If you want more outdoor activities theres Giant City State Park, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Ozark Hills, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. Read 15 reviews. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Restaurants. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. I wouldn't change it for anything! 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. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. 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. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. 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. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. Naperville. 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. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. It's also one of the wealthiest. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. View. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. 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 . Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. (847) 386-6053. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Read 91 reviews. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. 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. 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). It also has a lot of entertainment options. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Vincennes The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. 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. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Lebanon, Il. Aurora Illinois. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! 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. 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! Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. Free shipping for many products! I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. 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. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. 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. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . 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. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 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. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. 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. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Monticello. 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. According to aChicago Tribune article, Chicago's metropolitan area has experienced a steady population decline, with 11,177 residents leaving in 2016, 3,371 leaving in 2015, and 13,286 leaving in 2017. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. 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. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Naperville, Illinois Market Report Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. 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. 2. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. Those who . Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Streeterville. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. 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: 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. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Everything you could ever need. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . 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. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. This urban centerputs on regular events throughout the year, and local restaurantslike Emmett's Brewing Companyand Mia's Cantinaprovide residents with a variety of dining choices. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. 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. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. 4. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. 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. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. 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. But even if you manage to see every home, mural, and fowl in Quincy, youre still in luck: Hannibal, MOand its treasure trove of Mark Twain attractionsis just half an hour and a hop across the Mississippi away.`. 13. 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. View. Source: flickr. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Ottawa. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. 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. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Dining. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. 1. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Yes, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic places, and that hasnt changed (try exploring it on a self-guided walking tour), but there are plenty of interesting places to swerve, too. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. 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. 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. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. The village adopted a downtown master plan in 2007, which sought to increase density in order to create a more cultural and urban suburb feel. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville is a posh seafood restaurant in the Main Street Promenade offering lunch and dinner choices. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. 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. . Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Everyone here is very supportive! 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. According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. GreatSchoolsRatings provided byGreatSchools.org, Copyright 2023 Neighborhoods.com All Rights Reserved, 5 Chicago Suburbs With the Best Downtowns, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, CHECK OUT MORE FROM OUR '7 DAYS OF SUBURBS' WEEK. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Read 30 reviews. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Entrance Fee. 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. 3. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. 8. This is confusing, right? As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. And while the population is . Overall a great community!. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. 5. solitairespider.co/freecell Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. 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