Welcome to Riverside, Illinois: Where Olmsted’s Vision, Architectural Grandeur, and Timeless Elegance Define American Suburbia

Nestled just 12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Riverside is not just a village — it’s a National Historic Landmark, a living masterpiece of urban planning, and one of the most architecturally significant communities in the United States. Designed in 1869 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux — the visionary minds behind New York’s Central Park — this picturesque village was conceived as a “picturesque suburb” where nature and design harmonize in perfect balance.

With winding roads, lush greenways, and homes nestled along the Des Plaines River, Riverside offers a rare blend of historic prestige, natural beauty, and quiet sophistication — making it a top choice for families, history lovers, and those seeking a life of grace and tranquility.

🏞️ A Masterpiece of Landscape Design

Riverside is the first planned community in the U.S. designated a National Historic Landmark District — and for good reason. Olmsted’s original vision emphasized:

  • Curving streets that follow the natural contours of the land

  • Expansive parkways shaded by towering oaks and elms

  • Scenic overlooks of the Des Plaines River Valley

  • Integrated green spaces, lagoons, and walking paths that connect every neighborhood

Today, over 150 years later, the village remains remarkably faithful to its founding plan — a testament to thoughtful preservation and civic pride.

Residents enjoy:

  • The Riverside Dog Park & Riverwalk, perfect for strolling or watching kayakers glide by

  • Access to the Great Western Trail and Salt Creek Trail for biking and jogging

  • Year-round beauty: spring blossoms, summer shade, fall color, and winter stillness

It’s not just a place to live — it’s a work of art you get to call home.

🏛️ Homes of Historic Significance & Craftsmanship

Riverside is an open-air museum of American architecture:

  • Over 100 buildings designed by legendary architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Howard Van Doren Shaw, and Louis Sullivan

  • Iconic Prairie School, Tudor Revival, Colonial, and Arts and Crafts-style homes set on spacious, tree-lined lots

  • Strict historic preservation standards ensure that renovations honor the original character

Walking through the neighborhood feels like stepping into a storybook — where every home has been lovingly maintained and every detail matters.

This is a community built for those who appreciate design, craftsmanship, and permanence.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Top Schools & Family Life

Riverside is part of two highly regarded school districts:

  • Riverside Brookfield High School (District 208) — known for strong academics, arts, and athletics

  • LaGrange School District 102 and Riverside-Brookfield Township High School serve elementary and middle school students with excellence

The village fosters a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere:

  • Active PTAs, scouting troops, and youth sports leagues

  • Annual events like Riverside Summer Fest, Holiday Tree Lighting, and Fourth of July Parade

  • Low crime and safe, walkable streets make it ideal for raising children

It’s a place where kids ride bikes safely and neighbors know each other by name.

🚇 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its serene feel, Riverside is surprisingly well-connected:

  • Served by the Metra BNSF Line at the Riverside Station — scenic 35-minute ride to downtown Chicago

  • Multiple PACE bus routes linking to Cicero, Brookfield, and beyond

  • Easy access to I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) and I-55 (Stevenson Expressway)

You’re just:
📍 35 minutes from the Loop
📍 15 minutes from Midway Airport
📍 10 minutes from Brookfield Zoo and Oak Brook

Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the region, getting around is fast and efficient.

❤️ A Community That Protects Its Legacy

Riverside isn’t just beautiful — it’s intentionally preserved.

  • The Riverside Historical Society and Architectural Commission actively protect the village’s heritage

  • Residents take deep pride in maintaining their homes, gardens, and public spaces

  • Sustainability initiatives and green building practices align with Olmsted’s original environmental vision

This is a village where beauty isn’t accidental — it’s curated, cherished, and passed down.

 

Neigborhood Experts