The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. 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. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Each May the town hosts the Dutch Days festival and they are home to one of the only authentic Dutch windmills in the United States. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. 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. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. Get more stories delivered right to your email. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. This is confusing, right? The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. A scoop of each, please!) Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. 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. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Read 10 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. 8. #8: Aurora. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. TRAVEL The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 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 wouldn't change it for anything! Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Theres always a festival in Arcola see if you can time your visit to attend the Horse Progress days, the Raggedy Ann Festival, the Amish Country Bicycle Tour, or Oktoberfest. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Facebook. 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. 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. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. . The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Thank you! As a suburb, it simply has it all. Galena, Illinois. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Easy commute right into the city. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. 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 railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. The only thing is that it is quite a bubble and sheltered place, not exposing kids to very much and allowing them to live a more privileged life. Read 42 reviews. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo Grove Days is hosted, which actually is located a block away from my house which makes it easy for me to walk and meet up with my friends or family. 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 . Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. While you may not see an onslaught of other people in these little Illinois towns, youll still find a throng of things to do, from visiting a stop along the Underground Railroad to whizzing around a racecar track. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Naperville. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. Everyone here is very supportive! . The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. 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. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. Q101. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. Dip into the Woodstock Opera House to hear a jazz quartet or catch a musical (pandemic reopening protocols pending), pop by one of several local farms and orchards to pick in-season produce or take a tour of world cuisines as you stroll past Woodstocks many diverse restaurants. Playlist; Program Schedule; . 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. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Nearby Resident: It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo. Current Resident: I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. 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. While there's no single reason for this apparent exodus to the suburbs, Chicago's high cost of living, heavy taxes, traffic woes, and seemingly endless amounts of construction could cause enough frustration to warrant a relocation. 55 S Main Street. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. The civic pride is on full display during the Prairie Path Clean-up, when the entire town gathers to take care of a 61-mile stretch of highway through town. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. 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. 1. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. 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. Another site to see in town? However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Galena, Illinois 61036. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. The students didn't miss a beat. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. (847) 634-0100. It also has a lot of entertainment options. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 27.43 miles. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. 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. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. The schools are top-notch, too. Its a wonderful town. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 16. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Early December. Naperville, IL 60540. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. Paducah, Kentucky. 4. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. 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. Did your favorite town not make the list? Naperville is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs. 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. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. 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. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. 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. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. 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. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. It's especially desirable to families. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Naperville, Illinois Market Report Theres plenty to learn about even off campus, from the histories of the citys buildings (a surprising mix of Southern Colonial, Greek Revival, Gothic and other styles) to the Emerald Mound, the preserved remains of a Native American village and effigy mounds. Stillwater, MN, USA. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. 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. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. You wont be sorry. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. Is that not enough history for you? #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Read 30 reviews. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Free shipping for many products! The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. 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! This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. 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. Galena. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. 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. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. 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. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. I wouldn't change it for anything! Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. railsr4me/Flickr. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Theres a large stone memorial that marks the exact spot where both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln made speeches while they were running for president in 1858. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Market Research Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . 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. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. Lots of schools - public. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. 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. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. 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. 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