Wait…You Can Do THAT in Orland Park?

Some surprisingly fun things hiding right in your backyard.

I lived in Orland Park. I worked in Orland Park.

So when I talk about Orland Park, I'm not simply looking at a map or reading housing statistics. I know the community—and I also know that sometimes we get so used to what's around us that we forget to actually explore it.

Most people know Orland Park for the shopping, restaurants and conveniences.

And yes...we know LaGrange Road traffic, too. Ha!

Yet, get off the main road and there's another side of Orland Park that may surprise you.

So, let's have a little fun.

Wait…You Can KAYAK in Orland Park?

Yes!

At Lake Sedgewick in Centennial Park, seasonal kayak and pedal-boat rentals give you a completely different way to spend an afternoon in Orland Park.

Instead of heading somewhere hours away for a little time on the water, you can paddle around the lake right here in the suburbs.

Joanne's take: This is exactly the kind of thing people overlook when they're thinking about where to live. Having recreation close to home can become part of your everyday lifestyle—not just something you do on vacation.

Wait…There's a Lazy River AND a Cliff Jump?

There is.

The Centennial Park Aquatic Center isn't simply a neighborhood swimming pool.

You'll find a lazy river, water slides, play areas and even a platform cliff jump.

It's one of those amenities you may not fully appreciate until summer arrives and you realize you don't have to make an entire road trip out of having a fun day outside.

Wait…There's a Historic Farm in Orland Park?

Meet Stellwagen Farm.

Long before today's shopping centers and subdivisions, Orland Park had deep agricultural roots.

The historic Stellwagen Farm preserves a piece of that history, with generations of the Stellwagen family having lived and worked there.

I love this one because it's such an unexpected contrast to the Orland Park most of us know today.

One minute you're surrounded by restaurants and shopping.

The next, you're looking at a piece of the community's agricultural past.

Wait…There's More Than Shopping? Ha!

Absolutely.

Orland Park has an extensive park system, walking and biking opportunities, outdoor concerts, Movies in the Park and seasonal community events.

And that's one of the things I think makes Orland interesting.

You can have the conveniences people associate with a larger suburb while still finding places to get outside, slow down and enjoy the community.

Okay…NOW We Can Talk About the Restaurants

Because...let's be serious.

We can't talk about Orland Park without talking about food.

This is where I want to periodically share some of my personal favorites—not because they're the only wonderful businesses in Orland Park, but because they're places I've enjoyed myself.

And, there are plenty of them.

Whether you're looking for date night, meeting friends, grabbing lunch after shopping or simply trying somewhere new, Orland gives you an incredible number of choices without having to head into Chicago.

I'll keep adding some of my favorites here, too.

Why Does Any of This Matter When You're Buying a Home?

Because, you're not just buying bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.

You're choosing your grocery store.

Your favorite restaurant.

Your walking trail.

Where you spend a summer evening.

Where you meet friends.

Where you take the kids or grandkids.

You're choosing what life outside your front door might look like.

That's something an online home search can't completely show you.

Thinking About Making Orland Park Home?

Maybe you're relocating to Orland Park.

Maybe you're moving within the community.

Or maybe you're thinking about selling the Orland Park home you've owned for many years.

Having lived and worked here myself, I understand there's more to the conversation than simply pulling comparable sales.

We can talk about your home, your next move—and the lifestyle you're looking for when you get there.

And if you already live in Orland Park?

Go explore something you haven't done before.

You might find yourself saying:

"Wait…I can do THAT in Orland Park?"

Joanne Dal Santo, REALTOR®, SRES®, SRS®, ABR®

You Can With Joanne!™

Licensed in Illinois & Indiana

Local Sources

Village of Orland Park — Recreation & Parks
Centennial Park, Lake Sedgewick, kayak and pedal-boat information, Aquatic Center and community recreation.

Village of Orland Park — Stellwagen Farm
History and preservation information for Stellwagen Farm.

Village of Orland Park — Special Events
Current concerts, movies, seasonal activities and community events.

Activities, hours, programs and seasonal availability can change. Check with the Village of Orland Park or individual businesses before making plans.