Will County, Illinois
Braidwood Real Estate and Local Guide
Braidwood is a former coal-mining town about 53 miles southwest of Chicago that grew after coal was discovered there in 1864 and later became home to Illinois' first miners' union local. Its Route 66 heritage and nearby fossil beds anchor much of the community's identity. Ranked Realty pairs verified local data with the agents who know Braidwood best.
About the area
Living in Braidwood, IL
The surrounding coal district is world-famous for Mazon Creek fossils, and the town produced figures such as United Mine Workers president John Mitchell and future Chicago mayor Anton Cermak, who worked the mines here.
The housing market
Homes in Braidwood
- About 82% of housing units are owner-occupied.
- Roughly 73% of housing is detached single-family homes.
- The median owner-occupied home value is about $205,900.
Landmarks and lifestyle
What makes Braidwood home
Polk-a-Dot Drive In
1950s-style Route 66 diner opened in 1956, known for fiberglass Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Blues Brothers figures
Sun Motel (former Braidwood Inn)
Motel featured in the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station
Large Exelon-operated nuclear plant serving the Chicago region, sited just outside the city
Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area
State area southeast of the city known for Mazon Creek fossil hunting by permit, including the Tully Monster
Braidwood Lake
Former coal-mine cooling lake used for fishing, waterfowl hunting, and fossil hunting
For agents
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Local facts on this page are verified against public sources as part of the AppWT local-data project. Data reflects the most recent available figures.