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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare River Forest before you move.

Moving Help for Your River Forest, IL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of River Forest move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Forest, IL

Considering a move to River Forest, IL? This welcoming community of 11,747 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $730,000 and average rents near $1,900. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% 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 11,747 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 82% White, 4% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
11,747
Density
5,300 per sq mi
Median Age
41.3
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
82.4%
Black
4.1%
Asian
5.8%
Others
7.7%

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 139.5. Median home values are around $730,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,540. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$730,000
Gross Rent
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
139.5
Grocery
110.4
Housing
192.1
Utilities
98.8
Transportation
127.5
Health Care
104.2
Miscellaneous
109.8

Crime

Is River Forest, IL a safe place to live?

River Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 59 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 98. 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
59
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,022
Crime Index
1,081
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,695
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 98

Weather

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

River Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $125,288 and a low poverty rate of 3.8%. Over 99% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 75% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 14% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$64,300
Household Income
$125,288
Family Income
$168,000
Per Capita Income
$68,400
Income Male
$90,000
Income Female
$63,000
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$1,540
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
14.4%
Commute Time
30.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
98.5%
Bachelors or More
74.6%

Education

How are the schools in River Forest, IL?

River Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like Lincoln Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, 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 and Dominican University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lincoln Elementary School
Street
511 Park Ave
Phone
708-366-7340
Students
660
Student Teacher Ratio
14.0
Name
Roosevelt Middle School
Street
7560 Oak Ave
Phone
708-366-8430
Students
670
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Street
201 N Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone
708-383-0700
Students
3,400
Student Teacher Ratio
15.5

Private Schools

Name
Trinity High School
Street
7574 Division St
Phone
708-771-8383
Students
500
Name
St. Luke Parish School
Street
519 Ashland Ave
Phone
708-366-8587
Students
250

Colleges

Name
Concordia University Chicago
City
River Forest
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,200
Name
Dominican University
City
River Forest
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
3,200

Healthcare

River Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Rush Oak Park Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.6 per 1,000 people and 96.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage
96.2%
Health Care Index
72.1

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $730,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 85%. The market has seen a 2.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.9%. River Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$730,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate
85.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
2.9%
New Construction Rate
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of River Forest handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Chicago. 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 - Driver Services Facility
Address
5301 W Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60644
Phone
312-793-1010

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 11,747, median home value $730,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,900, commute time 30.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

Ready to Move to River Forest, IL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes