Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Riverside, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 8,748 inhabitants. In Riverside, there are 4,422 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 82%, the majority of the Riverside population is White; this is followed by 3% Asian and 2% American Indian and Alaskan. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Riverside offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 34 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Riverside could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Riverside and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
With a livability score of 84/100, Riverside is ranked #441 in the United States and #14 in Illinois. Clearly, Riverside is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Riverside also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Riverside has received high marks for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Riverside, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Riverside, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Riverside undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Riverside excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Riverside. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Riverside are affordable. Median real estate prices in Riverside come in at $403,900, which is 131.1% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Riverside, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 13.3% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Riverside | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 34min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.2% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.0% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 18.7% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.5% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Top 10 cities in Illinois with the best education system
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois
See the best places to live in & around Riverside