Historic River Forest living with urban convenience
River Forest Garden Condominium, constructed in 1942, stands as a testament to mid-20th century architecture in the heart of River Forest, Illinois. This four-story building houses 110 units, offering residents a blend of historical charm and modern living. Situated in a neighborhood renowned for its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and Prairie School architecture, the condominium provides an affordable entry point into one of Chicago's most coveted suburbs. Its location strikes a balance between suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, with a 20-minute Metra ride connecting residents to downtown Chicago.
Efficient one-bedroom layouts with recent updates
River Forest Garden Condominium offers a range of one-bedroom units, varying from 650 to 800 square feet. Each unit features one bathroom, providing comfortable living spaces for individuals or couples. The condos are priced between $94,000 and $156,000, making them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or those seeking an affordable home in a desirable area.
Recent renovations have enhanced many of the units. Updated features include new light fixtures installed in 2018, modernized bathrooms (renovated in 2018 and 2021), and fresh paint as of 2022. A standout improvement is the replacement of carpeting with new laminate flooring throughout the units, completed in May 2022. This update not only refreshes the aesthetic but also improves ease of maintenance.
The open-concept design of these units maximizes space efficiency. Kitchens flow seamlessly into living areas, with some featuring bar seating for casual dining. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and backsplash tiles in select units add a touch of modern elegance. Large windows ensure the spaces are filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Storage is a priority in these compact homes, with ample closet space within the units and additional assigned storage available in the basement. While the units do not have in-unit laundry facilities, a coin-operated laundry room in the building provides a convenient solution for residents.
Essential amenities for comfortable living
River Forest Garden Condominium offers a selection of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives. The building is equipped with an elevator, ensuring easy access to all floors for residents and visitors alike. Climate control is a priority, with both air conditioning and heating systems in place to maintain comfort throughout the year.
For added convenience, the building provides 24-hour access, allowing residents to come and go as they please. A coin-operated laundry facility in the basement saves residents the hassle of off-site laundromats. Each unit comes with an assigned storage unit in the basement, offering extra space for seasonal items or rarely used belongings.
While the building does not have extensive luxury amenities, this helps keep monthly maintenance fees reasonable. The condominium association maintains a waiting list for on-site parking, available for a monthly fee of $50. This can be particularly valuable given the limited street parking in the area.
It's worth noting that the building has specific policies in place: pets are not allowed, and units cannot be rented out. These rules help maintain a stable, owner-occupied community within the building.
A historic suburb with urban amenities and natural beauty
River Forest is a charming suburb that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern conveniences. The neighborhood is particularly famous for its concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and other Prairie School architecture, creating a visually striking and historically rich environment.
The area surrounding River Forest Garden Condominium offers a mix of recreational, educational, and commercial amenities. Cummings Square, just a five-minute walk away, provides green space with baseball fields, trails, and an amphitheater for outdoor enjoyment. For those seeking more extensive natural areas, the nearly 250-acre Thatcher Woods lies on the western border of River Forest, offering wooded trails and a natural history museum.
Education is a cornerstone of the River Forest community. The condominium is situated within the highly-rated Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Middle School districts. Oak Park and River Forest High School, known for its excellent academic programs and extracurricular offerings, is just a five-minute drive away. For higher education, Dominican University is located within the neighborhood, adding to the area's academic atmosphere.
Dining options abound near the condominium. Mickey's Gyros & Ribs, a casual counter-service restaurant offering American comfort food and Greek specialties, is just a five-minute walk away. For those craving Mexican cuisine, Chipotle Mexican Grill is within a 10-minute walk. The neighborhood also boasts a variety of local eateries, from old-fashioned hot dog stands to barbecue joints and craft beer bars.
Shopping is convenient and varied. A Trader Joe's grocery store is a mere five-minute walk from the condominium, perfect for quick grocery runs. For more extensive shopping trips, a Target is about a 10-minute walk away. The Oak Park Public Library's main branch, a 15-minute walk from the condominium, provides a wealth of resources and community programs.
The neighborhood's charm extends to its community events and cultural offerings. The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum, a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the condominium, offers a glimpse into the early life of the famous author. Throughout the year, River Forest hosts various community events, from art classes to story times at the local library, fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
Well-connected with multiple transit options
River Forest Garden Condominium benefits from its strategic location, offering residents multiple transportation options for both local and long-distance travel. The area's high walk score of 89 out of 100 indicates that many daily errands can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent car use.
Public transportation is readily accessible from the condominium. The Harlem Ave & Chicago Ave bus stop is just a five-minute walk away, servicing the Harlem and West North Avenue lines. This provides easy access to other parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. For rail travel, residents have two convenient options. The Harlem/Lake Station on the CTA Green Line is about a 10-minute walk from the building, offering direct service to downtown Chicago and other parts of the city. Additionally, the Oak Park Metra station, serving the Union Pacific West Line, is less than a mile away, providing a quick 20-minute ride to downtown Chicago, making it an excellent option for commuters.
For those who prefer cycling, the area's bike score of 63 suggests that biking is a viable option for some trips. While not as extensive as some urban centers, the local bike infrastructure does support cycling as a means of transportation.
Residents who own cars will find that major roadways are easily accessible. For air travel, both Chicago Midway International and Chicago O'Hare International airports are about a 20-25 minute drive away, depending on traffic conditions.
The variety of transportation options available near River Forest Garden Condominium allows residents to choose the most convenient method for their needs, whether commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the greater Chicago area.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Cummings Square
5 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Parking Lot
Austin Gardens
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Amphitheater
Holmes School Playground
9 min walk
Trails
Playground
Centennial Park
9 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Multi-Purpose Field
Mills Park/Pleasant Home
14 min walk
Trails
Events
Museum
Priory Park
14 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Playground
Scoville Park
15 min walk
Tennis
Trails
Playground
Field Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace Museum
3 min drive
Museum
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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