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Oak Park, Illinois |
Nine miles from downtown Chicago, this scenic suburb is actually a township filled with people who either commute to the lakefront city or just ignore it altogether.
Celebrity history abounds here: it's the birthplace of Tarzan author Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ernest Hemingway, McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, and Bob Newhart. Talk about diversity.
Oak Park was also the sometime home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Numerous homes here were designed by Wright, and some are available for touring. These landmarks, while gorgeous, have also raised property values to steeper levels.
Yet the town continues to strive for economic and social diversity. Three years ago Oak Park voters elected the first out lesbian in Illinois. They recently approved a domestic partnership registry, and many community groups are gay friendly or GLBT specific.
Local Talk
Marie: "If you're gay, then you're definitely welcome here, with a lesbian and gay association, youth programs, and inclusive houses of worship. We may not be as big as Chicago, but if you want a gay place to call home, this is it."
Tim: "You do pay a bit more for the convenience to Chicago, but it's worth it. The village offers a wonderful community atmosphere, welcoming people of all different sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, professions, and incomes."
Marjorie: "This town is fabulous. We moved here almost four years ago. The high school has a gay/straight alliance, and an anti-discrimination policy that was conceived and put into effect through student efforts. The village is committed to all kinds of diversity. I could go on and on!"
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