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.
Located in the state of Illinois, River Forest is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,883 residents. In River Forest, there are 4,389 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, River Forest is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. 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 River Forest offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in River Forest could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. 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. With useful information like cost of living, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in River Forest and in the areas around River Forest is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 83/100, River Forest is ranked #656 in the United States and #30 in Illinois. This is a fantastic score, as River Forest ranks well in multiple categories! River Forest also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, River Forest has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-). River Forest 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.
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 River Forest, 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 River Forest undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 53 crimes per 100,000 residents, River Forest has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In River Forest, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.72% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In River Forest, the average school test scores reached an impressive 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making River Forest an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in River Forest can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in River Forest. 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 River Forest are affordable. Median real estate prices in River Forest come in at $604,900, which is 246.1% 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 4.8, which is 60% 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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