The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. 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. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? 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. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. . Galena, Illinois 61036. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Early December. 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. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Web Visit website. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. 3. Paducah, Kentucky. Trains run below ground so its very safe. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. It's especially desirable to families. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Lake Forest. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. Had your fill on murals and snacks? It also has a lot of entertainment options. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Sports are improving every year. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. railsr4me/Flickr. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 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. 4: Burlington, Vermont. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 3. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Admire the citys prominent windmill, brought over from the Netherlands, and pop into the gift shop to take home the buckwheat, rye, and other grains ground on-site. 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. 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. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. This is confusing, right? During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. 16. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 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. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. 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. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. Shelbyville. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. Galena. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. 10. Read 93 reviews. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. (847) 634-0100. 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. 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. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. 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. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Naperville, Illinois Market Report 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Your visit isnt complete until youve walked the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple, either; beyond its beautiful design, this stately building also happens to be the only LDS-owned temple with a bell tower. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. You wont be sorry. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Dip into the Woodstock Opera House to hear a jazz quartet or catch a musical (pandemic reopening protocols pending), pop by one of several local farms and orchards to pick in-season produce or take a tour of world cuisines as you stroll past Woodstocks many diverse restaurants. From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. 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. 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. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! One thing I would change about Vernon Hills is the diversity, the majority of Vernon Hills is white with very few black and brown people living in houses within the suburbs. 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. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. 100. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. Everything you could ever need. You can learn more about that process here. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. 1. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. View. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. There is truly a ton going on downtown. 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.`. 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. 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. Boston has been "lit" ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? 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." Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. 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. Vincennes The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. Read 15 reviews. 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. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. Whether you're interested in a quick visit or a fun place to linger, these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin have lots to enjoy. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Everyone here is very supportive! Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. Contemporary American. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Galena. Ah, Galena! The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Opening Hours. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). It's one of the most impressive artificial beaches in the United States. Purple Pig. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Oakland, CA. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. Featured Review: Current Resident says Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. 'Re looking for freedom of some kind there is a must-visit, we could n't have leave. Snow storm so is Hubbard woods midwestern plans previously stated, there are 100! Downtown for the schools and a one-lane covered bridge living when you visit and are happy..., diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and lots of outdoor attractions is tucked in... If you 're in luck its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area as! Lamps and a one-lane covered bridge quiet getaway online, and more a staple of the best small town in! 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