River Forest, IL 208 Apartments for Rent

River Forest is the location of more than 20 homes designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, including the William Winslow House, which was his first independent commission, built in 1893.

The village of River Forest is located in northeastern Illinois, in Cook County, ten miles west of downtown Chicago. As a village, River Forest is governed by a President and a board of six Trustees, each of whom serve a four-year term. There are 11,172 residents in the village according to the most recent census data (2010). River Forest is 2.48 square miles and is one of the most affluent suburbs of Chicago.

Moving to River Forest

River Forest is predominantly residential, with most of its 2.48 square miles zoned for single family residences. Do not despair, however, this does not mean that it will be difficult to find rental property in River Forest. There are a good many apartment rentals in the area, most on the northern and eastern periphery of the village. Apartments in River Forest are not cheap as compared to most of the country, including other areas of Chicago. Life in River Forest is downright bucolic and you should be prepared to pay a premium for this. You will be rewarded, however, with amenities such as gleaming hardwood floors, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and unique period details such as glass block and ceramic tile that make your new place more than just a home, but also a work of art. When looking for property rentals in River Forest, do not expect to find any high-rise apartments; if that is what you seek, downtown Chicago is the place for you.

The majority of the apartment rentals have two bedrooms, but it is possible to find a one-bedroom apartment or even a condo in River Forest. When apartment hunting it will be essential to have all your ducks in a row: most landlords require proof of income and a credit check. A typical deposit is one month's rent. In some cases it may be less, but be prepared to pay this amount and you won't be disappointed. Landlords in River Forest often allow pets, especially cats, although additional fees or a deposit is usually required. Many apartment buildings offer the option of off-street parking for an additional monthly fee.

Neighborhoods in River Forest

River Forest is a neighborhood in and of itself, so there are not other distinct neighborhoods within the village, however, there are designated commercial and multi-family zones, where the majority of the rental properties and other houses for rent are located. There is also a Historic District in the village, featuring nearly 300 historically significant homes and buildings. Neighboring Oak Park is considered a "sister village" to River Forest, and they share some services.

Living in River Forest

The crown jewel in River Forest's commercial district is the Whole Foods market on Lake Street; other than that, residents of River Forest generally head on over to Oak Park or to nearby Forest Park for shopping, a movie or a night out. Fortunately Oak Park is less than ten minutes away and there is plenty to do in the neighboring village. Stop by the farmer's market (open late May to early November) and grab some fresh local produce, catch a first-run movie at the Lake Theater, or take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio.

If you yearn for even more excitement than Oak Park can provide, jump on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and head on downtown. In a mere ten to fifteen minutes you can be sitting at a bar on Maxwell Street listening to some of the best blues in the world or looking out over the city from the top of the Willis Tower (the structure formerly known as the Sears Tower). River Forest is also on CTA's Green Line (the "L") and Metra's Union Pacific West Line, as well as many bus lines for convenient access to all the city has to offer.

The peace and quiet of a small town when you want it, the energy and excitement of a world-class city when you need it -- you can have it all in River Forest.