[3] The earliest European settlement in Bridgeview occurred in the 1830s, when the area was still populated by Native American groups.

Local residents chose the name "Bridgeview" by one vote over "Oketo", which remains a street name in the village today.

Bridgeview's motto is "A Well Balanced Community", as the village's zoning is divided equally into residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

[citation needed] Its proximity to Chicago's Midway Airport and downtown, along with access to major highways, has made it a crossroads of the inner southwest suburbs.[promotion?]

The Fifth District Circuit Court of Cook County is located in Bridgeview near 103rd Street and 76th Avenue.

Bridgeview borders the following communities: Bedford Park, Nottingham Park (unincorporated Cook County, often considered part of Chicago due to its 60638 ZIP code[9][circular reference]), Burbank, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and Justice.

Numerous self-owned businesses create an atmosphere similar to that of some Arab diaspora communities across the world.

Businesses include ethnic grocery stores (containing imported groceries and appliances used to cook regional dishes, cultural souvenirs, and calling cards used specifically for customers to use when speaking to relatives overseas), hookah lounges, and Middle Eastern sweet shops.

"[4][6] Bridgeview was the home of the Chicago Fire professional Major League Soccer team between 2006 and 2019, whose stadium was funded and operated by the village.

Toyota Park hosted the 2006 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, and continues to be a premier venue for important concerts.