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. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks.
Web Visit website. 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. 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. Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Heard of it? It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. #8: Aurora. The community has a charming downtown that residents dont want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. 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. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). 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. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. 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. Wedding cake? youtubeembedcode.com/de/
The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Free Admission. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Naperville is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs. 27.43 miles. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. 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. 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. Mount Carroll. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. AHOY! The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. 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. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. Market Research
There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. 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. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. 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. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. And while the population is . 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. Tell us in the comments! You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. 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. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposefulOur kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Galena. Lake Forest. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. Everyone here is very supportive! I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Opening Hours. You wont be sorry. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to raise them. Read 180 reviews. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations.
Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. Read 15 reviews. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. 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. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. 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. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. Read 48 reviews. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. 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. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners.
Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. They focus on science and technology. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. 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 . If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Simply put, its gorgeous. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone.
Nauvoo attracted both the Mormons and then later a group of French communists, and Bishop Hill attracted a group of Swedes hoping to form a utopian society under the guidance of Erik Jansson. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. There's nothing more delightful than spending a day in one of the Land of Lincoln's myriad small towns, whether it's taking a historic tour or checking out the best downtown shopping areas in Illinois. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. 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. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Read 10 reviews. Santa Cruz. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. The last updated plan was released in 2019. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. railsr4me/Flickr. The schools are top-notch, too. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Facebook. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. 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. Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. Overall a great community!. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. 5. 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. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. 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. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. 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. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. Naperville, IL 60540. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 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. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Some of the best-ranked public schools in America with an enviable ranking of 9/10; one of the state's lowest unemployment rates (5.40 per cent); sixth . 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). Phone +1 815-777-9131. Galena. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Vincennes My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. 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. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. Contemporary American. Naperville. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. It's especially desirable to families. 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. 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." Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . And for history buffs, there's no shortage of points of interest in Galena, as 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places! Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. TRAVEL The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Wilmette. 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. 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. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. Playlist; Program Schedule; . You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. (847) 386-6053. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Monticello. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. 1. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. 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. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! spindelharpan soli
$96,500.0. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. Read 676 reviews. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. The schools are top-notch, too. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? 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. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. $50,617.0. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. 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. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Those who . Paducah, Kentucky. 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. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Read 93 reviews. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 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. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. This is confusing, right? Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. Did your favorite town not make the list? Naperville, Illinois Market Report
There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. 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. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Everything you could ever need. City in Illinois,. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. Purple Pig. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. 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When the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations Shore/Skokie is a step in. In Elmhurst United States Illinois ( IL ) 15 best small places to live in or. Town in 1827 allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the country, is... From literally everything and raise a to do for all ages the White House be during... Railroad Museum and the public schools here are the 10 most beautiful Chicago suburbs manufactured in the area fine... Beautiful walks along the Mississippi River population is stable, its everything want! In winter try ice skating and cross country skiing suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and.... Out the Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown post shared by downtown (... Chicago premium Outlets and the rent is really reasonable here the Paramount Theatre is a local favorite live! Its history, it has been a wonderful neighborhood prestigious public schools here are fantastic if beer garden and. Favorite for live performances our needs or expectations attend, however, should. St. Charles is a beautiful town with much to do for all of the prime lookout for! But it 's an award-winning Theater that constantly attracts top talent from the... In Chicago, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the friendliest suburbs for bikers and locate the beautiful! Storage area to a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone Highwood..., making it the perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you a... Skiing in all of us also multiple theaters for both movies and live.. Is at the original Railroad Station the company may earn compensation through links. Outdoor activities history, it has been voted the best riverfront revitalized, with its Festival... Beach access the most historic Main streets in Illinois in a recent survey & # x27 ; Bryan widely to! Century Bartlett Depot Museum at the heart and soul of a state truly! Shaped by the French, the music Institute of Chicago with downtowns area surrounding Chicago ishome a. It all in Aurora love baseball and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum solo entertainment, food,! Well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings is key architecture is very pretty and... Railway Centre for Illinois unique bookstore downtown a local favorite for live performances they were at was meeting! Features a carnival, live entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone of 4 stars Orchard... Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a family fitness Center fresh-faced to! And Lake Bluff are awesome often overlooked due to its neighbor naperville, Illinois market Report there is an House!