Ask most people from the Chicago region what they think of when Brookfield is mentioned and they’ll likely say, “animals.” Brookfield’s internationally recognized Brookfield Zoo, established in 1934, is one of the largest and most visited zoos in the country. The zoo houses about 450 species of animals on 217 acres, and draws visitors from local communities and across the country and the globe.
But the zoo isn’t the only thing Brookfield has going for it. The village, which is located 14 miles west of Chicago, began to take shape in 1889 when a lawyer turned savvy real estate investor named Samuel Eberly Gross purchased land along both sides of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Line, which opened in 1864 and ran through Chicago’s west suburbs to Aurora.
The village was incorporated initially as Grossdale in 1893, named after one of the subdivisions developed by Gross, but was renamed Brookfield in 1905 when townspeople turned on Gross after he experienced some misfortunes. The original train station, built in 1889, is cited on the National Register of HIstoric Places and now houses the Brookfield Historical Society, where visitors can learn more about the village’s rich history.
Today Brookfield is a top choice for families who want quick and easy access to center city Chicago either by train or car. With a population of about 20,000, Brookfield is a medium-sized suburb among its fellow western suburbs. About 80 percent of Brookfield residents own their own homes, and with a median home value of $267,000 Brookfield offers choices for both homeseekers looking to own their first home and those looking to upsize.
With a fifth of Brookfield residents renting, there are also numerous rental opportunities available in Brookfield, including single family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
For families with school-aged children, Brookfield is served by Brookfield-La Grange Park School District 95, which includes Brook Park Elementary School and S.E Gross Middle School, named after the village’s founder. There are also private elementary school options, including Montessori Children’s Community.
Two high schools educate Brookfield’s students grades 9 through 12. Both Riverside Brookfield High School, located directly between Riverside and Brookfield, and Lyons Township High School, the state’s eighth largest and located in La Grange, serve parts of Brookfield.
Brookfield has an active nightlife and restaurant scene. Mary’s Morning Mixup is a great place for breakfast but also serves lunch and dinner. Irish Times is an authentic Irish Pub that serves a fine pint of Guinness as well as traditional Irish dishes, and Paisan’s Pizza is a favorite for those who enjoy a good pie. Skadarliya serves up authentic Balkan fare such as Grilled Pork Loin and also features live traditional Balkan and Serbian music. Locally-owned Tony’s Family Restaurant will satisfy anyone’s appetite.
Late-night revelers might want to check out The Little Owl Social Club, which features karaoke the second Saturday of every month, or play the slots at the Cordial Inn Bar and Video Slot Machines. Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House features more beers on tap than you can count, and Phil’s Bar & Grill is a great place to saddle up and watch your favorite team on television.
For those who like to get out in the sun, Brookfield is dotted with 10 parks operated by the Brookfield Parks and Recreation Department. It also runs a Tots Program to provide learning and engagement for young children, and Summer Camp programs for children up to the age of 14. And the Brookfield Zoo isn’t just for seeing the animals. It runs a full calendar of special events such as Zoo Run, Oktoberfest, and the Halloween-themed Boo at the Zoo.
Because of its amenities, location, and animal attraction, so to speak, potential homebuyers looking to move out of the city or relocate to the area and want a town with a slower pace should definitely put Brookfield on their list of villages to explore.
