$921,758Average Value$303Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
High concentration of Prairie School architecture just outside Chicago
A stunning Chicago suburb best known for its Prairie School architecture, River Forest is coveted for its concentration of historic homes and closeness to the city. “If you want a unique home with close proximity to this city, this is where you should look,” explains Brian Behan, a lifelong resident and real estate agent who, after growing up in the village, decided to raise his own family there. “It’s chock-full of Frank Lloyd Wright houses. There are more here than anywhere else.” He goes on to explain that there’s a 20-minute, nonstop Metra ride to the city that makes it easy not only to commute but to grab dinner in Chicago or hang out there on weekends, something he did with such frequency in his youth that he wanted to raise his kids there. On top of that, the community has excellent parks, recreation programs and sought-after schools: to him, the choice to stay in River Forest was easy.
River Forest homes draw a lot of visual interest in their architectural design.
River Forest homes can reach upwards to several million dollars.
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More Frank Lloyd Wright homes than anywhere else
River Forest contains a diversity of early 20th-century American residential architecture and is best known for housing several works of the acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie School contemporaries — William Drummond, Spencer and Powers and E.E. Roberts, to name a few. Aside from Prairie School, common styles in the village include Gothic Revival, Victorian and Tudor Revival. “Even if you didn’t know the address of a house, you’d be able to find it because it wouldn’t look like any other house on the block,” Behan says. He explains that the adjacent community of Oak Park is also known for its concentration of renowned architecture, but that River Forest has larger lots than Oak Park. According to Behan, the average price for a single-family home in River Forest is about $1 million, with an entry-level of about $700,000, and the most expensive house in the village exceeds $3 million. There are also condos, and those start at about $100,000.
Hiking in Thatcher Woods and recreation in the River Forest Park District
River Forest is bordered to the west by Thatcher Woods, a nearly 250-acre nature preserve with a natural history museum and wooded trails. The village has smaller community parks woven into its streets and “great park district programs,” Behan says. Among these are adult sports leagues, like softball, volleyball and pickleball, and Behan’s personal favorite, platform tennis: “They have a travel program that allows adults to travel to other suburbs to compete with other teams,” he says.
Take a walk through forested paths in Thatcher Woods, located in River Forest.
River Forest locals enjoy fishing at the Thatcher Glen Pond.
Play some one on one at the Keystone Park basketball courts in River Forest.
River Forest locals play some pickleball on the elevated courts at Keystone Park.
There are many tennis courts near River Forest.
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Charming local restaurants and nearby retail shopping
A variety of local eateries surround River Forest, like Johnnie’s Beef, an old-timey hot dog stand; Russell’s Barbecue, a counter-service barbecue joint; and FatDuck Tavern & Grill, a bar and grill known for its duck fat fries and craft beer. There’s a Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s all in the village, making grocery shopping easy, and residents can head just west to Winston Plaza for extensive retail shopping, chain restaurants and a movie theater.
River Forest students can study at a variety of coffee shops like Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea.
River Forest residents are only a few minutes away from the boutique shops in Oak Park.
Chat with friends over drinks and burgers at FatDuck Tavern & Grill in River Forest.
A number of big box retailers like Target are located just north of River Forest.
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Public programs include historic preservation, senior services and the River Forest Public Library
River Forest has a variety of public programs that serve the community with ongoing events like bingo and art classes at the Senior Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships, story times at the River Forest Public Library and a Historic Preservation Commission, which meets monthly to review applications for Landmark properties and educates the community regarding historic and architectural preservation.
Families can check out reading material at the River Forest Public Library.
Enjoy a quiet study or work session at the River Forest Public Library.
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River Forest’s award-winning public schools
River Forest students attend River Forest Public Schools: Lincoln or Willard Elementary School, followed by Roosevelt Middle, all of which received A ratings on the educational review site, Niche. In 2015, Lincoln Elementary School received a Blue Ribbon, as did Roosevelt Middle School in 2012. After Roosevelt, students attend Oak Park and River Forest High School, which received an A-plus and offers more than 200 courses, programs for students with special needs, 90 clubs and activities and 29 competitive sports. Parents also have the option to send their kids to Grace Lutheran School or St. Luke School, both of which enroll students in preschool through eighth grade. Dominican University is also located in the village.
