civicscout / chicago / riverdale

Riverdale
Neighborhood Intelligence

Explore building permits, zoning, and civic data in Chicago's southernmost community area.

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6,882
Population
$17,813
Median Income
$94,600
Median Home Value
3,266
Housing Units
54
Community Area
Based on 2023 ACS data
About Riverdale

Riverdale is the southernmost community area in Chicago, bounded by 115th Street and 130th Street to the north, the city limits at 138th Street to the south, the Little Calumet River and Beaubien Woods to the east, and the railroad tracks to the west. The neighborhood is a primarily residential community that includes the Altgeld Gardens public housing development, one of the largest public housing complexes in Chicago, built in 1945 for returning African American veterans.

Riverdale's landscape is shaped by the Little Calumet River and the surrounding forest preserves, giving parts of the community area a more rural character than most Chicago neighborhoods. The Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve provides hiking, fishing, and nature areas. Riverdale has been the focus of environmental justice advocacy due to its proximity to industrial sites and waste facilities.

Boundaries
  • N 115th Street / 130th Street
  • S 138th Street (city limits)
  • E Little Calumet River / Beaubien Woods
  • W Railroad tracks
Transit
  • Metra Electric District — Riverdale
  • CTA Bus — #34 South Michigan
Landmarks
  • Altgeld Gardens public housing development
  • Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve
  • Little Calumet River
What CivicScout Tracks in Riverdale
BLD
Building Permits

Riverdale generates modest permit activity, primarily related to public housing maintenance and residential improvements. Environmental and infrastructure permits appear periodically given the area's industrial proximity.

SAF
Safety & Crime Data

CivicScout tracks 311 reports, police incidents, and other public safety data across Riverdale. The neighborhood generates 311 requests related to environmental concerns, street lighting, and infrastructure maintenance.

ZON
Zoning Intelligence

Riverdale features a mix of residential zoning and planned development designations for the Altgeld Gardens area. The community area also includes industrial and open space zoning near the river and forest preserves.

RPT
Location Reports

Location reports for Riverdale addresses include residential permits, 311 requests, and environmental data. CivicScout reports provide visibility into civic activity in this often-overlooked community.

Explore Riverdale

Search an address in Riverdale to see building permits, safety data, zoning details, and AI-powered neighborhood reports.

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