ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . Dining. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Lebanon, Il. 3. In the 1840s it was home to the Mormon Church, when they sought refuge and a plot of land to live undisturbed by the United States government. The schools are top-notch, too. Read on to choose your next travel destination. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for. Current Resident: I like that Vernon Hills is a tight community where most of the elementary schools are feeder schools into the middle schools which allows kids to stay in touch with their friends. Each teacher gets to know their student in a personal level to build relationships to help them show the right way to be a better person for the society. Read 11 reviews. Whether you're interested in a quick visit or a fun place to linger, these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin have lots to enjoy. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. (847) 634-0100. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. Entrance Fee. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. The last updated plan was released in 2019. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. Those who . As the above list of best downtown areas in Illinois indicates, it's hard to pick just one or two (or 10) charming small towns in the Prairie State. Also the school district is really good, most/if not all of the students attend Stevenson High school, an amazing school full of great opportunities! I think this town is a great place to raise a family as it is a very safe community with great school systems and recreational sports and activities for kids to get involved in. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. But it's true. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Illinois gets some serious bragging rights because one of its downtown areas landed on the list in the #2 spot but was also mentioned as the absolute best in America. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. Every year they organize a school wide science fair and the winners go to the CONCEF that is organized by Concept Schools where students showcase their knowledge, also they hold STEM-EXPO for demonstrations. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . With a slower pace of life and locally-owned businesses to support, the small towns of Illinois tend to have tight-knit communities that can be hard to find in the big cities. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Easy commute right into the city. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Some of the best-ranked public schools in America with an enviable ranking of 9/10; one of the state's lowest unemployment rates (5.40 per cent); sixth . 1. Places to Eat in Marion. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. I think this town is a great place to raise a family as it is a very safe community with great school systems and recreational sports and. Current Resident: Great community. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. Web Visit website. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. (847) 386-6053. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. Downtown Galena. Featured Review: Nearby Resident says It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around.My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Read 10 reviews. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Facebook. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. Early December. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Featured Review: Nearby Resident says It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. The perfect place to learn to ride a bike, sit on the beach right on the lake, chat on the porch with neighbors, bbq in the backyard, etc. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. Even though Vernon Hills is a great place to raise families and send kids to school, there are still a few things the suburb could work on improving like diversity, affordability, and the housing market. Read 128 reviews. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. There is truly a ton going on downtown. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Parent: We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago.It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. The city was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and the town is home to artists, craftsmen, galleries, boutiques, and good restaurants. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. #8: Aurora. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. In January of 2018, Joliet officials reached an agreement with the Will County board to help improve parking along Chicago Street in downtown Jolietwith hopes of furthering development in the community, according to the Chicago Tribune. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. solitairespider.co/freecell Trains run below ground so its very safe. From* $139. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Boston has been "lit" ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Read 676 reviews. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. Source: flickr. Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. Everyone here is very supportive! 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be tough for commuters to the city of Chicago since it is pretty far North. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). Another town in Illinois perfect for a day trip is Woodstock. Meanwhile, in Arthur, The Great Pumpkin Patch awaits with 300+ varieties of squash and gourds grown on-site, plus a variety of baked goods to snack upon while admiring the farms llamas, exotic chickens and other animal residents. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Featured Review: Current Resident says Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M369-1 Chrome 3.5 x 5.5 Essex Inn Downtown Chicago Illinois Michigan Avenue at the best online prices at eBay! BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Aledo, IL. Thank you! Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. 3. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Founded in the 1800s, this town has a lot of historical character but remains a progressive community with award-winning schools, a convenient metra stop, and plenty of things to do. Vincennes This is confusing, right? A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Thats a big city with a big draw. Kohler, Co. 4. Everything you could ever need. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? As the world starts to open up post-pandemic, chances are youre starting small: small gatherings with friends, limited seating in restaurants, and even short trips closer to homewhich is why a weekend getaway to a quaint small town is the perfect way to ease back into traveling. 1. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. As one of the most beautiful small towns in Illinois, you might recognize Woodstock from its appearance in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Everyone here is very supportive! Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Check out the Amish own coffee shop, followed by the Amish bakery, and then take a visit out to see the popular quilt shows at Rockome Gardens. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Read 48 reviews. There's the namesake brewery, with its cult-status Spotted Cow ale, the award-winning Alp and Dell creamery and Minhas Craft Brewery, the country's second-oldest brewery. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Naperville, IL 60540. The neighborhood is calm and silent. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. Read 30 reviews. I have spent many summers nannying various kids in the neighborhood and can tell there are many young families moving from the city into the suburbs and building new, very nice homes. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Access to Chicago is easy via the CTA's Purple Line or the Metra's Union Pacific North Line, whichtakes riders to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. Arlington Heights via bogdanstepniak / CC BY 3.0 As you can see from the population, Arlington Heights is one of the largest suburbs of Chicago, coming in at one of the largest 15 municipalities in all of Illinois. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. It has a convenient location close to downtown museum and country parks, and each room comes with some standard amenities such as flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee machines, as well as . As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Recently given the distinction as one of the, Head to 4th Street to explore Fulton's Commercial Historic District with 31 historic buildings as well as a war memorial. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. (630) 548-3764. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. This village near the Illinois/Wisconsin border is dotted with buildings from the 1800s, many of which feature distinctive limestone facadesincluding the Dairy Haus, an ice cream shop with a devoted following in the area. Simply put, its gorgeous. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Heard of it? It was here that founder Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob an event that led to the migration of the church to present day Utah. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. 16. Nauvoo attracted both the Mormons and then later a group of French communists, and Bishop Hill attracted a group of Swedes hoping to form a utopian society under the guidance of Erik Jansson. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. The students didn't miss a beat. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. Market Research Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. The neighborhood is very tight nit and there is even a Facebook group for the moms of western springs to give recommendations and warnings about things occurring around town. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Theres also rare bird watching available and an annual rattlesnake migration which isnt so much something you want to go and watch, but rather something to be fascinated by. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Read 15 reviews. 27.43 miles. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Santa Cruz. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. 3. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! For an in-depth look into Galena's history and its important place in American culture, visit the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, located in a beautiful Italianate mansion originally built as a residence by merchant Daniel Barrows. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. railsr4me/Flickr. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. Its a wonderful town. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Median home . I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. Ottawa is another typical small town in Illinois, with downtown area buildings donning large murals, Victorian houses, and a town square full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? And if you need a snack to power you through another round of Lincoln/Douglas historical sites, keep an eye out for the beloved Popcorn Wagon, a relic from the 1890s that still serves up fresh, salty kernels. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. Shelbyville. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Its not very diverse, however. Sports are improving every year. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to. Current Resident: This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Its a wonderful town. Lots of schools - public. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. To check out one of the oldest in the 19th century buildings being literally the! 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