Differences between Tinley Park and Orland Park (Oak Park, Frankfort: appointed, low crime)

[robinegms]

Can anyone help me understand the difference between Tinley Park and Orland Park. We are relocating as a family of six and am looking for insider information regarding things like general community feel, downtown area, middle and High Schools, shopping, welcoming of outsiders, taxes or ??? anything else that might be helpful when looking for a home. Thanks!

[vmsns]

I grew up in Tinley and Frankfort and am very familiar with the area. Tinley and Orland are fairly similar in that they're both mostly white, family-oriented SW suburbs with low crime rates and roughly the same populations. A quick glance at Wikipedia shows that Orland is the more affluent and older of the two ($95k average family income as of 2007 and 41 median age, compared to Tinley's $84k and 36 median age).

To me, Tinley has little bit more of a blue-collar vibe compared to Orland, with older buildings and homes there and more new(er) construction homes in Orland (especially on the west side of town near the Homer Glen area). Tinley has the more traditional downtown area centered around the train tracks on Oak Park Avenue. Both have access to I80 and 355, as well as 57, 55 and easy Metra access if you want to go downtown. There's obviously good shopping in Orland with the mall on 151st, which can sometimes make traffic a nightmare, especially around LaGrange road. A Whole Foods just opened across the street as well, and a new Mariano's a few minutes down the road in Frankfort. The bar scene is okay in both, but Tinley and Orland are severely lacking in decent restaurants, with most of your options being confined to chain restaurants. As far as schools go, I don't know the specifics in terms of raw data or test scores or any of that, but I do know that Sandburg HS in Orland and VJ Andrew in Tinley have reputations as good schools. People seem a bit more divided on Tinley Park High School (I know more than enough people that have moved out of Tinely to nearby Frankfort or Orland just so their kids wouldn't have to go there, my parents included). In my personal experience, Tinley and Orland aren't vibrant, hip or super-exciting places to visit, but I'd say both communities would be a fine place to raise a family.

Hope that helped.

[robinegms]

It definitely helps. Thank You!

[urza216]

The Whole Foods is across the street from Barnes and Noble not the mall. Just an FYI.

[robinegms]

Thanks!

[svillechris]

I can tell you as someone who does not live in either town that Orland Park has the image/reputation of being a notch more affluent and more desirable.

[robinegms]

That is what I was sensing... thank you for saying it.

[suburbian67]

As a resident of Orland Park, I highly recommend moving here! Conveniences include the close proximity to many stores and restaurants, a great park district, and award-winning schools. Regarding specific areas of town and subdivisions, I would recommend looking at homes in the Brook Hills neighborhood (171st and Wolf) or any homes in the western/southwestern parts of the village. This area of Orland attends Century Jr. High and Sandburg High School (best schools) and tends to be more family oriented and safer for kids. As for Tinley Park, it tends to be thought of as the less-affluent neighbor of Orland. Although the area is still great and very safe for families, I would strongly caution you to look for homes west of 84th Avenue (Prairie View Middle School attendance area) because some areas on the western side of town are starting to become a little sketchier. Overall, both communities offer great amenities and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with your decision to relocate here!

[robinegms]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[Wicket]

Originally Posted by suburbian67

I would strongly caution you to look for homes west of 84th Avenue (Prairie View Middle School attendance area) because some areas on the western side of town are starting to become a little sketchier.

Uh oh.