$130,280Average Value$115Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes For Sale
Between the city and suburbs of Chicago
Dissected by the Little Calumet River — which also serves as a natural city limit — Riverdale lies on the southern boundary of Chicago. Riverdale lies north of the river and east of Indiana Avenue, while the Village of Riverdale suburb is south of the river and west of the thoroughfare. Both offer residents quality housing, outdoor recreation and easy access to the Windy City. Unlike many other communities, Riverdale progressed during the pandemic. “Riverdale has been on the upswing since the beginning of COVID,” says John Nugent with Coldwell Banker Realty. “Real estate values have jumped up tremendously.”
The bridge connects two halves of the Rivedale community.
Residents of Riverdale use the Metra to conveniently travel to the Windy City regularly.
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Riverdale homes provide bang for the buck
Housing is one of the primary pull factors of Riverdale. Gridded residential pockets feature red brick ranches and two-story Georgians, many rehabilitated. “There are strong, brick homes there,” says Neelam Dwivedi, a real estate broker with RAJ Realty & Investment Co., who has been investing and selling in Riverdale since 1997. Single-family homes sell for around $200,000, with many on either side of a flip. Houses that need rehabilitation sell for around $60,000, while those that have recently been refurbished go for a little over $200,000. “Where else can you get a nice, three-bedroom, brick ranch for that price?” Dwivedi says.
City dwellers beware: property taxes in the Village of Riverdale are significantly higher than those within Chicago limits. While there is investment in suburban Riverdale, more and more landlords are leaving, while more homeowners are moving in.
In Riverdale ranch style homes stretch across wide lots.
Large brick Gedorgian homes with bay windows sit on well manicured lots.
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Highways, trains and subways lead to Chicago
Riverdale is conveniently located, with Interstate 57 cutting through the community, and Interstate 94 bordering it to the right, connecting to Downtown Chicago and running east to Canada. Those who prefer public transportation have several options as well. The Pace Suburban Bus serves the area, while city commuters can catch the Metra Rail to Downtown Chicago at Riverdale or Kensington stations. The city has also obtained federal funding to extend the Red Line of Chicago’s subway system to 130th Street, near Altgeld Gardens, a subsidized community in the north of town. Once completed, the project will integrate Riverdale into the city more, opening many doors for residents. With so many transportation options and multiple railroad tracks, noise may be a factor for buyers.
Riverdale woods and preserves surround city parks
Village of Riverdale residents can reconnect with nature in Whistler Preserve, Calumet Woods or Kickapoo Woods, all of which contain the Little Calumet River. Visitors can picnic, birdwatch and look for other wildlife, or play soccer in the Calumet Woods field for a more active outing. The Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the famous professional boxer it’s named after, who liked to spend his tee time there. Across the river, the Beaubien Woods contain Flatfoot Lake, where residents can spend a lazy day kayaking or fishing. Those looking to throw a ball around can make their way to the soccer and football field in Franson Park on the south side of the river, or the tennis court and baseball field in Golden Gate Park to the north.
Whistler Woods offers residents of Riverdale a peaceful escape into nature.
Enjoy the wildlife in Riverdale at the Calumet Woods Nature Preserve.
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Southern soul in South Side Chicago
Ruby’s Soul Food adds a Southern touch to the South Side of Chicago — Salmon croquettes and waffles are on the menu for breakfast, while wings, pork chops and jerk chicken tips are ready to order for dinner. Macaroni and cheese, collard greens, yams and other classic sides accompany. Fairway Finer Foods bridges the gap between Riverdale and neighboring Dolton, where residents can do their weekly grocery shopping.
Ruby's Soul Food is a great addition to Riverdale for its unique menu.
Fairway Fine Foods is a great place to get produce and other groceries in Riverdale.
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Both kids and parents learn at Riverdale Elementary
With six public elementary schools in the communi, Riverdale children have many options. Park Elementary School, which receives a D from Niche, offers a complimentary Family Enrichment Program, through which parents can learn from educators and other parents. After sixth grade at Riverdale Elementary, children can attend Washington Junior High School for grades seven and eight, which also receives a D, before moving on to Thornton Township High School, which earned a C-minus.
Riverdale Elementary Welcomes Young Learners in the Heart of the Community on W 142nd St
Students can walk to Park Elementary School from home in Riverdale.
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Riverdale celebrates veterans every year
The Village of Riverdale hosts a Veterans Day ceremony in the Veterans Memorial Park around the holiday each November.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Brett Bulthuis
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mithil Patel,
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 Riverdale, IL sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverdale, IL over the last 12 months is $142,200, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRIME INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! This all-brick 3-flat sits on a desirable corner lot and features a detached 3-car garage and a fenced backyard. Recent updates include a new roof on both the building and garage (2018), two furnaces (2020 & 2021), a boiler (2020), and a hot water tank (2023). Each unit boasts newer kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and flooring. 1st floor unit just updated (May 2025)
Remodeled 3 bedroom/1 bathroom brick home with finished basement. *****2025 New hardwood floors throughout*****2025 New roof***** 2025 New stainless steel appliances*****2025 New kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops*****Spacious dining area can be converted to a 5th bedroom*****2025 New bathroom*****Large yard with a detached two car garage***** 2025 New carpet*****Newer Furnace and Central
Property Id: 1864860Charming newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath, finished basement home for rent in a peaceful neighborhood. Features modern amenities, spacious layout, and a serene backyard.
FOR RENT!! Recently updated 2 bedrooms, 1 bath apartment located on quiet street in Riverdale. Community Park across the street and elementary school next door. New Refrigerator, range and dishwasher provided. Coin Laundry washer and dryer available in building. Heat and water included. Vouchers are welcome!! Applicant to cover application fee for credit and background check. Minimum
Property Id: 1635622Marble tile on kitchen & bathrooms marble tile on walls and flooring New stove & RefrigeratorNew kitchen sinks & faucets New bathroom sinks & jacuzzis in some units & New ShowersNew Toilets & New Carpeting on living rooms and bedroom floors. Beautiful front & back door with combination locks.
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