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.
Shanara is a licensed real estate broker-owner of Property Angels Network, LLC, powered by EXP Realty, and a real estate investor. She is also a licensed Registered Nurse, small business owner, mentor, and advisor. Shanara specializes in all facets of the Real Estate Business, whether listing or selling property, navigating the way for first-time buyers, or creating passive income for investors. She is known for her quality patient service, market knowledge, and professionalism. She consistently educates herself by gaining knowledge through experts who have preceded her down this path to success.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
