$967,188Average Value$310Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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
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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.
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On average, homes in River Forest, IL sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in River Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $575,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
RARE OPPORTUNITY as this charming home, located on one of River Forest's highly sought-after blocks, is available after 50 years. With mature trees on its 50'x200' foot lot and located mere blocks from top-rated schools, library, parks, transportation and other amenities, this storybook cottage home with large rooms and beamed ceilings offers an unbeatable location with room to live, expand or
Exceptional location in Downtown Oak Park! This luxury building is nestled in the midst of all downtown Oak Park has to offer: outstanding restaurants, shops and the Metra Train, Green Line El and Pace Bus System. Minutes to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and Oak Park's Historic District of homes. Within the community are top elementary, middle and high schools as well as three
Fabulous split floor plan in this sunny condo. This lovely, south-facing unit gets exceptional light. 2 bedrooms and 2 baths (one en suite) with a central living area and a bedroom to the east and west. This unit has a balcony off the living room, a full side-by-side laundry closet, a storage space on the same floor, and 1 heated garage space (with another extra-deep storage area). Bedroom
Welcome to this classic brick Colonial in one of River Forest's most convenient and desirable in-town locations. Filled with natural light, this is the kind of place that feels like home from the moment you walk in-and one that gives you the space and flexibility to settle in and enjoy everyday life. Mornings here start off easy, with sunlight pouring into the main living spaces and plenty of
Expansive 3 level townhome situated in a fantastic north Forest Park location. The first level features a spacious family room/office, in-unit washer/dryer and an attached 2 car garage. The open concept 2nd level includes hardwood floors, a living room with fireplace, dining area, updated kitchen with granite countertops and additional cabinetry in the breakfast area. Enjoy your morning coffee on
Completely remodeled from top to bottom. Kitchen, Baths, Basement, 24 X 24 garage new in 2007. Windows (2001 & 2005), hwh (2015) AC (2008), Furnace (2019) Chimney re-built (2010) tuckpointing (2007) siding (2005) Roof (2020).
Located in the heart of highly sought-after Oak Park, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom townhome with a den and a 2-car attached garage at 1132 Schneider Avenue offers a rare opportunity to enjoy style, convenience, and community in one of Chicagoland's most vibrant neighborhoods. Just moments from Oak Park's charming downtown district, you'll enjoy easy access to locally loved restaurants,
Attractive red brick Colonial on a corner lot. The home was custom built in 1933 with a slate roof; bay windows and brick driveway. The home is walking distance to elementary & junior high schools with adjoining or nearby beautiful parks. North Ave is conveniently within walking distance to grocery stores; salons, a wide choice of cafes and restaurants. This home had 3 level's when it was built.
Beautifully updated while thoughtfully preserving the timeless charm of a classic 1920s bungalow, this exceptional home underwent a comprehensive gut renovation and full second-story addition in 2012. Major improvements included updated electrical and plumbing systems, new kitchen and baths, and countless modern upgrades, creating the perfect blend of vintage character and today's conveniences.
Zak Knebel@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Prime River Forest Location! This charming, sun-filled second-floor unit is nestled in a well-maintained courtyard elevator building and features beautiful original hardwood floors that add timeless character. Enjoy the best of River Forest living with its tree-lined streets, strong sense of community, and access to top-rated school districts, including District 90 and nearby Oak Park & River
You will be amazed at this spacious top-floor corner condo, 2 bedroom/2.5 bath with custom office in the desired Valencia Condominiums. This home offers an open concept living room and dining area, large windows with abundant natural light. A generous kitchen with lots of cabinets, stainless steel appliances, eat-in area and breakfast bar. The oversized primary suite features a full wall custom
Rare newer-construction opportunity in one of River Forest's most desirable residential settings. Thoughtfully designed with timeless Colonial architecture and elevated custom finishes, this residence blends classic curb appeal with modern luxury, everyday function, and exceptional indoor-outdoor living. The home delivers an ideal layout for entertaining, family living, guest accommodations,
Top-floor living in a well-established River Forest elevator building - no neighbors above, abundant natural light, and nearly 1,800 square feet of thoughtfully rehabbed living space that sets a high bar for move-in ready. Completely renovated in 2024, Unit 504 was rebuilt with intention. The kitchen features flat-panel cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a custom southwest-inspired tiled
Seeking a townhouse without HOA fees? Discover this two-bedroom townhouse in River Forest, boasting hardwood floors throughout, a spacious family room in the basement, and a modernized kitchen with granite countertops. The property features recent updates, including the installation of a new refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, exhaust, and cabinets in 2024, as well as new plumbing in the
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
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
Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom Condo – Broker Owned – Flexible 3+ Month LeaseWelcome to this bright and stylish fully furnished 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo with parking included, located in the heart of River Forest. One of the bedrooms is currently set up as a comfortable home office, making it ideal for remote work, study or a quiet creative space.The unit offers hardwood floors,
updated 2 bed unit apt conveniently located near the River Forest Metra station and only few blocks from Lincoln elementary school, hardwood floors, central heat and AC, updated appliances, refrigerator with icemaker, DW, large basement with storage and Laundry exclusive to the apt (not shared) Parking available $85.00 per month.
Nice 15th floor unit with north facing views. Stove, fridge, and microwave . Lots of closets with spare 7x7 room. Washer and dryer down the hall. Heat and air conditioning included in rent.
Come see this completely gut-renovated and move-in ready, stunning 2-bedroom/1.5-bath, first-floor condo. This property offers modern finishes, thoughtful upgrades, and unbeatable convenience throughout. Every detail has been meticulously updated from top to bottom. The beautifully redesigned interior features all-new flooring, doors, trim, contemporary light fixtures, and recessed can lighting
Welcome home to this spacious and well-maintained third-floor condo in a desirable Oak Park location. The unit features a bright, sun-filled living room with abundant natural light, creating a warm and inviting space for relaxing or entertaining. Conveniently situated just a 20-minute walk from downtown Oak Park and the Metra station, the condo offers easy access to shopping, dining, and public
Beautiful, renovated Garden Unit with Open Living Space and Gorgeous Gourmet Kitchen. 3 bed, 1 bath in the heart of River Forest. Unit features Spa Shower, 10ft ceilings, in-unit laundry and 2 reserved parking spaces. Water, gas, heat, and trash are all included. Walk to Priory Park, and public transportation. Willard School Dist. Not your typical garden!
Perfect FULLY-FURNISHED MOVE-IN READY condo in River Forest! Stunning newly rehabbed condo-quality apartment homes on one of the best streets in River Forest, Bonnie Brae Place. This is a TWO BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM unit within a short walk to Concordia & Dominican Universities and within walking distance of public transportation, shopping, dining and local parks. For an easy ride into the city, it's
This spacious home is not your typical rental. The large large eat-in kitchen with high-end appliances & center island opens to the family room and is the heart of the home. There are 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Plenty of space for a large family or multi generational living. The primary suite has a spa bath, huge walk-in closet and adjacent laundry. There are 5 bedrooms on the 2nd floor and 1
Tony & Kathy Iwersen@properties Christie's International Real Estate
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