Proud Heritage, Bright Future 

River Forest is 10 miles west of the Loop. River Forest occupies two and a half square miles in western Cook County near its sister community of Oak Park. Located along the eastern bank of the Des Plaines River, River Forest is noted for its many elegant houses designed and constructed at the turn of the century by, among others, Frank Lloyd Wright. The character of this era remains apparent and appreciated today, as River Forest enjoys some of the highest property values in the Chicago area.

Just a bit of history...Community trustees approved licenses for two saloons in the late 1880's to help provide revenue for city improvements. This money helped pay for the bricking of streets, electric streetcars and lights, the community waterworks, telephone service, and the public library.

With these urban amenities in place, River Forest became even more attractive and entered its period of greatest growth. Settlement once concentrated near Oak Park and the railroad fanned out north and west. From a population of 1,000 in 1894, River Forest's population exploded to 8,829 people in 1930. Reflecting the growth, Concordia and Rosary Colleges located here in 1913 and 1918, respectively. Rosary College was renamed Dominican University in 1997.

After the 1930s, River Forest's rate of growth slowed as the community built out to its borders. Most expansion since then has occurred through the subdivision of estates. River Forest's population hit its peak of 13,402 in1970 and has remained fairly constant since then.

The agents at WEICHERT, REALTORS^® - Nickel Group  are very informed about the River Forest area.  Please feel free to contact our office with any questions at 708-848-5550.