Growing Together
The Azam Family’s next chapter in Oak Brook
Salman and Saba Azam’s decision to leave Chicago’s South Loop for Oak Brook came as their family entered a new stage in life. They valued their years in the city—Salman described Chicago as “a great transition from New York, where I was born and raised,” while Saba spent her law school years there. Their children, Lana, now 5, and Dean, now 3, were born during that chapter, and the couple appreciated that the energy of downtown Chicago shaped their early years. As safety concerns increased and their children approached school age, however, Salman and Saba began reassessing where they wanted to build their long-term home. “It was a very natural time to make the big move to the suburbs,” Saba said.
“SSS; Safety, Schools and Space.”
— Saba Azam on why they chose to call Oak Brook home
The shift was already underway in their daily lives. Extended family and close friends were gathering more frequently in the western suburbs for birthdays, holidays, and social events, drawing the couple there regularly. Oak Brook stood out for its proximity to downtown Chicago, strong school system, extensive parks and recreation offerings, children’s programming, shopping, dining, and manageable size—large enough to offer amenities, yet small enough to foster genuine connections.
When Salman and Saba visited Brook Forest, they felt an immediate sense of belonging. The neighborhood’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community resonated with them, and it also offered the opportunity to build a custom home. Construction on their house by HB Builders was completed in February 2024, and the family moved to Oak Brook the following month.
Once settled, daily life in Brook Forest quickly reinforced their decision. One of the first things they appreciated was the elementary school in the neighborhood, which created the sense of closeness and routine they had hoped for. They also enjoyed seeing children outside, playing and interacting throughout the day. “We have a real sense of community, belonging and support amongst young families,” Salman said. With many neighbors raising children of similar ages, friendships formed naturally for both parents and kids, leading to regular playdates, potlucks, and shared traditions.
The warmth of the neighborhood helped ease the transition. Neighbors welcomed the family with treats, advice, and help navigating suburban routines like trash rules, landscapers and snow removal. Brook Forest, the couple observed, felt like a place where people looked out for one another and community connections formed easily. “It truly feels like you can ask your neighbor for a cup of sugar,” said Saba.
As they became more rooted in Oak Brook, the Azams embraced many of the village’s traditions and events, attending the Taste of Oak Brook, Winter Lights, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, the Holiday Express Train, and the Oak Brook International Festival, which has become a favorite annual tradition. Lana and Dean enjoy frequent visits to the Sandlot and Salt Creek Park, while Salman and Saba make time for date nights at COA, Violi, and Piccolo Bucco. Family dinners often take them to Labriola, Cheesecake Factory, and Pinstripes. They are also excited about several Chicago favorites opening in Oak Brook. “It further validates that we picked a great town to move to,” Saba said.
After moving from Chicago’s South Loop in 2024, Salman and Saba Azam enjoy family time in Oak Brook.
Service and community involvement remain central to the Azams’ family values. Salman previously delivered a TEDx talk titled Success Through Service, inspired by Muhammad Ali’s quote, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” In 2024, he received Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Nonprofit Board Leader award. In Oak Brook, he now serves on the Brook Forest Homeowners Association board and is expected to be appointed to the Oak Brook Sports Advisory Committee in January 2026.
Saba has forged her own connections within the community. As a remote attorney for Liberty Mutual Insurance, she often works from the Oak Brook Library, a place that holds personal meaning for her. “The library was an important part of my childhood, and I’m still a bookworm,” Saba said. She has also become involved with the Women of Oak Brook, which she describes as empowering and supportive.
During this same period, Nexus Healthcare Management LLC established its presence in Oak Brook, opening its first office in the village in June 2025. Salman is a co-founder and principal of the company and serves as its chief financial officer and general counsel. He said Oak Brook offered “a central location that can’t be beat, is easy for clients, easy to recruit staff, and is close to principals that live in Oak Brook.” The couple was also impressed by the village staff, noting that the same support they experienced during their home-building process carried over as Nexus opened its Oak Brook office.
When friends from the city ask why they chose Oak Brook, the Azams answer succinctly. “SSS; Safety, Schools and Space,” Saba said. As they think about what they hope Lana and Dean will remember about growing up in Brook Forest, the emphasis remains on connection and community.
