River Forest, Illinois


River Forest is a suburban village adjacent to Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, U.S. Two universities make their home in River Forest, Dominican University and Concordia University Chicago. The village is closely tied to the larger neighboring community of Oak Park. There are significant architectural designs located in River Forest such as the Winslow House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The population of the village was 11,172 at the 2010 census. River Forest has a railroad station with service to Chicago on Metra's Union Pacific/West Line.

Geography

According to the 2010 census, River Forest has a total area of, of which is land and is water.

Climate

Education

and Concordia University Chicago are both located in River Forest.
There are two public elementary schools, Lincoln Elementary School and Willard Elementary School, and one public middle school, Roosevelt Middle School. The elementary and middle schools are in River Forest Public Schools District 90. River Forest shares a high school with Oak Park, known as Oak Park and River Forest High School, located in Oak Park.
River Forest is home to two Catholic grade schools and one Lutheran grade school. One Catholic school in St. Luke Parish and Grace Lutheran School enrolls children from 3 years old through eighth grade. River Forest has one all-girls' secondary school, Trinity High School.
River Forest also has the Keystone Montessori School, established in 1994. It serves children 9 months of age to 8th grade as an alternative learning style for children. It educates children using the philosophy of Maria Montessori.
The River Forest Public Library is located at 735 Lathrop Avenue.

Government and infrastructure

The United States Postal Service operates the River Forest Post Office at 401 William Street.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 11,172 people, 3,961 households, and 2,776 families residing in the village. There were 4,176 housing units. The racial makeup of the village was 84.8% White, 6.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.5% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 2% from two or more races Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6% of the population.
The average household size was 2.61; the average family size was 3.19. 51.5% of family households had related children under age 18 living with them. People living alone constituted 26.3% of households. The median age was 41.3, with 14.2% of residents being over age 65.
The median income for a household in the village was $122,854, and the median income for a family was $171,100. Males working full-time had a median income of $124,695 versus $64,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $66,028. About 3.4% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

River Forest hosted the 2016 Little League Baseball Illinois State Tournament at Keystone Park.
2019 Little League Illinois Baseball Champions
For 18 years, the neighborhood has hosted a yearly 9/11 Lemon-Aid stand on the 700 block of Bonnie Brae which donates all proceeds are donated to local charities. The first year, the event raised $400 for Hepzibah Children's Association. Last year, $36,000 was raised for Kidz Express. To date, $323,000 has been donated by the event.
Every year, the Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest hosts the Food Truck Rally in Keystone Park that donates all net proceeds to local charities. The event includes 10 trucks with sweet, savory, and beer trucks; a live music stage; and, a family activities area.