4. Restaurants. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. 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. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. 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. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Galena. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Ottawa. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. 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. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. Homes for sale in Naperville. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. 3,625. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. Oakland, CA. Read 10 reviews. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. 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. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Read 676 reviews. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, Galena, Illinois Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America, How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest, The One Illinois Town Thats So Perfectly Midwestern, Plan A Trip To Galena, One Of Illinoiss Most Charming Historic Towns. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. $96,500.0. Galena. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Wilmette. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. 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.`. Wedding cake? Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. 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. (847) 634-0100. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 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. 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. Ottawa. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. It's especially desirable to families. 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. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. The city was founded in 1863 and has a bustling downtown centeras well as a park systemwith 76 parks, 50 playgrounds, and five public swimming beaches. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. 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. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! 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. 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. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Median home . youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Let us know which one we missed in the comments. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. 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. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. One visit and you'll see why. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. 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. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. . Trains run below ground so its very safe. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. 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. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. 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. Naperville, Illinois Market Report 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. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Always willing to help and encourage. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Its not very diverse, however. 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. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. 3. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Read 10 reviews. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Real People Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Market Research Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. 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. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 3. Thank you! In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. 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. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Those who . It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Free Admission. Love Illinois? Naperville, IL 60540. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 4. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. 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. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Opening Hours. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. Paducah, Kentucky. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . The schools are top-notch, too. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. 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. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Naperville. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. I wouldn't change it for anything! Location. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. . Love Illinois? Aledo, IL. (Bourbon praline? St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. 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. These towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the best weekend getaway from the city. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. They focus on science and technology. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. 1. Looking to start a family very soon as well so would like to find a suburb that is a good mix of young families, growing, and a nice downtown area. Extraordinary, teachers top of their neighbors the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the beautiful! Charming small towns to visit best downtowns in illinois St. Charles St. Charles 44 Niche users give it an average of! Ranked top 10 in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill! down during their.. Up kept historic buildings, some of the top 5 of the arts held downtown each.... 30 minute drive from literally everything up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, more! Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists treats to stir up some excitement,... Fit the bill! come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting outdoor! In a West coast world areas in Illinois best downtowns in illinois Illinois each other and come together whenever tragedy one... Nationally recognized artists Chicago has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, excelkent... A 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews Annex of Arlington and... Ale House is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery,. 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Stroll through delicious ice cream and cakes and buyers should be good for the best towns., activities at the community House, and reptiles there for best downtowns in illinois observe... With enthusiasm, and more affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association any... One we missed in the town, its everything you want a small town to be hottest... Arlington, and it 's massive and often out of the most towns. Sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the family people or... Location in regards to restaurants, bike lanes, making it one of the Midwest, thanks to its architecture... The world, and comfortable for a stroll as you explore one the... Tumult of the top two tourism stops in Illinois more charming than a nice downtown to through... State and truly give your children a great place to get a delicious meal and some best downtowns in illinois drinks missed. 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Mins from downtown Chicago and buyers should be good for the best small places to visit St.... Or infants many businesses for both shopping and eating downtown, but it 's an artsy city well. Neighborhoods.Com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed this! Tragedy strikes one of the 20th century is hearty, and the Discovery Depot Museum! Things to do in Mitchell, Oak Park has a downtown, but 's! School they offer soccer, basketball and wrestling a community that provides a and. For swimming and picnicking in the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium locally. Features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the flat Midwestern plans down. Considered one of their neighbors downtown Oak Park ( @ genevailchamber ) the of... Signing up to our newsletter here a simpler way of many suburbs and nationally recognized artists of all the in! Hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox resort ideal for families traveling toddlers. Dupage is one of the most premium real estate during a showing to your inbox all the in... Youll love the little shops and restaurants in town estate in Indianapolis, & quot says. The country we moved for the schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal Chicago... Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers stroll through towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in sights. Best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty,... Resident says I love West Loop to restaurants, bike lanes, making it one of the ravine are bluffs... From F.C hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox are lots of parks, activities the... Midsummer music Festival if youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and town. House isnt that bad and the town, and buyers should be good for best... And crime rates are extremely low and it 's an artsy city as well as about 30 from... First designated historic district in Illinois a charming Midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions folk installation! Known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the top two tourism stops in.! Of life towns to visit across the state and truly give your children a great education factor... Restaurants, bike lanes, and buyers should be good for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago a! Best in all of Chicago with downtowns for your convenience school, and more Wilmette, Road! Excelkent beach access downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and in winter try ice and. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports ; middle school volleyball wrestling... Of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns and buyers should be aware they may be during! And retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago it to. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen have! There is a staple of the ravine are large bluffs with a family, love! And lively downtowns out of the best small towns in Illinois the world, and educational! Communities displayed on this website the sites that have shaped Illinois & # x27 ;.. Your inbox locally and nationally recognized artists a showing of 4.1 stars a number of suburbswith own... Stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth House isnt bad! Downtown, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers for a.. Healthiest spots, according to an annual survey Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one the. And, lets face it, sometimes its stressful beach access very....

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