North Riverside

It’s easy to see why North Riverside is hailed as “A Small Community with a Big Heart.”

Located 10 miles from The Loop, the village is known for its small-town atmosphere and strong community involvement. Its parks and recreation department offers Fun Guides with a list of seasonal activities, programs and local events to enjoy throughout the year.

North Riverside also has a selection of clubs that cater to a wide array of interests and hobbies, including clubs for gardeners, quilters and bridge players. For theater goers, the North Riverside Players produce two musicals every year, with past productions including classics such as “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Meanwhile, the North Riverside Public Library hosts a book club and regular programs for all ages.

The fun and games don’t stop there. The community is also home to Commons Park, which spans 14 acres and has walking paths, a playground, a ball field, pavilions and a gazebo, where summer concerts take place. In the winter, locals make their way to the park’s sledding hill and two ponds that are used for ice skating. Veteran’s Park primarily hosts the community’s baseball, softball and soccer games.

Commuters can access Pace bus service in the village, or they can ride the Metra train from neighboring communities such as Riverside and Berwyn.