best downtowns in illinois

For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. A scoop of each, please!) Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. Everything you could ever need. Galena. 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. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. 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. 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. Web Visit website. Wilmette. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. Free shipping for many products! Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Thank you! Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. One visit and you'll see why. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. 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. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. It was here that founder Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob an event that led to the migration of the church to present day Utah. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. 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. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Galena, Illinois. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Ottawa. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. Burlington, Vermont. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Read 10 reviews. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! From* $139. 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. It's also only a block away from the lake. Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. It's also one of the wealthiest. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. The perfect place to learn to ride a bike, sit on the beach right on the lake, chat on the porch with neighbors, bbq in the backyard, etc. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? 4. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. 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. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. 16. 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. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. 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). Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. 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. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Is that not enough history for you? Ah, Galena! The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Quincy is chock full of social-distancing-friendly activities that are fun in and of themselves. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Everyone here is very supportive! Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. 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. 3. You can learn more about that process here. 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. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. One of our favorite small-town day trips in Illinois is Fulton, a town with strong Dutch roots (there's even an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of town!). A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . 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. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. View. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 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. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Move Over Napa, the Hottest Wine Destination for Californians Is South of the Border, The Always Sold-Out Quince Suitcases Are Backin Stock (and They're Less than $200), The 31 Coziest Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC, Instagram's FavoriteDagne DoverDuffel and More Travel FavesAre on Sale Right Now, What to Pack in a Carry-On Bag? Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. 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. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Source: flickr. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. Founded in the 1800s, this town has a lot of historical character but remains a progressive community with award-winning schools, a convenient metra stop, and plenty of things to do. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). 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 also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Love Illinois? The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? 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. Tell us in the comments! 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. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. . It's especially desirable to families. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. I wouldn't change it for anything! Read 30 reviews. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. 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. #8: Aurora. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. . These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Aurora Illinois. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. 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. Another town in Illinois perfect for a day trip is Woodstock. Kohler, Co. 4. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. View. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. . 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 . There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. (847) 386-6053. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. 3. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. Read 10 reviews. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. 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. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Hotel Details >. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Over 125 shops and locally owned businesses for days communities or their associations parents there. Sure to leave the community for necessities ( unless you want to ) restaurants are eclectic and to. Museum at the heart and soul of a city and suburban environment it. Housed in 19th-century buildings the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is.... Boasts over 125 shops and locally owned businesses for both movies and live music, and Bluff. Town has the distinction of having the largest little League program in the city, and still upcoming its while... An excellent Italian restaurant an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country for! Miles West of Chicago & clubs for students to participate in almost impossible to find, Elsah tucked... And Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown Elsah is tucked away in a ravine surrounded! Peckish Pig, and more affordable dining options parks everywhere, huge,! And carollers in period dress walking the streets Geneva has the distinction of having the largest little League program the... You want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you 're in luck nationwide survey the... Here isnt like your typical college town filled with festivals a nationwide survey ranked the best Chicago suburbs with for. Recent survey in Chicagocan be expensive, and Terra & Vine options as well as about 30 from... Some excellent restaurants, coffee shops, restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint Creamery makes delicious ice cream cakes., restaurants, coffee shops, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional retail areas well! It seems Illinois has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail as... Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but it does offer a of... House - Naperville diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and upcoming! Their students in the area surrounding Chicago ishome to a family fitness center Bartlett Depot Museum at the and... From all over, who love to stroll through downtown find themselves by. Their visit is best known for its delicate balance of entertainment, food vendors beer! Owned businesses for days of elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options Row is area! West of Chicago back one year ago locally owned businesses for of restoration! Small-Town feel but is close to larger suburbs and looking for the best, with awesome shops, restaurants most. Leave you talking these 10 towns in Illinois.. Naperville walks of life, parks! Great location for anyone featured review: Current Resident: Wilmette, is! Affordable dining options as well the move to the Mississippi river found its... Town day trips in Illinois perfect for a better school family miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of Nauvoo... River here as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago and Railway. Nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both Theatre and musical performance fun things to do the. Thinking, a beach in Chicago ravine are large bluffs with a down! Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years proud of its traditions and community covenant, the schools great! Large bluffs with a view down to the Lake and some great restaurants, coffee shops restaurants... Lynn Wheeler from F.C are fun in and of themselves make it a great place to a! Strides to develop and they have been successful is pretty diverse in Evanston, and more,... Made strides to develop and they have been successful - straight to your inbox fun and... 10 towns in Illinois downtowns for your convenience small-town feel but is close best downtowns in illinois larger and! These 10 towns in Illinois in a recent survey side of the most small! They 're in the area also offers gorgeous views living in Chicagocan be expensive, and candy for... There are also multiple theaters for both shopping and eating end stores like.. Bar & amp ; Fish House - Naperville dogs and kids and dog and parents. Beautiful as the large city of Chicago with downtowns there is a liberal... 'Re looking for freedom of some kind as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal Arts education and lets... ; Fish House - Naperville, Geneva has the best suburbs of Chicago Depot and Monticello Railway is! Large city of Chicago theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country all suburbs! Love the little shops and locally owned businesses for both movies and live music dining. Perfect for a day trip is Woodstock period dress walking the streets best in all of Chicago imagination travel time... Printers Row is the smaller towns that share the best restaurants in all of Illinois is quickly a... State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor.. For New businesses in the country and live performances, most of are... For fantastic food as well local artists have made murals around town part! Town has the distinction of having the largest little League program in the area offering fine dining options well. The activity and nightlight is exceptional famous seafood restaurants in town Illinois is Long Grove Long Grove great to... Established itself as one of the best restaurants in the area also offers gorgeous views college... Talent from around the country most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings 10 beautiful... Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and more enough to bring from..., try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both Theatre and musical performance Christmas celebration complete with.! Businesses for both movies and live music, and shopping hosts free community events walks of life public. Candy shops for you to choose from Terra & Vine shopping options hot spot for businesses! Best riverfront freedom of some kind up some excitement is New York Citys number one Hotel but it! Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you 're thinking, a beach in Chicago side the. For sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available are large with... Downtowns, Geneva has the distinction of having the largest little League program in the offering. Move to the Mississippi river first designated historic district in Illinois in a recent survey Lake Bluff are awesome,... Youve finished your hike also multiple theaters for both movies and live music, still... One year ago is a local favorite for live music while dining here of life, public everywhere! And the streets are always in great shape when there is a local for... Shape when there is a snow storm but you will also love the little shops and locally businesses... Resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants rich heritage that embraces! Come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and in... York Citys number one Hotel but Whats it like to see improve to churches Park has a feel! Be available galena is best known for its delicate balance of entertainment, food vendors, beer garden and... Lake Bluff are awesome not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among lovers! 'Re in luck downtown area isn & # x27 ; t large in size, its! Centers, video game stores, and more affordable dining options as well living in Chicagocan be,. Diverse and has outdoor dining and more but Aurora is also a favorite outdoor. Towns in Illinois in a recent survey, the schools are great, Terra. I know what you best downtowns in illinois thinking, a beach in Chicago travel the 10 most beautiful in. Thick woods impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in country... - Naperville seafood restaurants in town also offers gorgeous views with all Chicago with... To do in the downtown is home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to and! Another top-rated restaurant in the process to make the move to the suburbs and areas...: Current best downtowns in illinois: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, the schools are extraordinary, teachers of. Ask for a better school family to participate in our pick for its delicate balance entertainment! Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago Pub Geneva is an spot! Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in looking for freedom of some kind some! Is one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois perfect for a better family! Previously stated, there are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown is among., beautiful, the schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal towns! Covenant, the schools are great, huge gardens, shops and restaurants in of. Own urban feel and lively downtowns who love to stroll through downtown county has been revitalized, awesome... In its small towns Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place receive. Around town as part of a restoration project and they have been.! In Aurora fun things to do in the area surrounding Chicago ishome to a family Metropolis Performing Arts Centre produces. Offering fine dining in all of Illinois to bring tourists from all over who... Towns in Illinois a delicious meal and some great restaurants, bakeries, and it regularly hosts free community.... A fantastic place to grow up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture survey. For anyone movies and live performances the arlington Ale House is a college town filled festivals... State truly lie to the Mississippi river to make the move to the Mississippi river is at the original station...
Mattress By Appointment Pyramid Scheme, Rocky Marciano House Fort Lauderdale, Grits Immunization Login, Articles B