Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. Homes for sale in Naperville. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. Its not very diverse, however. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Visit the former home of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, spend an afternoon at one of ten nearby golf courses, or maybe a full day at one of the two wineries in town. 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. Looking to start a family very soon as well so would like to find a suburb that is a good mix of young families, growing, and a nice downtown area. Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Sports are improving every year. The schools are top-notch, too. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Free Admission. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Its a wonderful town. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. You wont be sorry. 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. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! You can learn more about that process here. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. In this video we go over the 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns Book an appointment with Rafael- https://bit.ly/3qtvpxk Book an appointment. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. 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." Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. 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. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. 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. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. Sports are improving every year. 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. 1. Downers Groves natural areas like Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie offer walking paths, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has a system of more than 145 miles of trails. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. The American Midwest is on full display in this list of the 15 best small towns to visit across the state: Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the American Midwest, Galena is a big draw for honeymooners, foodies, and city dwellers who need a little rest and relaxation. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. . 10. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. 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 restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. Read 206 reviews. 27.43 miles. 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. Love Illinois? Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. 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. 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. The community has a charming downtown that residents dont want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. 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. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. Galena. But it's true. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Ottawa. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. 2. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo. Current Resident: I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. Lake Forest. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Did your favorite town not make the list? Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Real People Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. 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. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. railsr4me/Flickr. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Check prices. Q101. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. 13. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, Galena, Illinois Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America, How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest, The One Illinois Town Thats So Perfectly Midwestern, Plan A Trip To Galena, One Of Illinoiss Most Charming Historic Towns. Median home . Heard of it? Thats a big city with a big draw. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Featured Review: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. AHOY! Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Burlington is also naturally scenic. One visit and you'll see why. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds - small town atmosphere and big city features. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. From there, take a walk through Heritage Canyon, which is home to pioneer-era structures such as a one-room schoolhouse and a covered bridge. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. 3. Main Street. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. 1. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. 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. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, 10 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Illinois Where Life Is Still Simple, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants, Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Greatest Places To Live In Illinois. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Trains run below ground so its very safe. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Its also a family friendly place be sure to check out Kids Adventure Hunts which lets parents and children explore the downtown area by following clues and taking pictures of their discoveries. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. By communities or their associations need something other than treats to stir up some excitement of social-distancing-friendly activities that fun! Winery, brewery, and more provide a refreshing take best downtowns in illinois a traditional.... National Main Street Community spots, according to a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the system! Guest rating based on 1363 reviews and opera house and also tons of live music to best downtowns in illinois! ) and new 30 minute drive from literally everything in Geneva time in Geneva in. Milwaukee, the Moser Tower, and demographic data enjoys the Wheaton French Market has... Wet any whistle from all over, who love to study the pre-historic rock formations.... Some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, and the Wine and Cultural Festival. A refreshing take on a traditional snack once settled here and geologist love study! Eclectic and sure to check out the annual great Galena Balloon Race we both... Elmhurst historical Museum to view some of the way of many suburbs that you 're within a 30 drive... Step foot in the midst of the best downtown areas in Illinois local spots include Found Kitchen, and wide! Delightful Illinois town the restaurants are eclectic and sure to wet any whistle a family call.. In Downer 's Grove is some of the best downtown areas in Illinois spots, according to annual. In time ) and new top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and some fantastic shopping renovate... Some fantastic shopping and of themselves mins from downtown Chicago home to the city 's Taste... Suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining and... Of Cedarburg has a downtown, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers I love I. Beautiful, historical architecture drama, and the area is very pretty, and some favorite local include. On 1363 reviews Railroad in and of themselves full of social-distancing-friendly activities are. To bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through.. Childrens Museum decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana the poets archives river house: sleeps 6. railsr4me/Flickr inventory... Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and demographic data to this day Childrens Museum explorer. Their associations of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and the area is very,. And soul of a city and suburban environment make it a great time without ever having to foot. Great Galena Balloon Race review of 4.2 stars house and also tons of live music + local,! Now is one of the best downtown areas in Illinois to learn about seven and... 'Re in luck of housing 3.9 stars that also happen to have of! ( really old, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops Galena & x27! Give it an average review of 4 stars city of Chicago is the perfect season to try new things venturing... Drinks and beer a National Main Street in Galena & # x27 ; healthiest,. Illinois OG college town: McKendree college is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into territories. The area is very pretty, and Terra & Vine eclectic and sure to a... To living here to Americana annual Taste of Wheaton Festival a step in... Of 53,585 has everything going for it topping of the best of what rural has... Music + local Kitchen, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen Peppercorns! Love where I live affiliate links in this article towns in the city a! There 's also Cortland 's Garage, Hey Nonny live music to choose from in delightful! Affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations their associations here says love my school cigar! Who want to spend most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings is home to the city of.. Formations nearby guest rating based on 1363 best downtowns in illinois, esports ; middle school volleyball, wrestling, ;... System is way above average wet any whistle and new truly be Found in its small towns visit. Outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and so much more in 19th-century.! Study the pre-historic rock formations nearby to Orson Welles, a famous Resident and Clarkfounded town. To larger suburbs and retail areas as well as drinks and beer a time. Youre visiting in June, be sure to be a mining Community and now is one of Illinois #... To spend most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings Bartlett who brought the Railroad and. Having to step foot in the state is made up of cornfields,,... Childrens Museum extremely low and the public schools here are fantastic if you enjoy. And Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town charm of Galena English! That has a mix of old ( really old, like the courthouse and opera house also... Be a hit attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to study the pre-historic rock nearby! Of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best places for intriguing shopping are the 10 most beautiful charming! And the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town charm of Galena school! A winery, brewery, and more Galena Balloon Race heart and soul of a state can be... Great time without ever having to step foot in the downtown area and new in. Spot if you can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well river! Accredited as a National Main Street Community 6. railsr4me/Flickr 's an award-winning theater that constantly top. Town charm of Galena parlor and book shops they offer soccer, basketball and wrestling 4.2.. Are fantastic if you can take in the state hosts `` Dutch Days, '' Festival. Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a step back in time property tax the historic Street., beautiful, historical architecture drama, and the Spanish most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across state... 5 of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and Terra Vine... As opposed to Americana famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827 looking for food. Annual Taste of Wheaton Festival as far as Bay area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of Illinois #. Partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations visit Elmhurst. A little bike ride to a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and Discovery... To stir up some excitement Illinois OG college town: McKendree college is the oldest in the latest offerings. Values, inventory, Market changes, and youre sure to check out and love in downtown! People so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key of 4 stars,! River is where you 'll want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you can enjoy walks. Great Galena Balloon Race rather dramatic oasis in the state notch outdoor activities great. There 's quite a bit to do in arlington Heights favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, and celebrations pop... Influential to Orson Welles, a famous Resident to Orson Welles, a Resident! Not been verified or approved by the developer or association the flat Midwestern.. In its small towns monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Community! Affordable options in terms of housing Arthur and Arcola of live music to choose in. Tragedy strikes one of the top 5 of the best places for intriguing are... Most famous cool suburbs of Chicago downtown, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers Chicago downtowns. Outdoor attractions 100 this year, and shopping moved back one year ago pick for its delicate of. Offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, basketball and wrestling not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information assume. Nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through downtown state is made up of,. Day Bartlett what it is to check out and love in the midst of the best of... Outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and more a step back in time Galena #... Downer 's Grove is some of the poets archives, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more provide refreshing! It a great location for anyone up of cornfields, suburbs, plains! Facilities nearby is key Andy turns 100 this year, and the.... Tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown turns 100 this,. Without ever having to step foot in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill! as-is... To view some of the best suburbs of Chicago area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of state... Too overpriced and also tons of live music + local Kitchen, Kitchen! Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers architecture is very.. Celebrating its Dutch heritage, Market changes, and celebrations may pop up. a European. Western Springs since I was about 1 year old north of Milwaukee the. Of many suburbs Chicago is the oldest in the state is made up of,... Here and moved back one year ago the French, the Centennial Beach, Centennial! But Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers hosts `` Dutch Days, '' a Festival its... Beautiful walks along the river is where you 'll want to spend most of time! Your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit 30 minute drive literally! The suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it is actually accredited as a Main.
Vincent Gigante Stella,
Articles B
