Sixty-thousand-square-feet of sprawling prairie. That’s what Orland Hills once was. Before it became the village we know today.
Orland Hills a quiet suburban gem in Cook County Illinois. It sits just southwest of Chicago. Its history stretches back to 1836-37. That’s when land speculators first bought the land. Farmland flourished. By the 1850s the area saw population growth.
But Orland Hills wasn’t always Orland Hills. Initially it was a small subdivision called Westhaven. Incorporated in 1961 it officially became Orland Hills in 1986. The name change clarified its place within Orland Township. This small change reflected a larger transformation. A sleepy rural area blossoming into a vibrant community.
Imagine those early settlers. They transformed this prairie land. They built homes. They created farms. They laid the foundations for the village we see today. Life wasn’t always easy. The early years saw financial and administrative struggles. Growth was slow at first. The first request for new housing permits wasn’t until 1970.
But the village persevered. New construction projects emerged. Land was annexed. By 1971 Wittich Memorial Church was building a subdivision called Christian Hills. Commercial development along 159th Street and parts of 94th Avenue followed in the 1990s.
Orland Hills isn’t just about its history. It boasts two lakes Lake Ashbourne and Lake Lorin. It also features Kelly Park offering recreational opportunities. This small village has a surprisingly large and varied community. It’s a testament to its resilient past.
Today Orland Hills continues to grow and thrive. Its proximity to Chicago offers residents a blend of suburban peace and urban convenience. It has evolved from a small collection of farmhouses. It transformed into a thriving village with a rich history. It is still a community with a welcoming atmosphere. A place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. A place you can call home.