Try to hold back those tears. The majority of North Riversides original residents were onion farmers.
Covering just over 1.5 square miles and with a population of 6,672 at the 2010 census, the village of North Riverside is a fairly small community. While it is a village in its own right and is relatively self-contained, its just over 12 miles from downtown Chicago. This means it has all the benefits of being a small, friendly, close-knit community, while still being conveniently located close to a big city. Ah, isn't it grand to have the best of both worlds?
Moving to North Riverside
If you've ever moved house before, you probably know what to expect when moving to North Riverside. Consider yourself an old pro! That said, you should "Always Be Prepared," or so the boy scouts would have you believe, so it's wise to think carefully about the moving process to make it go as smoothly as possible.
How Long Will It Take?
It's hard to say exactly how long it will take to find a home for rent in North Riverside, as it will probably depend on your requirements and what happens to be on the market at the time. You could be lucky and find your perfect property in days, but it's a good idea to give yourself at least four weeks to look for a place. It may take you even longer if you have some very specific requirements. In which case, you might want to ask yourself if you really need that second drawing room, or if gold plated faucets throughout might be a bit too much to hope for.
What Will You Need To Do?
Finding rental houses is the easy bit. The trouble comes when you have to sort out all the details. It will be worth it in the end, so be a good puppy and jump through just a few more hoops. It's wise to contact the landlord as soon as you know you want to take the place, because decent rental properties can go quickly and you don't want to be left with the dregs. At this point, your soon-to-be landlord will probably want to make sure you're good for the rent, so be prepared to smile sweetly and show them some ID and proof of income, plus your rental and credit history. If you have references from a previous landlord, that wouldn't hurt, either! If you're approved, you're likely to be asked to sign a contract and agree to rent the property for a minimum period, normally at least six months. However, some properties may be rented out on a month to month basis.
How Much Will It Cost?
The precise cost of your move will vary, depending on a number of factors, but you should be prepared to shell out a good wad of cash. Before moving in, you'll usually have to pay your first month's rent right off the bat. Many landlords will also ask you to pay a security deposit, to cover any damage you might potentially cause. As long as you take good care of the property and you have no outstanding rent, this should be returned to you when you move out of the building.
North Riverside Neighborhoods
North Riverside isn't much more than one big neighborhood itself, but you'll still find some differences between various parts of the village. Where you choose to live will depend on whether you like to be close to the action or whether you'd prefer to live at a more relaxed pace.
Woodlawn: This neighborhood is located close to the North Riverside Park Mall and other stores, making it convenient for all kinds of shopping, whether you need groceries or new shoes. However, for nature lovers, it's also near Commons Park and Veterans Park. Homes are mostly medium-sized and most properties are houses.
Edgewater: This is the ideal neighborhood for those who prefer to be a little secluded. The area is located close to the stunning McCormick Woods. Houses in this quiet area are generally on the larger side.
Cermak: This is primarily a residential area, where you'll find a mixture of houses and apartments for rent. While it's not exactly bustling, it's a short stroll from a range of restaurants and stores. It's also close to the Riverside Golf Club.
Living in North Riverside
North Riverside is a pleasant village with plenty to offer. Its picturesque surroundings and close proximity to Chicago make it ideal for residents from all walks of life.
Community Living
By all accounts, North Riverside values community and has plenty going on within its boundaries. Expect to know your neighbors by their first names and don't be surprised if they come knocking for a cup of sugar. Block parties are a fairly common occurrence. Help to organize the next one and you'll fit right in before you know it. Joining local societies and clubs is another effective way of getting in the community spirit. The North Riverside Historical Society is a great option if you have an interest in local history. Other options include The Riverside Township Lions Club and, for the amateur thespians out there, the North Riverside Players.
Entertainment
We all need some fun and games in our lives, and you won't have to go far to find it in North Riverside. The village has its own movie theater, Classic Cinemas, located at the North Riverside Mall. Just a few minutes outside of town, in the neighboring town of Berwyn, you'll find Striker Lanes, where you can attempt to bowl a perfect game. Or, at the very least, try to keep the ball out of the gutter. Of course, if you make the 12-mile journey to Chicago, you'll find seemingly endless entertainment options, from seeing some paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago to seeing a play at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier to visiting Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
Getting Active
If you're the sort of person who's never happier than when they're out of doors, you'll find lots to keep you busy in North Riverside. The 14-acre Commons Park is perfect for taking a stroll and also contains a ball field, a hill for sledding and a pond that gets used as an ice skating rink during the cold months. If sports are your thing, you might like Veteran's Park, which contains several soccer fields and four regulation ball fields. You could even sign up to one of the local sports leagues yourself. The pool at Riverside Brookfield High School is open to the public, but only on certain days, so it's best to check before you turn up to swim laps.
Getting Around
While many residents of North Riverside do own a vehicle of some kind, it's by no means necessary. The village is small and you aren't exactly out in the sticks, so you have plenty of options. To get around the village itself, you could easily walk or cycle. If you want to go further afield, public buses serve the village, and its only a short bus ride to the 54th/Cermak L Train station, where you can get on the Pink Line, heading toward Chicago.
