Riverside 88 Exceptional
Riverside Livability #9 ranked city in Illinois#241 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Riverside

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute 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

    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 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 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.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Riverside?

Riverside, Illinois is a small city with a population of 9,044 inhabitants. Riverside has a population density of 4,571 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Riverside residents are White, 3% Asian and 2% American Indian and Alaskan. 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 Riverside entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 34 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Riverside is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Riverside and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Riverside to Illinois and the national average.

Riverside, IL receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #14 in Illinois and #372 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Riverside ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Riverside ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Riverside has received high marks for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Riverside does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Riverside 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 Riverside has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Riverside, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 80 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Riverside apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Riverside real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Riverside. Median real estate prices in Riverside come in at $727,530, which is 135.8% 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 4, which is 14.3% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Riverside

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Compare Riverside, IL Livability

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      Riverside transportation information

      Statistic Riverside Illinois National
      Average one way commute34min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.2%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.0%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit18.7%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home9.5%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Riverside, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.