The home of well-known radio personality Paul Harvey, the upscale village of River Forest is located 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, adjacent to the communities of Oak Park (often referred to as its "sister" community), Maywood and Forest Park. Located along the eastern bank of the Des Plaines River, the town is known for its...
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The home of well-known radio personality Paul Harvey, the upscale village of River Forest is located 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, adjacent to the communities of Oak Park (often referred to as its "sister" community), Maywood and Forest Park. Located along the eastern bank of the Des Plaines River, the town is known for its elegant homes, some of which were designed and built at the turn of the century by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and some of his contemporaries. It also boasts excellent transportation, an outstanding school system, and plentiful shopping. River Forest is located 8 miles away from O'Hare International Airport, and 9 miles from Midway Airport. Its population is 11,597 (2004). Homes in River Forest include upscale condominiums, some of which have been built in recent years, and medium-priced homes and lavish mansions, some with pools and other amenities. Housing styles include English Tudor, Victorian, ranches, and Prairie-style residences. Shopping has increased dramatically in recent years with the addition of numerous stores at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Lake Street. Residents can shop at such retail establishments as Whole Foods, Linens and Things, and Talbot's, and eat at a number of casual restaurants in the area. East of Harlem Avenue is the village of Oak Park's retail shopping district, which offers River Forest residents further shopping opportunities. Education takes top priority in River Forest, and the schools reflect this dedication to excellence. A high percentage of students enrolled in the River Forest public schools exceed state standards of learning as measured by state tests given to students in grades three, four, six, seven, and eight. Two parochial schools also serve River Forest students; older students attend well-regarded Oak Park-River Forest High School in Oak Park, Trinity High School in River Forest and Fenwick High School in Oak Park. For recreation, villagers can visit the town's numerous parks, which contain soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as tennis courts and ice skating rinks. The River Forest Community Center offers a variety of classes and activities, and there are several public and private tennis clubs in the area. The Eisenhower Expressway is close by. To reach downtown Chicago, commuters can board a Metra or CTA train; the ride takes around 30 minutes.
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