Park Ridge, Illinois, is a lively and active community located just outside the western suburbs of Chicago. For more than a century, it has offered people a peaceful escape from busy city life while still providing easy access to the amenities of Chicago and its western suburbs. With a comfortable mix of rural charm and suburban facilities, Park Ridge has become an appealing choice for people who want to get away from the fast-paced city lifestyle.
The earliest inhabitants of the area that would later become Park Ridge were Native Americans from the Potawatomi tribe, although the area was mainly settled by farmers in the mid-1850s. These settlers were drawn to the nearby Des Plaines River and the area’s abundant forest land which led to the development of several small communities, such as Prospect and Prindle, throughout the region. As a result, Park Ridge was established as a village in 1868 and, by 1925, had become the City of Park Ridge, Illinois. Park Ridge’s location near the intersection of three major highways — the Kennedy Expressway, the Tri-State Expressway and the Edens Expressway — supported the extensive development that followed. The area, now fully developed with both residential and commercial properties, features more than a dozen parks and playgrounds, numerous historic sites and memorials, and a bustling downtown shopping district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Park Ridge, Illinois?
Park Ridge is a suburban city in northeastern Illinois, located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It is also close to O’Hare International Airport and has convenient access to major highways and commuter rail services.
What county is Park Ridge, IL in?
Park Ridge is located in Cook County, Illinois. The city covers about 7.1 square miles and is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
Is Park Ridge, IL safe?
Park Ridge is generally considered a relatively safe community based on available crime statistics. FBI-based 2024 data shows a violent crime rate of about 96.3 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 848.1 per 100,000. The Park Ridge Police Department also reported no homicides in 2024, although some crime categories increased compared with 2023.
How far is Park Ridge from Chicago?
Park Ridge is approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The actual driving distance and travel time can vary depending on the starting point in Chicago, traffic and the route taken.
Are there moving companies that serve Park Ridge?
Yes, several moving companies serve Park Ridge and nearby suburbs. STI Moving & Storage provides local and long-distance moving services for residents and businesses moving to or from the Park Ridge area, including packing, loading, storage and relocation support.
What is the best time to move to Park Ridge?
Late spring and early fall are generally good times to move to Park Ridge because the weather is usually more comfortable than during the cold winter or hottest part of summer. Chicago-area climate normals show average highs of about 70.5°F in May and 75.5°F in September. Fall may also provide better moving prices because demand normally drops after the busy summer moving season.
Is Park Ridge a wealthy area?
Yes, Park Ridge can reasonably be described as an affluent community when compared with Illinois and the country overall. U.S. Census Bureau data for 2020–2024 shows a median household income of $142,986 in Park Ridge, compared with $83,390 for Illinois and $80,734 nationwide. The median value of owner-occupied homes in Park Ridge was $551,200, compared with $263,300 statewide, while the city’s poverty rate was about 2.9%.
