But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. The community has a charming downtown that residents don't want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. . For foodies, there's no better place than Galena; with several restaurants offering exquisite meals as well as a winery with a tasting room and a couple of craft breweries (Blaum Brothers and Galena Brewing Company), these are reasons alone to come to this cool small town. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The schools are top-notch, too. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. 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. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Read more on how this ranking was calculated. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. Market Research Oakland, CA. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. It's also one of the wealthiest. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. (Bourbon praline? So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. Read 15 reviews. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. Always willing to help and encourage. 13. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. One of our favorite small-town day trips in Illinois is Fulton, a town with strong Dutch roots (there's even an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of town!). The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. Restaurants. #8: Aurora. Naperville, Illinois Market Report David Wilson/Flickr. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. Featured Review: Current Resident says Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. 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. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. Contemporary American. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Or perhaps youlike so many othersare considering making a permanent move out of the city to take advantage of more space, breathtaking nature and cheaper cost of living. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. 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. 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. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Read 676 reviews. While its streets are steeped in history (Ulysses S. Grant famously called the town home, and Lincoln and Douglas gave speeches on the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, which still stands today), Galena is anything but a sleepy small town. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. It's especially desirable to families. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. 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. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. Always willing to help and encourage. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. 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. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 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. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Read 91 reviews. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. Address. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. 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. About Loyola University Chicago: Founded as a private Jesuit university by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is the largest Jesuit university in the United States. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. 4. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. Blackhawk Farms Raceway, in the neighboring town of South Beloit, welcomes spectators of car and motorcycle races, and offers the occasional driving school if youd rather take the wheel yourself. 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. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. 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. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. Read on to choose your next travel destination. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. 3. Phone +1 815-777-9131. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. Admire the citys prominent windmill, brought over from the Netherlands, and pop into the gift shop to take home the buckwheat, rye, and other grains ground on-site. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (in partnership with parents) for each students success; every year, there is a "hopes and dreams" meeting with each child's teachers where you as parents can address the goals that you have for your children. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. 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 places without being too dangerous. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. 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. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. 3. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. View. However, this small town has also been recognized with a few titles, as it has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as on the Preserve America Community, a program established by President George W . View. Ottawa. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. Love Illinois? Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. 10. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. Wilmette. 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. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Median home . 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. Everything you could ever need. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. 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. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? 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. 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. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. 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. Read 206 reviews. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. Location. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. Lots of schools - public. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). 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. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. Lake Forest. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. Tell us in the comments! 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