Welcome to Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Roosevelt Middle School has a stately sign, reflecting the ideals of this River Forest school.
Willard Elementary School in River Forest is embolded with their wizard mascot.
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A nonstop Metra ride to the city
“River Forest is the second suburb outside Chicago’s city limits, so people move here for proximity to the city,” Behan says. “It’s a 20-minute Metra ride with no stops. The next stop is downtown Chicago.” It’s about a 30-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport, and the closest hospital, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, is less than two miles away.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicholas Framularo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in River Forest, IL sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in River Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $662,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This one you have to see! Located in the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic district!! They live in top floor unit (first set of pics in the group is their unit). The units are spacious and very light and bright!! All three units are 2 bed (plus den office space in 2 of them) and one bath. When my client bought the building, they rehabbed all the units and they are
Mark Paul@properties Christie's International Real Estate
1 Bed / 1 Bath Condo in great River Forest location, near Harlem Ave & North Ave. First-floor condo, corner unit. Spacious layout with large living room + dining room combo. Original hardwood floors. Full kitchen with cabinetry. Full bathroom with ceramic tub. Parking lot in rear of building. Assigned Parking Spot #9 is included in sale. Unit has a direct window view of parking spot. Front
Stunning River Forest home that seamlessly combines modern luxury with timeless charm. A full-scale renovation with classic architectural details, nearly every detail was renewed. Mechanicals, electrical, plumbing, insulation, windows, roof (2024), gutters, flooring, kitchen, and baths. All enhanced by custom millwork throughout, copper water service in, and a new drain line out. At the heart of
Move right into this stunningly refreshed 2-bedroom, 1-bath top-floor retreat in the heart of north River Forest! The sunlit interiors, freshly painted in soothing tones, are complemented by brand-new, high-end engineered flooring that's not only scratch-resistant but also soundproof-perfect for everyday living. You'll love the added warmth and charm throughout, while the included outdoor parking
Spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in a very well-maintained, secure elevator building in sought-after River Forest. This end unit, located on the top floor features so much natural light! Enter the unit to find plenty of closet space for coats, etc and take in the generous living room with a large balcony and adjascent dining room. The huge eat-in kitchen is a chef's dream with loads of cabinet
Welcome to your "Lake Street Paradise!" This charming 3-bedroom River Forest home perfectly balances classic character with functional living. Start your mornings on the expansive enclosed front porch, a versatile space featuring built-in storage and bathed in natural light. Inside, gleaming hardwood floors lead you through a sun-drenched living room anchored by a cozy fireplace-perfect for quiet
Vintage Charm!!! Bright 2-bedroom condo in lovely vintage building. Spacious living room and formal dining room. In unit washer and dryer. Hardwood floors throughout. Deeded 1 car garage. Well maintained building. Fantastic location near shopping, restaurant and movie theaters. Green line and Metra. Near River Forest Town Center and downtown Oak Park.
Jan Raspatello@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome to 424 Park Avenue #205, where modern living meets classic River Forest charm. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo has been completely renovated from top to bottom just a few years ago - and we mean everything. New luxury kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, new flooring throughout, new HVAC, brand new appliances, sleek sliding glass doors - it's been meticulously updated. There's
Daniel Halperin@properties Christie's International Real Estate
4-bed, 3.5-bath home. Fully expanded and remodeled in 2015, offers 4000+ sq/ft Fully Finished (including basement). Quartz tops, slate tile, travertine, 8" moldings, dual zoned hvac, concrete driveway, Thermador, fire sprinklers, freshly refinished floors, mature landscaping and SO SO much more. This home is ready for its next owners after being meticulously cared for by the same family for 30
Jonathan ReithBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Rare opportunity to purchase 100x184.53 lot in River Forest. Possibility to build up to 11 condos or townhomes (buyer to confirm). Currently vacant lot, paved for parking. Buyer to complete all necessary due diligence.
