Chicago Ridge, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chicago Ridge, Illinois
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Location of Chicago Ridge in Cook County, Illinois.
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 Chicago Ridge, Illinois
Location in Greater Chicago
Chicago Ridge, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Chicago Ridge, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State | Illinois | |
| County | Cook | |
| Township | Worth | |
| Incorporated | 1914 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Council–manager | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.27 sq mi (5.87 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.27 sq mi (5.87 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 14,433 | |
| • Density | 6,363.76/sq mi (2,457.11/km2) | |
| Standard of living (2007-11) | ||
| • Per capita income | $22,822 | |
| • Home value | $180,300 | |
| ZIP code(s) |
60414, 60415
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| Area code(s) | 708 | |
| Geocode | 17-14065 | |
| FIPS code | 17-14065 | |
Chicago Ridge is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It's a suburb of Chicago, located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Chicago. In 2020, about 14,433 people lived there.
Contents
History of Chicago Ridge
Chicago Ridge got its name from the small hills, or "ridges," left behind by trains. These trains carried dirt from the area to help build the Columbian Exposition in 1893.
Early Settlement and Growth
The village officially became a town on October 17, 1914. It covers about 2.2 square miles (5.7 square kilometers). A stream called Stony Creek flows through the village. This creek was once part of a canal system. German and Dutch farmers started settling here in the 1850s.
More people moved to the area when the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad arrived in 1882. Later, another railroad, the Chicago and Calumet Terminal Railway, also built tracks and rail yards in the village.
In 1898, a company called Paul E. Berger Company opened a factory. They made cash registers and slot machines. The company built homes for its workers, and a small community grew around the factory. It had a tavern, a place to stay, and a grocery store. The first post office opened in the factory in 1900. A train station was added in 1902.
Local Events and Incorporation
Both Chicago Ridge and nearby Worth were busy because of a racetrack on 111th Street. A local person, Fred Herbert, even won the Kentucky Derby horse race in 1910! The racetrack was later taken down in 1911. Today, a cemetery is located where the racetrack used to be.
After the town of Oak Lawn became a village in 1909, Chicago Ridge decided to do the same. Becoming an official village meant they could make many improvements. They could replace old wooden sidewalks, fix swampy areas, and start local services. They could also have elected leaders who would be responsible to the community.
The village leaders worked hard to improve Chicago Ridge. They paved streets, installed sewers, added street lights, and built sidewalks. They also brought fresh water from Lake Michigan to the area.
Chicago Ridge grew quite a bit over the years. In 1920, only 176 people lived there. By 1950, the population was 888. As more homes were needed and new roads were built, Chicago Ridge grew even faster. By 1960, there were 5,748 people, and by 2000, the population reached 14,127.
Geography
Chicago Ridge is located in Cook County, Illinois. It is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of the center of Chicago. The village is surrounded by other towns. Oak Lawn is to the north and east. Bridgeview and Palos Hills are to the west. Worth is to the south. The village covers a total area of about 2.27 square miles (5.87 square kilometers), all of which is land.
People of Chicago Ridge (Demographics)
As of 2020, Chicago Ridge had 14,433 people living there. There were 5,339 households, which are groups of people living together in one home. About 27.3% of these households had children under 18.
The average age of people in Chicago Ridge was about 35.7 years old. About 22.6% of the population was under 18.
Most people in Chicago Ridge are White (about 72.54%). There are also African American (9.77%), Asian (2.33%), and Native American (0.28%) residents. About 15.64% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The average income for a household in the village was about $51,555. For families, it was about $64,206. About 21% of the total population lived below the poverty line. This included about 32.3% of children under 18.
Business and Fun
Chicago Ridge has many businesses and places for fun.
Businesses and Industry
One important company that used to be based in Chicago Ridge was Landis Plastics, Inc. They made plastic containers for food products like dairy. This company was bought by Berry Plastics Corp. in 2003.
There is also a large area called The Park at Chicago Ridge. It's a 135-acre (0.55 km2) industrial park. This park is great for businesses because it has train access and is close to major highways.
Shopping
For shopping, there's the Chicago Ridge Mall. It has over 130 stores and a movie theater. Another shopping area is the Chicago Ridge Commons, which has over 55 smaller stores.
Culture and Recreation
Chicago Ridge offers fun events and places to play.
RidgeFest
Every year, Chicago Ridge hosts a big party called RidgeFest. It happens on the last weekend of July at Freedom Park. It's one of the most popular summer festivals in the southwest Chicago area. Many people from all over the Chicago area come to enjoy it.
Parks and Recreation
The Chicago Ridge Park District manages 23 acres (93,000 m2) of land for fun activities. They have nine parks with:
- Tennis courts
- Baseball fields
- A fitness center and gym
- A miniature golf course
- Batting cages
The park district also offers more than 100 different programs for people of all ages.
Getting Around (Transportation)
Chicago Ridge has good transportation options.
- Train Service: There's a train station on Metra's SouthWest Service line. This train provides daily service between Manhattan, Illinois, and Chicago Union Station.
- Bus Service: Pace buses offer routes that connect Chicago Ridge to many other places in the Southland area.
Education
Chicago Ridge has several public and private schools.
Public Schools
The public schools in Chicago Ridge are part of the Chicago Ridge School District 1271⁄2.
- Elden Finley Junior High School: This is the middle school for grades 6 through 8. Their mascot is a Viking, and their colors are black, white, and gray.
- Ridge Central Elementary School: This is one of the elementary schools for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Their mascot is stars, and their colors are navy blue and gold.
- Ridge Lawn Elementary School: This is the other elementary school for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Their mascot is an eagle, and their colors are royal blue and white.
For high school, students from Chicago Ridge attend Harold L. Richards High School in nearby Oak Lawn.
The village also has the Chicago Ridge Public Library, the Freedom Activity Center (which has preschool programs), and a Teen Center.
Private Schools
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago used to run Catholic schools in the area. Our Lady of the Ridge Catholic School closed in 2018.
Notable Person
- Tim Pyznarski, a former professional baseball player who played for the San Diego Padres.
See also
In Spanish: Chicago Ridge para niños
