Homewood

Homewood is located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. Homewood is surrounded by Hazel Crest to the northwest, Markham to the north, South Holland to the northeast, Thorton to the east, Flossmoor to the south, and Country Club Hills to the west.

Hasting’s General Store was the first store developed in Homewood.

Homewood is located right on the edge of prehistoric Lake Chicago. Ridge Run is one of the main east-west roads which runs along the old sandy shoreline of that lake. A long time ago the area attained excellent topsoil and today is rich in limestone deposits. Both of which made it very inviting for farmers to settle.

In 1834, James and Sally Hart were the first settlers of the area. Soon to follow in 1839, the Dutch and German families began to settle there as well. This year the town also began to use the name Hartford.

The Illinois Central Railroad established the first station in Hartford, in 1853, which was called Thornton Station. There was a period of confusion as the mail would be mixed up because most of the station’s passengers were coming from the nearby town Thornton. Settlers developed a petition for the post office to be renamed Homewood in 1869.

Best known for the top three most “livable” suburbs in the Chicago Metropolitan Area by Chicago Magazine in 2007, Homewood gives you a small neighborhood feel with an urban vibe. Types of home styles in Homewood vary based on the individual character who occupies them. You can find both modernism and old homes within Homewood so whatever look and style you are going for. Homewoood has it all. Search for Homewood real estate.

Homewood is serviced by the Amtrak Train 59 and provides service to Kankakee, Fulton, Carbondale, Mattoon, Effingham, Champaign-Urbana, Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Newbern-Dversburg, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, McComb, New Orleans and Hammond. It is also serviced by Amtrak Train 58, which is located northbound in the City of New Orleans, provides daily service to the Chicago Union Station. Homewood is also serviced by Amtrak Train 390/391 and 392/393, which operate between Carbondale and Chicago. The Metra Electric line between University Park and Millennium Station is provided by the Metra commuter rail service.

Homewood is also located right off of Interstate 294 and 80. Homewood also is located next to state route 43, 50 and 394.

Homewood is served by school district 153.

Elementary Schools:

Willow School – 1804 Willow Road, Homewood
Churchill School – 1300 West 190th Street, Homewood
James Hart School – 18220 Morgan Street, Homewood

High Schools:

Homewood-Flossmoor High School – 999 Kedzie, Flossmoor
St. Joseph School – 17949 Dixie Highway, Homewood

Lassen’s Sports Bar & Grill, (2131 183rd Street, (708) 957-2220) hungry for wings? Lassen’s Tap has a Thursday night wing special that cannot be beat. Flavorful and great price (35 cents per wing). Their service and atmosphere make this place a great hangout for friends and family. Party room for great events, benefits, holidays, birthdays, weddings and much more.

5th Quarter, (18105 Dixie Hwy, (708) 798-2710), great atmosphere and food. Filled with 18 state-of-the-art televisions, 5th Quarter makes watching your favorite sports game fun. Great hearty sandwhiches, stone oven thin pizza, home cooked chili and soup, delicious grilled burgers, live entertainment and great beer. What more could you ask for?

Dog Days of Summer, an annual flea market that helps not-for-profit organizations raise money for their mission while offering event patrons an opportunity to support great causes and shop unique finds. Enjoy this flea market and sign your pet up for the Pooch Parade.

Balagio Restaurant, (17501 Dixie Highwy, (708) 957-1650) the great hometown Italian restaurant has a little bit of everything for everyone. Specials, appetizers, salads, sandwhiches, homemade pasta and sauces. Don’t forget about their seafood, steaks and chops. Balagio offers catering and also space for banquets. They also provide an amazing drink selection that will have your taste buds craving more.

Cilantro Cocina Mexicana, (18755 Dixie Highway, (708) 798-3500) a family owned tradition for 30 years. From American favorites to mexican traditions, Cilantro is known as Homewood’s local mexican spot. Try the Veggie Black Bean Soup or the Chili Cheese Dip to start out with. For dinner try the Steak Ranchero, Chiles Rellenos or Pollo Con Rajas. Don’t forget to try the homemade Caramel Flan for dessert.

Auerlio’s Pizza, (18162 Harwood Avenue, (708) 798-8050) a family tradition since 1959, this great pizza uses quality ingredients, generous sizes and custom orders. From cheese sticks, sandwhiches, Mama Auerlio’s Calabrese, Chicken Alfredo, traditional pizza, thick crust or stuffed crust!

Homewood Park District, in 1969, merged with Flossmoor Park District which now totals over 365 acres. The park district is now called Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and has won numerous awards for it’s beauty. One claim to fame, would include the NPRA National Gold Medial Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Administration.

Mural Sponsorhsip Program, is a program developed for the Advanced Placement Studio Art Program at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Students are to submit 3×5 designs of historic Homewood to be reproduced on full color panels.