Great Location in North West River Forest !! ESTATE SALE : ****Motivated Seller Says Make an Offer Ready to Deal and Move On !!! **** This beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath condo is located in a neighborhood of million dollar homes. This unit has Brand New White Oak floors through out, upgrades not common in other units. Including a stunning newer kitchen with high end cabinets, granite counter tops, newer
Spacious first floor unit in the center of River Forest freshly painted ready for you to move in. Don't miss this beautiful unit with oversized rooms, hardwood floors, walk in utility closet and a large eat-in kitchen. Primary bedroom has ample closet space and attached full bath. 2nd bedroom is perfect for an office or guest bedroom, also with full bath. Watch the world go by on your balcony
Welcome to this well-maintained studio located in a secure entry building with elevator access, offering both convenience and comfort. This unit features hardwood floors throughout, granite countertops in the kitchen, an electric stainless steel stove for easy cooking, stainless steel microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. The bathroom includes ceramic tile finishes, adding a clean and modern
Beautiful 2nd floor with 2 bedrooms and a huge 3rd floor loft bedroom or maybe a home office or just a huge space for what ever you need it to be! Freshly painted. Updated Kitchen with separate breakfast room which could also be an office or huge walk in pantry. Newer full bath. Formal dining room & living rm w/fireplace. Huge fully fenced in yard, Grill & Patio usage available. All utilities
TOP FLOOR 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, meticulously renovated in 2023, in a friendly 35-unit elevator building, centrally located in downtown Oak Park/River Forest, with a sweeping, private balcony view of downtown Oak Park and beyond. 3 blocks from Metra and Green Line stations, and easy walking distance to all that downtown Oak Park and River Forest have to offer. All new kitchen in 2023
Fully renovated and truly move-in ready-this unit feels like it has never been lived in. This perfectly located two-bedroom, one-bath residence features modern, up-to-date finishes throughout. Enjoy brand-new appliances, countertops, flooring, and fresh paint-offering the look and feel of new construction. This unit will not last. Minimum 720 credit score required. On-site parking available for
The Emerson blends cozy comfort with stunning features in studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment homes located in the heart of Oak Park. Live where contemporary amenities--like a heated swimming pool, premium fitness center with flex studio, and sprawling views of the Chicago skyline--intersect perfectly with the familiar comforts of a friendly neighborhood. Experience the charm of Oak Park while
Fully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath apartment featuring modern finishes and in-unit laundry. Includes two dedicated parking spaces. Conveniently located near downtown Oak Park, close to shopping, dining, and public transportation. Additional Pet fee of $50 Monthly Pets are to not exceed 20 Lbs Max:2 Pets **BEWARE OF SCAMS** Do NOT send any payments to anyone not authorized to manage this property**
Welcome to Oak Park Place, a residential community featuring studio, one, two or three bedroom apartments in Oak Park, IL. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Oak Park, IL? Contact our friendly, professional office
Retro condo with updates and FREE HEAT and PARKING! This centrally located, ground floor gem has just about everything! Unit features an eat-in kitchen with ample cabinets and white appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave) carpeted and spacious rooms, air conditioning, coin-operated laundry in the basement, and there's a storage locker and one free parking spot included in
Welcome to your new home in Melrose Park! This 2-bed, 2-bath apartment is available for $1,350/month. Rent includes heat, gas, and water. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed. A $1,350 security deposit is required. Don't miss out on this convenient and affordable living opportunity!
$1,400 per month
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,000 Sq Ft
Nice and clean 2 bedroom apt. with hardwood floors in Lr/Dr , Decorative fireplace in LR, includes stove and refrigerator , new windows, Great Location, close to public transportation, stores, and restaurants
Listing presented by Marshall Lee, licensed leasing agent with Fulton Grace.Welcome to the epitome of modern living in Oak Park! This building combines style, convenience, and comfort seamlessly; just blocks from the CTA Green Line, Metra, and Lake Street, with easy access to parks, cafes, and Oak Park's iconic architecture. Rent includes water, trash, exterior maintenance, security
Bright & Spacious 2 Bed / 2 Bath Condo in Prime Elmwood Park Location! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3rd-floor end-unit condo offering comfort, convenience, and abundant natural light. With 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this south-facing home enjoys sunlight all day, perfect for relaxing on your private balcony or unwinding in the generously sized living room. Step inside to find
No hidden feesParking is includedNo extra fees for petsLarge storage includedOwner pays for water and garbage. Tenants pay for electricity and gas. No smoking. 1 month security deposit. Proof of income and good credit history is required. 1 year lease minimum. Long term possibility.
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