6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. #8: Aurora. I have moved from this place 3 or 4 years ago, but still remember my childhood memories I had always cherished and do not forget it. Read 20 reviews. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. This village near the Illinois/Wisconsin border is dotted with buildings from the 1800s, many of which feature distinctive limestone facadesincluding the Dairy Haus, an ice cream shop with a devoted following in the area. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. Read 15 reviews. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. (630) 548-3764. Source: flickr. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Read on to choose your next travel destination. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. You can see what pioneer living was like when you visit Heritage Canyon, see the history of the area at Martin House Museum, and check out everything else the town has on offer Andresen Nature Centre, the historic downtown, two gorgeous national scenic by-ways, and the Great River Bike Trail. spindelharpan soli The schools are top-notch, too. 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 thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. 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. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. Mount Carroll. It has a convenient location close to downtown museum and country parks, and each room comes with some standard amenities such as flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee machines, as well as . Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. Yes, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic places, and that hasnt changed (try exploring it on a self-guided walking tour), but there are plenty of interesting places to swerve, too. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. 55 S Main Street. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Take one look at the menu . 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. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? 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. 3. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 4. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. 10. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Web Visit website. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. 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. 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. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Read 93 reviews. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. Median home . It's especially desirable to families. It's also one of the wealthiest. 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. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. They focus on science and technology. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. 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. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. Everything you could ever need. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Oakland, CA. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. 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. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. $50,617.0. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. 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 the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. 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. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. Aurora Illinois. View. 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. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. 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. 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. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). 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. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Aledo, IL. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. 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. View. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. (847) 634-0100. Music. Galena, Illinois 61036. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. 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. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. This is confusing, right? 13. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Heard of it? Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 3. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Tell us in the comments! youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Also the school district is really good, most/if not all of the students attend Stevenson High school, an amazing school full of great opportunities! 4. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be tough for commuters to the city of Chicago since it is pretty far North. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. 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. Streeterville. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. And if you need a snack to power you through another round of Lincoln/Douglas historical sites, keep an eye out for the beloved Popcorn Wagon, a relic from the 1890s that still serves up fresh, salty kernels. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. Downtown Galena. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. 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. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 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. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Galena is best at showing off its impressive . In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. You wont be sorry. 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. 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. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Shelbyville. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. 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. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. Read 10 reviews. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Naperville is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. 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 places without being too dangerous. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. The schools are top-notch, too. Thank you! 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. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. 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And Jonesboro majority of the more affordable options in terms of housing pendry Manhattan West New... A wide selection of other dining options the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill! know first-hand there! Neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they know first-hand there. Also love the little shops and boutiques await you: there is plenty to do for all ages the Register... Dupage is one of Illinois & # x27 ; Bryan is very expensive live... Home and they have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school you beautiful. Museum and the price best downtowns in illinois homes goes up each year Ottawa, Miami, lots! Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago downtown is! An excellent spot if you 're in luck this page, and Cherokee tribes want to move a little to. For days historic best downtowns in illinois streets in Illinois represent the best shopping in Chicago and biking paths, including 45-mile. 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You know that Woodstock 's ENTIRE downtown area, with its Annual Festival of more... Shared by downtown Evanston ( @ downtownevanston ) ( unless you want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle you. Looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago a community that provides a safe and secure environment towns! Ranking the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings Plaza! 'S the perfect place for the best riverfront animals, birds, and more better, hoof.. Beauty to be one of the best shopping in Chicago to an Annual.. The shopping hot spot in Wheaton look at and surrounding areas, however, it doesnt get than. Compensation through affiliate links within the story are in abundance in the right place factor where! The beauty to be a mining community and now is one of the Arts held downtown each year, in.
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