Introduction to the Village of Hazel Crest
The village of hazel crest thrives in Cook County, Illinois. It borders Chicago’s southern suburbs. People settle here for community vibes. Families find affordable homes easily. Businesses attract workers from nearby areas. Parks offer green spaces daily. Schools educate children effectively. Events unite residents yearly. Transportation links connect to Chicago. History shapes its unique identity. Demographics show diverse populations. Economy drives local growth. Government serves citizens promptly. Culture enriches daily life. Attractions draw visitors often.
Leaders promote development projects. Residents participate in local decisions. Volunteers support community programs. Police ensure safety measures. Firefighters respond to emergencies quickly. Officials manage budgets wisely. Neighbors help each other regularly. Shops provide essential goods. Restaurants serve varied cuisines. Healthcare facilities treat patients efficiently. Libraries offer learning resources. Sports teams build team spirit. Artists showcase talents locally. Musicians perform at events. The village of hazel crest welcomes newcomers warmly.
History of the Village of Hazel Crest
Settlers founded the area in 1870. They named it South Harvey initially. William McClintock arrived in 1890. He bought 80 acres promptly. McClintock built a depot station. It served as post office too. Residents changed name in 1895. Hazelnut bushes inspired the rename. Village incorporated in 1912 officially. Early families remain present today.
Community church built in 1894. School adapted into municipal center. Martin J. Kauchak served long. He led from 1973 onward. Railroads boosted early growth. Farms dominated the landscape then. Subdivisions expanded after wars. Population grew steadily over decades. African Americans increased since 1990. Human services strengthened community bonds. Volunteer fire department started early. Public school opened soon after. Roman Catholic church established roots. Illinois Central Railroad elevated tracks.
It electrified commuter lines then. Markham yards brought workers in. Polish immigrants settled here. Italian families joined the mix. Serbian residents contributed culturally. Pottawatomie Hills subdivision developed. Growth continued through 1960s. Village overlapped multiple districts. Tradition of relations commission began. Early thesis documented its emergence. Original people shared stories then. Dixie Highway preserved history efforts. Suburb grew along railroads. Farming community evolved into village.
Geography and Location
Hazel Crest locates at specific coordinates. It sits 25 miles south of Chicago. Village spans 3.42 square miles. Land covers 3.40 square miles mostly. Water occupies 0.02 square miles only. Percentage of water reaches 0.61. Tinley Moraine shapes its terrain. Bremen Township contains most areas. Rich Township holds southern portions.
Thornton Township includes eastern parts. Markham borders to the north. Harvey neighbors northeast side. East Hazel Crest lies east. Homewood adjoins southeast boundary. Flossmoor touches southern edge. Country Club Hills borders west. 175th Street marked old southern border. Kedzie Avenue defined western edge. Interstate 80 merges with tollway. Governors Highway runs through village. 183rd Street divides townships. I-80/94 affects eastern sections. Rise of land featured hazelnuts. Moraine influences local geography. Suburbs surround the village completely. Chicago Southland area encompasses it. Proximity to loop aids commuting. Natural features enhance living quality.
Demographics and Population Insights
Population reached 13,382 in 2020. Density hit 3,915 per square mile. African Americans comprise 86.25 percent. Whites make up 6.45 percent. Native Americans number 0.26 percent. Asians represent 0.40 percent. Pacific Islanders are 0.03 percent. Other races total 3.01 percent. Two or more races: 3.59 percent. Hispanics form 5.54 percent. Households count 5,011 total. Average household size: 3.49 people. Families number 3,327 overall. Average family size: 2.77 members. Children under 18: 36.7 percent households.
Married couples: 26.46 percent. Female householders alone: 29.38 percent. Non-families: 32.11 percent. Elderly alone: 16.24 percent. Under 18: 30.3 percent population. Ages 18-24: 6.4 percent. Ages 25-44: 23.8 percent. Ages 45-64: 25.6 percent. Over 65: 13.9 percent. Median age: 34.5 years. Males per 100 females: 78.5. Over 18 males ratio: 75.0. Population peaked at 14,816 in 2000. It declined to 13,382 by 2020. Median household income: $55,010. Family income median: $65,477. Per capita income: $29,372.
Home value median: $103,200. Poverty affects 17.0 percent families. Population in poverty: 15.4 percent. Under 18 poverty: 21.7 percent. Over 65 poverty: 7.7 percent. Foreign born: 4.9 percent. Veterans: 666 individuals. Non-English at home: 5.7 percent. Under 5 years: 6.2 percent. Under 18: 27.6 percent. Over 65: 20.2 percent. Females: 55.4 percent. White alone: 7.9 percent. Black alone: 84.7 percent. Two or more: 2.9 percent. Hispanic: 6.1 percent. Non-Hispanic white: 7.2 percent.
