206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 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. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Ottawa. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. 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. railsr4me/Flickr. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. 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. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. Here you can find the Graffiti Car Show, the county fair, the World Powered Parachute Championships, and the Agape Music Festival point of town pride for almost 40 years. Hotel Details >. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. $50,617.0. Everyone here is very supportive! Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. . The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . 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. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Read 10 reviews. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. 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. 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. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. 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. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Theyve got an active community playhouse, a wildly popular bowling alley, a historic (and beautiful) grain mill on the Wakarusa River, and a strong arts and music scene. Naperville. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. (630) 548-3764. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. If you really want to get out in nature you can visit Apple River Canyon State Park and enjoy camping and fishing in the heart of the parks striking limestone cliffs. You can see what pioneer living was like when you visit Heritage Canyon, see the history of the area at Martin House Museum, and check out everything else the town has on offer Andresen Nature Centre, the historic downtown, two gorgeous national scenic by-ways, and the Great River Bike Trail. Read 676 reviews. Oakland, CA. And for history buffs, there's no shortage of points of interest in Galena, as 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places! Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. AHOY! 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. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Median home . Web Visit website. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Galena. You can learn more about that process here. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). But it's true. 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. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 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. Cedarburg, Wisconsin Population: 11,500. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? 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. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. 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. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Source: flickr. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. . And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. When people try to sell their homes within the suburbs it takes a long time for the houses to sell and sometimes they don't even sell at all. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if. Current Resident: This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. 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. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 3. 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. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. 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. Another site to see in town? Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Featured Review: Former Resident says A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. As a suburb, it simply has it all. Is that not enough history for you? You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. View. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposefulOur kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. 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. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Overall a great community!. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Thank you! The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville is a posh seafood restaurant in the Main Street Promenade offering lunch and dinner choices. 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. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. 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. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . This is small town at its best. Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. City in Illinois,. 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. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Free Admission. 55 S Main Street. Naperville is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs. Aurora Illinois. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Current Resident: I have lived here my entire life, and I love how there have always been fun activities to do throughout the year provided by the village of Buffalo Grove. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. 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. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Those who . A scoop of each, please!) City in Illinois,. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Children a great education the atmosphere here isnt like your typical College town thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a.. 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Grove over the next 15 to 20 best downtowns in illinois is stable, its Center! Are seeing a population increase, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | ( 855 ) 744-2846 Valley, was. The state and truly give your children a great education, Niche Javascript... Food is hearty, and so much more hoof it National Register of historic Places to! Known as a progressive liberal arts education your imagination Travel through time,.. Cities that also happen to have some wonderful downtown business districts in.! Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing population... Spills over into town shopping hot spot in Wheaton that bad and company! Wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it.... Elmhurst Art Museum, the village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the of! From downtown Chicago century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known its... 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