Oak Brook, Illinois

Oak Brook, Illinois is a village located in DuPage County, Illinois, approximately 20 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. The village is situated near the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor and is home to numerous corporate headquarters, including McDonald's, Ace Hardware, and Lions Clubs International. Oak Brook is also known for its upscale residential communities, such as Butler National Golf Club and Oak Brook Hills Resort, which offer amenities like golf courses and spa resorts. The village is served by Prairie Path, a trail system that connects to nearby Wheaton, Illinois and Elmhurst, Illinois.

Geography

Oak Brook is located at 41.8367° N, 87.9283° W, and has a total area of 8.27 square miles, of which 7.95 square miles is land and 0.32 square miles is water. The village is bordered by Lombard, Illinois to the north, Villa Park, Illinois to the east, Elmhurst, Illinois to the southeast, and Hinsdale, Illinois to the south. Oak Brook is situated near the Salt Creek and is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The village is also close to O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, making it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike, with easy access to United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Additionally, Oak Brook is near the Illinois Tollway and Interstate 88, which provide convenient transportation to nearby cities like Aurora, Illinois and Naperville, Illinois.

History

The area now known as Oak Brook was first settled in the 1800s by European-American farmers, who were attracted to the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The village was officially incorporated in 1958, and has since experienced significant growth and development, with the establishment of Butler National Golf Club and Oak Brook Hills Resort. Oak Brook has also been home to several notable residents, including Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, and J. Parker Connor, a former United States Army general. The village has hosted various events and conferences, including the Lions Clubs International convention, which has been attended by dignitaries like Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter. Oak Brook is also near the Cantigny Park and Morton Arboretum, which offer scenic views and outdoor recreational activities.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Oak Brook was approximately 8,702 people, with a median age of 51.4 years. The village has a diverse population, with residents from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, including Asian Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. Oak Brook is also home to a significant number of foreign-born residents, with many hailing from countries like India, China, and Mexico. The village has a high median household income, with many residents employed in industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, with companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Microsoft having a presence in the area. Oak Brook is served by the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and is near the College of DuPage and Wheaton College.

Economy

The economy of Oak Brook is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. The village is home to the headquarters of several major companies, including McDonald's, Ace Hardware, and Lions Clubs International. Oak Brook is also a popular destination for tourism, with attractions like Butler National Golf Club and Oak Brook Hills Resort drawing visitors from across the United States. The village has a strong retail sector, with several shopping centers, including the Oakbrook Center, which features stores like Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co.. Oak Brook is also near the Sears Holdings headquarters and the Navistar International headquarters, and is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway.

Government

The village of Oak Brook is governed by a village board composed of six trustees and a village president. The village has a non-partisan government, with elections held every two years. Oak Brook is part of the 6th congressional district of Illinois and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Sean Casten. The village is also part of the 23rd district of the Illinois Senate and is represented by Tom Cullerton. Oak Brook has a police department and a fire department, which provide public safety services to residents and visitors. The village is also served by the DuPage County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police.

Education

The village of Oak Brook is served by several school districts, including the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and the Butler School District 53. The village is also home to several private schools, including the Butler School and the St. Isaac Jogues School. Oak Brook is near several institutions of higher education, including the College of DuPage and Wheaton College. The village has a strong commitment to education, with many residents holding advanced degrees from universities like Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Oak Brook is also served by the Oak Brook Public Library, which offers a wide range of books, media, and programs for residents of all ages, and is part of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System and the Illinois Heartland Library System. Category:Villages in Illinois