"And it looks like you're gonna have to see me again / Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, I'm your boy" -- From "Illinois" by Dan Fogelberg
Midlothian, Il was named after a pastoral county in Scotland. It was little more than a siding for the Rock Island Railroad until 1898 when it was "discovered" by Chicago industrialists wanting to escape the crowded city. The draw was the new Midlothian Country Club and Golf Course. Deciding they needed faster access for their foursomes, they convinced the Rock Island Railroad to build a spur track, and soon passenger trains were whisking people away from Chicago to the quiet little village. Soon, it was no longer quiet or little. Today's "village" of 14,819 residents lies in the northeastern section of Illinois in Cook County. Rolling hills, meadows and forested woodlands still draw people to the area.
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Moving to Midlothian
Midlothian is one of Illinois' most livable communities. Apartment rentals are spacious with mostly one and two bedrooms.
When Should I Start Looking?
If you want to live here, start your search for apartments now. It may take a while because property rentals here are in demand. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find an apartment in Midlothian.
Where Should I Look?
There aren't real neighborhoods in this village since it's relatively small. Most of what you'll need in Midlothian will be along 147thStreet and Pulaski Road, so if local transportation is an issue, you might want to start there. This is where you'll find grocery stores, bus transportation and easy eateries. Nearby Oak Forest is close to the Midlothian Country Club. Look into zip code 60477, part of which is in nearby Tinley Park, for higher amenities and also higher prices. Here are the lake-view hi rise apartments and townhouses to rent with easy access to the I-57, I-80 and I-294 highways and the META. Biking and hiking paths also meander throughout this area.
What You Need to Move There
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure housing for rent in Midlothian. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? Bring more money for a deposit.
Life in the City
Culture
The Beverly Arts Center is a gem. It's a school of the arts, a 400-seat performance space that feels surprisingly intimate, an art-house movie theater, an art gallery, and a true champion of innovative programming in this culturally unreserved part of town. It's also a gorgeous building on 111th in the Beverly / Morgan Park neighborhood. There's art on every wall throughout the two stories. Live music is frequently presented on the stage. BAC offers a variety of art classes, photography, pilates and a score of other interest sessions that you can drop into or sign up for.
Shopping
Midlothian Village has the basics you'll need like grocery (there are 13 within a mile of the downtown area) and hardware stores and of course a Wal-Mart, but you'll also find some unique emporiums.
Witchy Wearables is a great little place tucked into a small shop and just loaded with love and lore with apparently unlimited places for the eye and mind to wander. There's so much in such a small space, it qualifies as "cozy" in part due to the welcoming, laid-back vibes created by Kate & Morn, proprietors.
And now for something completely different -- the Alsip Swap-O-Rama Flea Market in the close by town of Alsip. You'll find vendors of everything from household goods to shea butter from Ghana. There are a few rules to keep in mind when you're shopping here: barter, it's expected; check out all the vendors before you buy-- prices fluctuate wildly; have fun.
Dine out
Although burger and fast food places crowd 147th Street, there are some great eateries right in the center of Midlothian. Italian restaurants are in vast supply in this area and one of the best rated is Bella Mia. The decor is lovely, warm, and welcoming with cloth tablecloths, candles and great service. You can try something different here every visit, and expect a tasty adventure with every dish. A great breakfast place is a treasure when you find it. Egg Headz in Tinley Park -- not very far next door to Midlothian -- fits that bill. Any place with Crab Cakes Benedict has to have a creative chef, and the menu here is not only huge but very diverse.
Get Outdoors
To walk, be outside, and enjoy nature visit Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. A one-mile mulched path surrounds the lake and the walking is easy for people of all ages. There's a lovely Clubhouse and Festival Grounds that are often rented for weddings. Pretty and serene with a small man-made waterfall, it's a peaceful place to relax. You have to look for it because it is tucked into a condo complex, but it's open to the public. There's no fishing, but a boat dock and boats for rent are available if you want to get out on the water.
Getting Around
Midlothian residents have access to a station for the Rock Island Railroad into Chicago. The PACE bus transportation provides service mostly along 147th Street from the east end of town to the west and Pulaski Road from north to south.
You're going to need a car to successfully navigate the area away from public transportation unless you find housing around the center of town or around Pulaski Road and 147th Street. This area has most of the grocery stores and services you'll want. To get to the Amtrak stations, the closest is 5 miles away in Homewood, you'll need to have your own transportation.
At 15 minutes, Midlothian commuters have a longer trip, about 17.9 percent, than the average Illinoisan, and 26.9 percent greater than the national average. About 80% drive their own cars or carpool with colleagues. The closest passenger airports are Chicago Midway International airport, 11.2 miles away, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 15 miles distant.
