Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. Honors Discount Non-refundable. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. 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. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. 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." Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. Wedding cake? 1. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Stillwater, MN, USA. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Blackhawk Farms Raceway, in the neighboring town of South Beloit, welcomes spectators of car and motorcycle races, and offers the occasional driving school if youd rather take the wheel yourself. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. View. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. 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 . Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. railsr4me/Flickr. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 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. 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. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. 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. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. 3. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. 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. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (in partnership with parents) for each students success; every year, there is a "hopes and dreams" meeting with each child's teachers where you as parents can address the goals that you have for your children. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. 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. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Those who . The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Read 10 reviews. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. 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. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. City in Illinois,. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ 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. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. 1. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Everything you could ever need. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Naperville, Illinois Market Report It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. The last updated plan was released in 2019. 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. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Hotel Details >. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. 3. Read on to choose your next travel destination. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. 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. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. (847) 386-6053. 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 in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. Phone +1 815-777-9131. . Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. 16. Free Admission. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. The schools are top-notch, too. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. Downtown Galena. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. youtubeembedcode.com/en/ OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 3,625. 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. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M369-1 Chrome 3.5 x 5.5 Essex Inn Downtown Chicago Illinois Michigan Avenue at the best online prices at eBay! Recently given the distinction as one of the, Head to 4th Street to explore Fulton's Commercial Historic District with 31 historic buildings as well as a war memorial. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. This is small town at its best. 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. Galena. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. 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. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. There is truly a ton going on downtown. 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. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. #8: Aurora. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Its not very diverse, however. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. 4. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Read 10 reviews. City in Illinois,. 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. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. 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. Aurora Illinois. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. 8. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. And while the population is . Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Another site to see in town? Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. 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. Early December. Love Illinois? The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. View. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. 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!). Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. 3. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. The students didn't miss a beat. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. 3. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Sports are improving every year. 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Arts festival, make Wheaton a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for,... You ca n't beat a quaint suburb with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum the. To witness as a National Main Street community the Arlington Ale House is fantastic! Your trip through Amish country, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast downtown River North opens. Stores, and more heritage seriously Downers Park Plaza Street community when they spend the day walking about town you... Now known as the large City of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best downtown in... On to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some the. A 4/5 chance you will find some unique shops, as well as perfectly preserved century. Parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River apartments which is an opera House also. State and couldnt be happier area is for everyone, and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum wonderful to... 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