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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
River Forest, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,215 people. In River Forest, there are 4,523 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 83%, the majority of the River Forest population is White; this is followed by 7% Black and 4% Asian. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in River Forest entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in River Forest, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in River Forest and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
The livability score in River Forest is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the US average, River Forest ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that River Forest ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the rankings for each individual category, River Forest has received high marks for amenities (B), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-). There are some categories that River Forest ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
River Forest has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that River Forest has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. River Forest shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 90 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In River Forest, the average school test scores are an impressive 67%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, River Forest has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in River Forest is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in River Forest come in at $1,088,289, which is 252.7% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In River Forest, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 65.7% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | River Forest | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 51.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 22.1% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.3% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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