chicago Medicine campus and a Weber Grill restaurant and cooking school, targeted for completion in 2027.
Quick Facts
- Median Home Price
- $400,000
- Average Rent (1BR)
- $1,400
- Schools
- District 135, Sandburg HS
- Metra
- SouthWest Service
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