Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. Arlington Heights via bogdanstepniak / CC BY 3.0 As you can see from the population, Arlington Heights is one of the largest suburbs of Chicago, coming in at one of the largest 15 municipalities in all of Illinois. spindelharpan soli A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. It's also only a block away from the lake. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Overall a great community!. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Q101. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. (Bourbon praline? 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Contemporary American. There's nothing more delightful than spending a day in one of the Land of Lincoln's myriad small towns, whether it's taking a historic tour or checking out the best downtown shopping areas in Illinois. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. 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. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. Shelbyville. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. 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. Some of the best-ranked public schools in America with an enviable ranking of 9/10; one of the state's lowest unemployment rates (5.40 per cent); sixth . Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Opening Hours. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, 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. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Simply put, its gorgeous. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! 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. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 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. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. Stroll tree shaded streets and enjoy the towns architecture and beauty. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Santa Cruz. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! Everyone here is very supportive! But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Featured Review: Current Resident says 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 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. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. There's the namesake brewery, with its cult-status Spotted Cow ale, the award-winning Alp and Dell creamery and Minhas Craft Brewery, the country's second-oldest brewery. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. Facebook. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Kohler, Wisconsin. With a slower pace of life and locally-owned businesses to support, the small towns of Illinois tend to have tight-knit communities that can be hard to find in the big cities. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. 3. Burlington, Vermont. From* $139. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? 9. This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Dining. 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. 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 . As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. Lots of schools - public. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. 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. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Check prices. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. . Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. Galena. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. 1. Ah, Galena! 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. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Please. Music. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. 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! 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. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. 13. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Did your favorite town not make the list? Oakland, CA. 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 activities for kids to get involved in. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. Love Illinois? There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. 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. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. You can learn more about that process here. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. View. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Theres always a festival in Arcola see if you can time your visit to attend the Horse Progress days, the Raggedy Ann Festival, the Amish Country Bicycle Tour, or Oktoberfest. Each teacher gets to know their student in a personal level to build relationships to help them show the right way to be a better person for the society. Read 11 reviews. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Source: flickr. Mount Carroll. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. 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. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. 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. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. View. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 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. 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. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Trains run below ground so its very safe. Early December. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 10. 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. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. Stillwater, MN, USA. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. Galena, Illinois 61036. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. 3,625. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 1. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). Main Street. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Read 10 reviews. 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. Naperville. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. 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. Aledo, IL. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Paducah, Kentucky. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. 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? For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Purple Pig. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Is that not enough history for you? Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! 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. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. 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. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . 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 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. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. Easy commute right into the city. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. . When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. 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. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 3. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 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