River Forest, Illinois

River Forest, Illinois is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, about 10 miles west of Chicago. The village is situated near the Des Plaines River and is adjacent to Oak Park, Illinois, Forest Park, Illinois, and Elmwood Park, Illinois. River Forest is known for its historic homes, including those designed by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. The village is also home to Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University.

Geography

River Forest is located at 41.8978° N, 87.9153° W, and has a total area of 2.48 square miles. The village is bordered by Oak Park, Illinois to the east, Forest Park, Illinois to the south, Elmwood Park, Illinois to the north, and Melrose Park, Illinois to the west. The Des Plaines River forms the western boundary of the village, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is located nearby. River Forest is situated near several major highways, including Interstate 290 and Interstate 294, which provide access to Chicago and other nearby cities such as Aurora, Illinois, Naperville, Illinois, and Schaumburg, Illinois. The village is also served by the Union Pacific Railroad and the Metra commuter rail system, which connects to Chicago Union Station and other stations in the Chicago metropolitan area.

History

The area that is now River Forest was first settled in the mid-19th century, with the village being incorporated in 1880. The village was named for its location near the Des Plaines River and the forested areas that once covered the region. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, River Forest experienced significant growth, with the construction of homes, businesses, and institutions such as Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University. The village was also home to several notable residents, including Ernest Hemingway, who attended Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed several homes in the area, including the William H. Winslow House. River Forest has also been associated with other famous individuals, including Mahalia Jackson, who attended Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Ray Kroc, who founded McDonald's in nearby Des Plaines, Illinois.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of River Forest was approximately 11,700 people. The village has a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. The median household income in River Forest is around $120,000, and the median home value is over $400,000. The village is served by several school districts, including River Forest Public Schools District 90 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, which also serves nearby Oak Park, Illinois. River Forest is also home to several community organizations, including the River Forest Community Center and the River Forest Public Library, which is part of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System.

Economy

The economy of River Forest is diverse, with a mix of small businesses, professional services, and institutions such as Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University. The village is also home to several major employers, including Loyola University Medical Center and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, which are located in nearby Maywood, Illinois. River Forest is also served by several shopping districts, including the Lake Street commercial corridor, which features a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores. The village is also located near several major shopping centers, including the Oakbrook Center in nearby Oak Brook, Illinois, and the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Education

River Forest is served by several school districts, including River Forest Public Schools District 90 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200. The village is also home to several private schools, including Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University, which offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. River Forest is also located near several other institutions of higher education, including Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, and Northwestern University, which are located in nearby Chicago. The village is also served by several libraries, including the River Forest Public Library, which is part of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System.

Government

The village of River Forest is governed by a village president and a board of trustees, who are elected by the residents of the village. The village is also served by several municipal departments, including the River Forest Police Department and the River Forest Fire Department. River Forest is located in Cook County, Illinois, and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by several state legislators, including State Senator Don Harmon and State Representative Camille Lilly. The village is also represented in the United States Congress by Congressman Danny Davis and Senator Dick Durbin, who represent the 7th congressional district of Illinois and the state of Illinois as a whole. River Forest is a member of several regional organizations, including the West Central Municipal Conference and the Northwest Municipal Conference, which work to promote cooperation and economic development among municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan area.