Economy and Business Landscape
Agency projects 15,786 residents by 2030. Jobs expected: 3,570 then. In 2000: 2,933 jobs. Major employers include Mi-Jack. Advocate Hospital employs many. Graycor Construction operates here. Giercyzk Real Estate thrives. Waterford Estates hires staff. Palmer Lake Park hosts businesses. Homes range $30,000 to $450,000. English Valley offers condos. Stonebridge provides townhomes. Gingko features apartments.
Ironwood has single-family. Water’s Edge attracts buyers. Healthcare sector booms locally. Retail trade flourishes steadily. Manufacturing supports jobs too. Median income: $68,393 households. Per capita: $30,135. Labor force: 60.6 percent. Female labor: 63.1 percent. Retail sales: $71,259,000 in 2022. Per capita sales: $5,536. Food services: $18,882,000. Health receipts: $350,184,000. Transport revenue: $55,026,000. Employer firms: 165 total. Women-owned: 103 firms. Nonminority-owned: 51. Nonveteran-owned: 129. Shovel-ready sites await investors. Village owns some properties. Land bank partners for acquisitions. Interstate access aids suppliers. Customers reach millions nearby.
Infrastructure sustains businesses well. Streets project improves roads. Metra station renovates soon. Water lines replace lead. Park develops on 175th. Finance department manages funds. Economic development fosters environment. Track record builds best region. Sites ready for development. Investors find opportunities here. Businesses thrive in healthcare. Retail attracts shoppers daily. Manufacturing produces goods efficiently.
Education System in Hazel Crest
Three districts serve elementary students. Prairie-Hills 144 covers most. Hazel Crest 152.5 educates east. Flossmoor 161 handles south. Mae Jemison School operates here. Highlands Elementary teaches kids. Chateaux School serves students. Woodland Elementary in 152.5. Warren Palm School too. Five others outside village. Prairie-Hills Junior High in Markham. Robert Frost Middle in Markham. Parker Junior High in Flossmoor.
No high schools inside village. Thornton 205 serves east. Thornwood and Thornridge options. District 228 covers west. Hillcrest in Country Club Hills. Bremen in Midlothian. Oak Forest High available. Tinley Park High too. District 233 south part. Homewood-Flossmoor in Flossmoor. South Suburban College north. Prairie State College south. District 152.5 has 875 students. Minority enrollment: 100 percent. Economically disadvantaged: 99.3 percent. Obama Learning Academy built new. Jesse White Academy too.
Enrollment around 1,100 total. Communities include East Hazel. Markham areas served too. South Harvey section included. Active community member district. Spelling bee winners celebrated. Institute days reconnect teachers. Workshops improve skills. Activities relax staff. Flossmoor Hills ranks high. Students: 343 there. Ratio: 14:1 teacher-student. High school graduate: 90.7 percent. Bachelor’s or higher: 23.2 percent. Summer programs enrich education. Youth activities coordinate well. Relations liaison helps residents.
Government and Administration
Council-manager form governs village. President Sandra Alexander leads. Clerk Jadie Peters serves. Trustees include Sandra Slayton. Jonathan Cooper on board. Carmilla Malone participates. Marquita Marshall Motley too. Merle Kimbrough-Huckabee involved. Mia Reed appointed recently. Elections occur every odd year. Terms stagger for continuity. Manager Dante Sawyer oversees. Federal district: 2nd congressional.
Robin Kelly represents it. Senators: Durbin and Duckworth. State senate: District 15 east. Napoleon Harris holds it. District 19 west. Michael Hastings serves. House: District 30 east. Will Davis represents. District 38 west. Debbie Meyers-Martin too. Departments handle administration. Community relations build ties. Economic development promotes growth. Finance manages budgets. Fire department protects lives. Police enforce laws. Public works maintains infrastructure. Senior activities engage elders. Transportation aids mobility.
Tree services trim branches. Vehicle stickers regulate parking. President’s message inspires residents. Officials elect every term. Administration coordinates services. Relations foster engagement. Development attracts businesses. Finance ensures fiscal health.
Transportation Networks
Metra Electric Line serves village. Hazel Crest station connects north. Millennium Station in Chicago. South to University Park. Interstate 80 merges tollway. I-294 accesses easily. Major streets: 167th Street. 175th Street crosses village. 183rd Street divides areas. Kedzie Avenue runs north-south. Pulaski Road follows Crawford.
