Illinois / County

Moving to River Forest, IL

Thinking of making a move to River Forest, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Forest, IL

Considering a move to River Forest, IL? This welcoming community of 11,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $640,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore River Forest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - River Forest, IL

River Forest has a population of 11,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 8% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
11,500
Density
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.0%
Black
7.5%
Asian
6.8%
Others
8.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in River Forest, IL?

The cost of living in River Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 145.0. Median home values are around $640,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$640,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$920
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
145.0
Grocery
112.5
Housing
176.0
Utilities
102.4
Transportation
108.0
Health Care
105.8
Miscellaneous
109.6

Crime

Is River Forest, IL a safe place to live?

River Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 72 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 132. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
72
Property Crimes Per 100k
760
Crime Index
832
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,389
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 132

Weather

What is the weather like in River Forest, IL year-round?

River Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $165,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Over 98% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 74% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 19% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$165,000
Family Income
$198,000
Per Capita Income
$72,500
Income Male
$82,000
Income Female
$62,000
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Non English Speakers
10.8%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
18.5%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.5%
Bachelors or More
74.0%

Education

How are the schools in River Forest, IL?

River Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like River Forest Public School District 90 and Oak Park and River Forest High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Concordia University Chicago, Dominican University, and Trinity Christian College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
River Forest Public School District 90
Street
7776 Lake St
Phone
708-771-8282
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4
Name
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Street
201 Scoville Ave, Oak Park
Phone
708-383-0700
Students
3,100
Student Teacher Ratio
14.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Vincent Ferrer School
Street
1530 Jackson Ave
Phone
708-366-6539
Students
260
Name
St. Luke Catholic School
Street
529 Harrison St
Phone
708-366-8585
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Concordia University Chicago
City
River Forest
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,000
Name
Dominican University
City
River Forest
State
IL
Distance
1 mile
Students
3,800
Name
Trinity Christian College
City
Palos Heights
State
IL
Distance
18 miles
Students
2,500

Healthcare

River Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Loyola University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Loyola University Medical Center
Address
2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Phone
(708) 216-9000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Rush Oak Park Hospital
Address
520 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Phone
(708) 383-9300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.5%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in River Forest, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $640,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 79%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. River Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$640,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of River Forest handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department
Address
501 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62756
Phone
1-800-252-8980

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to River Forest, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to River Forest, review the core fields on this page: population 11,500, median home value $640,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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