The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. 2. Places to Eat in Marion. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good.. Current Resident: Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago Read 9 reviews. 1. 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. 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. 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. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! 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. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. From there, take a walk through Heritage Canyon, which is home to pioneer-era structures such as a one-room schoolhouse and a covered bridge. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. In the 1840s it was home to the Mormon Church, when they sought refuge and a plot of land to live undisturbed by the United States government. In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. 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." #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. About Loyola University Chicago: Founded as a private Jesuit university by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is the largest Jesuit university in the United States. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. Read 10 reviews. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. 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! 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Dining. While youre in the area, dont forget to hop over the borderjust a couple of miles awayto stock up on New Glarus beer, another treat with a cult following thats sold only in Wisconsin. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. Please. Burlington, Vermont. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. 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 . Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 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. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. 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 Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. 8. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Wedding cake? Free Admission. Naperville, IL 60540. 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. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. The only thing is that it is quite a bubble and sheltered place, not exposing kids to very much and allowing them to live a more privileged life. Read 42 reviews. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Purple Pig. This is small town at its best. 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. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. (847) 634-0100. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Mount Carroll. 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. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. 13. 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. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. 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. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Check out the Amish own coffee shop, followed by the Amish bakery, and then take a visit out to see the popular quilt shows at Rockome Gardens. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. 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. Read 30 reviews. Source: flickr. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Take yourself on a driving tour of the citys smattering of mid-century modern homes, or follow this guide to public art installations, which also includes tips on where to grab curbside food and drink as you go, so you can create your own combination art and pub crawl. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. Overall a great community!. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. 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. 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. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. $96,500.0. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Galena. 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. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. 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. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. 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. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 9. 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. 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. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. 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. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. 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. Monticello. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . 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. The students didn't miss a beat. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. 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. 55 S Main Street. 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. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . Stillwater, MN, USA. Address. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). Everyone here is very supportive! There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Entrance Fee. 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. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. 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. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. View. 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. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . Easy commute right into the city. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Did your favorite town not make the list? 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! Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Homes for sale in Naperville. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Always willing to help and encourage. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. 4. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! Sports are improving every year. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. 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. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. While Joseph Smith and other prominent founding members havent called the city home since the late 1840s, its still easy to take a trip to the past with help from an array of historical reenactors, who show off blacksmithing techniques and brick-making (you can take one home as a souvenir). 1. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Its not very diverse, however. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. spindelharpan soli The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. 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. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. 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. There is truly a ton going on downtown. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. 5. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. 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. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. 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.`. Read 15 reviews. 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. 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. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Opening Hours. Love Illinois? The schools are top-notch, too. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. Kohler, Co. 4. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. 3,625. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. Vincennes Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read 10 reviews. 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