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is an affluent suburban village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Two universities make their home in River Forest, Dominican University and Concordia University. The
of the noted preparatory school Fenwick High School (Oak Park, Illinois) is also located in River Forest, and the village is closely tied to the well-known neighboring community of Oak Park, Illinois. There are significant architectural designs located in River Forest such as the Winslow House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The population was 11,635 at the 2000 census. River Forest has been home to many notorious Italian organized crime families since the early twentieth century including Tony Accardo (boss from about 1945 to 1992) and Joseph Andriacchi. Although not as many famous persons have resided there as have in its neighboring suburb Oak Park, former Mystery Science Theater 3000 actor Kevin Murphy grew up in River Forest. Famed radio commentator Paul Harvey also resided in River Forest until his death in 2009. Director of the first and second Harry Potter movies Chris Columbus also kept a home in River Forest due to his wife's family ties. And Chicago Cubs star pitcher Carlos Zambrano currently lives in River Forest.
River Forest has a railroad station with service to Chicago on Metra's Union Pacific/West Line.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.5 km²), all land.