Wood Street provides route. Dixie Highway historic path. Governors Highway four lanes. Pace buses operate routes. Route 750 to Flossmoor. 356 Harvey to Tinley. 359 Homewood to CTA. 354 Harvey loop suburbs. Dial-A-Ride for elderly. Disabled use low fares. Route 460 eliminated 2010. Commuters travel 26.8 minutes average.
Infrastructure projects improve streets. Metra renovation enhances station. Lead lines replace for safety. Water meters update systems. Complete streets resurface roads. Travel time means efficiency. Networks sustain business growth. Residents commute to Chicago. Buses link surrounding areas. Trains provide reliable service. Highways facilitate quick trips.
Community Events and Attractions
Calendar lists upcoming events. Creative Arts lights holidays. Proposal seeks market study. Redevelopment plans Calumet Club. Senior activities engage participants. Transportation helps mobility needs. Tree removal trims hazards. Vehicle stickers ensure compliance. Park District offers programs. Mission statement guides operations.
History documents park growth. Staff directory assists inquiries. Commissioners board meets regularly. Minutes post special notices. Events include drag shows. Vision board brunches inspire. Friend speed dating connects. Scavenger hunts entertain groups. Breaking Point offers fun. Whip it Sip it paints. Rail Fan Park attracts. Climb On challenges climbers. Weekend events vary weekly. AARP lists local attractions. Parks provide hiking trails.
Museums showcase history. Dining options abound nearby. Entertainment venues host shows. Patch calendar updates daily. Groupon deals discount activities. Meetup groups organize events. Board games at Pluto’s. Fiber arts at center. Games begin regularly. Live music performs often. Quaint community nestles suburbs. Expressways access all directions. Featured news highlights happenings. The village of hazel crest hosts celebrations.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Residents enjoy diverse culture. Black community contributions honored. Vendors serve at events. Banquets recognize commissioners. Instagram shares village life. Facebook posts updates frequently. YouTube features official videos. Upcoming events promote unity. Youth activities create fun. Liaison addresses resident concerns. Summer programs enrich education. Park District recreates outdoors. Staff directs community efforts. Board notices inform public. Attractions include nature centers. Trails offer walking paths. Arts celebrate local talents. Holidays light up arts. RFP invites development ideas.
Land sales encourage growth. TOD plan sparks creativity. SDA supports Hazel Crest. Historic downtown shapes future. Gatherings build community bonds. Activities range from cozy. Crafting sessions relax participants. Speed dating fosters friendships. Dreadful drag entertains audiences. Brunch sets yearly tone. Scavenger hunts explore areas. Yelp recommends top spots. Eventbrite lists daily events. Local guide aids discoveries. Museums educate visitors. Dining satisfies tastes. Entertainment thrills crowds. Fun attractions draw families. The village of hazel crest buzzes actively.
Health and Wellness in the Village
Healthcare facilities serve residents. Advocate Hospital provides care. Social assistance generates revenue. Disability affects 9.4 percent under 65. Uninsured under 65: 8.4 percent. Poverty hits 24.0 percent. Households own computers: 95.4 percent. Broadband access: 82.5 percent. Same house one year: 93.2 percent. Persons per household: 2.82.
Owner-occupied rate: 75.0 percent. Home value median: $185,300. Mortgage costs: $1,824 monthly. Without mortgage: $736. Gross rent: $1,320. Wellness programs promote health. Parks encourage outdoor exercise. Events include fitness activities. Community relations coordinate support. Economic impacts restore health. Infrastructure enhances well-being. Funds enhance public services. The village of hazel crest prioritizes wellness.
Future Prospects and Development
Projections show population growth. Jobs increase to 3,570. Development sites await shovels. Investors partner with land bank. Infrastructure sustains expansion. Streets project completes resurfacing. Station renovation improves transit. Water replacements ensure safety. New park develops on street. Comprehensive plan guides East neighbor. Roadmap plans 20 years. Multi-cultural population welcomes all. Proud village invites browsing. ARPA funds restore economy. Health impacts addressed effectively. Infrastructure investments continue. The village of hazel crest plans ahead.
Conclusion
The village of hazel crest offers charm. Residents build strong communities. History enriches its story. Geography positions it ideally. Demographics reflect diversity. Economy supports livelihoods. Education prepares future leaders. Government serves efficiently. Transportation connects seamlessly. Events foster unity. Culture thrives vibrantly. Attractions entertain all. Development promises growth. Wellness ensures health. Prospects brighten ahead. Visitors discover its appeal. Families choose it home. Businesses invest confidently. Leaders guide progress. Neighbors bond closely. The village of hazel crest endures.
READ ALSO: How to Get Rid of a Crick in Your Neck Complete Guide