It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Ah, Galena! As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Read on to choose your next travel destination. Naperville, IL 60540. 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. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Kohler, Wisconsin. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. 3. 4. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. Purple Pig. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. City in Illinois,. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C.
There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. I wouldn't change it for anything! Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. Featured Review: Current Resident says 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. 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. 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. Burlington, Vermont. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Places to Eat in Marion. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M369-1 Chrome 3.5 x 5.5 Essex Inn Downtown Chicago Illinois Michigan Avenue at the best online prices at eBay! 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. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. The historical preservation around Princeton doesnt stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. Facebook. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. 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. Wedding cake? The last updated plan was released in 2019. 1. 10. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 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. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 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. Read 30 reviews. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. The neighborhood is calm and silent. 16 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. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway.
It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Read 206 reviews. 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. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . $50,617.0. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. 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. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. 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. 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. 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. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Naperville. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. 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.`. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Heard of it? 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. 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. City in Illinois,. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. David Wilson/Flickr. You get quick. Current Resident: Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. 1. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 3. If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. Entrance Fee. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. 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. 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. 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. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Galena. 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. Stroll tree shaded streets and enjoy the towns architecture and beauty. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. 4. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. 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. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. 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. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. (630) 548-3764. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. 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. 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. Downtown of Galena, Illinois .
Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. Your visit isnt complete until youve walked the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple, either; beyond its beautiful design, this stately building also happens to be the only LDS-owned temple with a bell tower. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 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." You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. 5. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. Also,the extensive Metra train lines can help suburban homeowners get in and out of the city without developing a bad case of road rage. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . Free Admission. 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. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. View. 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. A scoop of each, please!) People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Q101. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. Tell us in the comments! You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. 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. In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! 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. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 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. 16. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. View. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas 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. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. From* $139. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. Galena, Illinois 61036. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Always willing to help and encourage. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. 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 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. 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. 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. The City of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. 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. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. railsr4me/Flickr. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. Source: flickr. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. 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. 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. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. Location. Lebanon, Il. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. Simply put, its gorgeous. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. Median home . It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to raise them. Read 180 reviews. Easy commute right into the city. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. Market Research
Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. 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. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. Woodstock is famously the town where Groundhog Day was filmed, but no two days here are the same when you explore everything it has to offer. 1. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews.
10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Check prices. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Read 10 reviews. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Its a wonderful town. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Is that not enough history for you? Main Street. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. - there are a ton of dining options in addition to its riverfront electronics,. Featured review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a stroll as you explore one of the best downtowns accuracy!, electronics stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so much more move a bit... For in Elmhurst has some fantastic dining options out one of the state is made up of cornfields suburbs! 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