Only 9 miles from downtown Chicago, Riverside, Illinois, blends historic charm with modern life. This unique Chicago suburb highlights the work of the same landscape architect who created New York’s Central Park.

Riverside, IL, attracts more homebuyers annually due to its unique combination of suburban peace and urban convenience. The community’s status as a National Historic Landmark speaks volumes. Beautiful architectural homes and winding streets with gas-lit lampposts make this place unique. It’s more than a typical Chicago suburb—an evolving part of American history.

This piece explores why Riverside could be your perfect home in 2025. The suburb stands out for its great location, rich history, excellent lifestyle, and strong real estate potential.

Strategic Location Offers the Best of Both Worlds

Riverside, Illinois, perfectly blends peaceful suburban life with Chicago’s vibrant energy. This small community of just over 8,000 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing urban conveniences.

Getting to Chicago is a breeze with multiple transportation choices:

• A quick 26-minute train ride to Chicago Union Station via Metra’s hourly service
• Regular bus service through both Pace and CTA systems
• Easy access to major expressways for drivers
• Just 9 miles west of downtown Chicago

Riverside’s prime location puts everything at your fingertips. The Des Plaines River creates a beautiful backdrop for everyday life. Chicago’s world-class entertainment, dining, and career opportunities are just minutes away.

This village offers the best of both worlds—small-town serenity and big-city excitement nearby. Your trips between home and work or entertainment spots will be convenient and relaxed. Riverside’s location makes city living simple.

Rich Historical Heritage and Architecture

Stepping into Riverside is like entering a masterpiece of American suburban planning. This historic town ranks among the first planned communities in the United States. It was designed in 1869 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the visionaries who created New York’s Central Park.

This remarkable town is evidence of architectural excellence. In December 2023, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior added the whole village to the National Historic Landmark list. This honor shows how well the town has kept Olmsted’s vision alive. Riverside stands out with its park-like feel, tree-shaded lots, and unique curvy roads.

Your community’s architectural heritage has works by America’s most celebrated architects:

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Avery Coonley estate
• Louis Sullivan’s rare residential design, the Babson House
• William LeBaron Jenney’s Victorian Gothic Water Tower

A walk through the village reveals that almost half of the community’s land serves public use, creating a perfect balance between nature and architecture. The historic district transports you back in time with its quaint roads, 19th-century gas lamps, and lush greenery.

Life in Riverside puts you in a living museum of state-of-the-art architecture. Strict zoning requirements and preservation efforts ensure that Olmsted’s vision thrives. Riverside isn’t just a place to live. It’s a piece of history you can call home.

Outstanding Quality of Life and Amenities

Life in Riverside gives you more than just historic charm and a great location. You’ll enjoy the well-known parks and recreation facilities. They offer incredible experiences for everyone, no matter their age or background. The city’s steadfast dedication to wellness shows in its safe, beautiful parks, trails, and open spaces network.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to love here:

• The vibrant Downtown Pedestrian Mall combines historic architecture with modern boutiques
• Canyon Crest Towne Center has a 43,000-square-foot Ralph’s Fresh Fare along with over 80 retail shops
• The Galleria at Tyler lets you browse through a fantastic selection of fashion and specialty stores

Top-notch medical care is right at your doorstep. Riverside Community Hospital is among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2024, putting it in the top 5 percent nationwide. The healthcare system includes many community clinics, which provide care to all residents.

Riverside’s strong economy shows an impressive median household income of $137,832. Crime rates are much lower than the national average. Everything you need is within walking distance, from grocery stores and coffee shops to fitness centers and parks. This makes daily life easy and enjoyable.

Vibrant Community Culture

Community spirit runs through Riverside, where arts, culture, and volunteerism create engaging experiences. The Arts & Cultural Affairs Division helps you find meaningful cultural experiences that enhance your daily life.

You’ll quickly fill your calendar with community events. The Riverside ArtsWalk happens on the first Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Riverside Art Museum offers Free Sundays at the Julia Morgan Building and the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture.

Riverside offers many ways to give back to your community through volunteering:

• The Landscape Advisory Commission needs help to maintain the village’s beauty
• Landscape Volunteer Workdays run throughout spring, summer, and fall
• Local youth programs need positive role models
• Summer races and community events always welcome helping hands

Sports and recreation add excitement to your social life. Organizations like the American Youth Soccer Organization, the National Junior Basketball League, and aquatics programs let you participate or watch from the sidelines.

Riverside proudly carries its title as the “City of Arts & Innovation” through festivals, parades, and performances year-round. This lively community encourages participation and cultural growth. You can easily fit in, whether you enjoy arts, sports, or community service.

Smart Investment in Real Estate

The numbers clearly show Riverside, Illinois’s thriving real estate market. Savvy investors will find a seller’s market where homes sell quickly at premium prices.

The market shows several promising indicators:

• Median home prices hit $405,000 in November 2024, with a solid 7.4% increase from last year
• Homes typically sell within 12 days of listing
• Buyers pay around $258 per square foot, which represents good value in today’s market

The current state of Illinois’s housing market presents a great opportunity. Market experts say mortgage rates may drop as inflation slows. This could increase buying activity. The National Association of REALTORS® expects national home sales to jump from 4.5 million in 2024 to 5.4 million in 2025.

Riverside’s rental market further appeals to investors. On average, regular monthly rentals bring in $2,937. Short-term rentals prove even more lucrative, generating about $3,098 monthly.

The November 2024 data shows only 52 homes listed for sale in Riverside. The area’s rising popularity and prime location mean fewer available properties, increasing property values. Riverside stands out as a compelling choice for your investment portfolio.

Chicago Property Sisters know Riverside, IL

Riverside, just minutes from Chicago, blends historic charm with modern living. This National Historic Landmark community shows that suburban life can offer both urban conveniences and rich cultural experiences.

Life in Riverside combines the finest aspects of American suburban design and today’s amenities. Chicago’s opportunities are easily accessible from this prime location. The well-preserved architecture and lush green spaces create a distinctive environment. Active cultural programs and volunteer opportunities show a tight-knit community spirit that transforms Riverside from a mere location into a proper home.

Market trends indicate 2025 will be an excellent time to join this vibrant community. Property values are climbing steadily. Homes sell quickly here, and rental prospects look promising. These factors make Riverside a wise investment and an ideal place to establish roots.

Riverside attracts history lovers, families looking for a friendly place, and savvy investors. The community honors Frederick Law Olmsted’s original design while adjusting to the needs of today’s residents. This balance makes it an ideal place to call home in 2025.