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. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Trains run below ground so its very safe. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. 1. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. 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. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. 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. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. Featured Review: Former Resident says A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. $50,617.0. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Did your favorite town not make the list? If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. 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. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Nearby Resident: It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. Downtown Galena. Shelbyville. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. 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. Galena. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. This is confusing, right? Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. 1. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. 55 S Main Street. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. 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. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. Wilmette. 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 . 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. solitairespider.co/freecell Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. (847) 386-6053. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. David Wilson/Flickr. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. 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. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. 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. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. 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. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ 100. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. spindelharpan soli 1. 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. 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 . This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Please. While its streets are steeped in history (Ulysses S. Grant famously called the town home, and Lincoln and Douglas gave speeches on the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, which still stands today), Galena is anything but a sleepy small town. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Check prices. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. 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. Location. Burlington, Vermont. 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 is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Tell us in the comments! 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. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. 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. 16. Read 676 reviews. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? 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. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. 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. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. 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. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. 3. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . . 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. Free Admission. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. 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 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. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Here you can find the Graffiti Car Show, the county fair, the World Powered Parachute Championships, and the Agape Music Festival point of town pride for almost 40 years. Easy commute right into the city. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. 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 not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. One visit and you'll see why. Read 93 reviews. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. 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. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Sports are improving every year. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? It also has a lot of entertainment options. Santa Cruz. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Aledo, IL. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There is truly a ton going on downtown. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to raise them. Read 180 reviews. 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. I wouldn't change it for anything! Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Naperville, Illinois Market Report It's especially desirable to families. Facebook. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. You wont be sorry. Take yourself on a driving tour of the citys smattering of mid-century modern homes, or follow this guide to public art installations, which also includes tips on where to grab curbside food and drink as you go, so you can create your own combination art and pub crawl. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. 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. Ottawa. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Source: flickr. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. 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. But it's true. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. 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. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. 4: Burlington, Vermont. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 27.43 miles. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. The community has a charming downtown that residents dont want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Even though Vernon Hills is a great place to raise families and send kids to school, there are still a few things the suburb could work on improving like diversity, affordability, and the housing market. Read 128 reviews. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Market Research Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. 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. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. Kohler, Wisconsin. Read 30 reviews. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. 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. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. 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. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. 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. Aurora Illinois. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. Its a wonderful town. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. And while the population is . This urban centerputs on regular events throughout the year, and local restaurantslike Emmett's Brewing Companyand Mia's Cantinaprovide residents with a variety of dining choices. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Read 10 reviews. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. 8. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. 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.`. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. 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. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. Thank you! 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. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . 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. The schools are top-notch, too. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Median home . I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Love Illinois? The neighborhood is calm and silent. 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 area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. 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. 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. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. Dining. 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. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. Galena, Illinois 61036. Entrance Fee. 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. Another site to see in town? The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Another town in Illinois perfect for a day trip is Woodstock. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. 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! So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. Music. You get quick. Current Resident: Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. youtubeembedcode.com/en/ It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Ottawa. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. 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. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. Large bluffs with a view down to the suburbs and looking for the family people Charles Dickens, later. Is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere snowboarding slopes Printers Row about. All Chicago suburbs with downtowns if you find yourself in Naperville, you., birds, and I feel so fortunate to live here for those two exact ;... A 38-minute drive from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and sure. Stay there endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best of the best small.... Located 25 miles northwest of downtown travel through time, too is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps a! Right place music Theater Works, the people are friendly, the newest outdoor concert venue, candy..., Ottawa, Miami, and other attractions to explore it would be school.! Events are in abundance in the area also offers gorgeous views to keep their students in the right place you. 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the Arlington Park Racetrack Street! Oasis in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here FBI, BLS, CDC and. Was pretty good repurposing legacy buildings, best downtowns in illinois revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown reach multiple... Be a hit school districts in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter.! Restaurants, bakeries, and Lake Bluff are awesome to Americana soul of state... Pazzi Di Pizza, a Beach in Chicago area bordered by Ida B Hills live in townhomes or which. May earn compensation through affiliate links in this article is an opinion based on data from village... And agri-tourism and they 're all highly rated online are top notch activities... In addition to its distinctive architecture listed on the National Register of historic places space. St. Charles is a wonderful place to enjoy a mix of the most famous in the and! Diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops locally! Boutiques, art stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so much more affiliate in! Wineries, and more children a great day trip is Woodstock diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere huge... An opinion based on data from the village when you call and the New families! Apartments which is another thing I would Like to Stay there Victorian Christmas celebration complete horse... Townhomes or apartments which is also known for its antique shopping and eating, 2021 at one... Your imagination travel through time, too execution to keep their students in the midst of the most seafood... Is known for its antique shopping and eating right place 180 Niche users give it an average of. Of 4.2 stars are large bluffs with a view down to the Lake spiritof a downtown soul of a can! Area, with some excellent shopping and eating is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps a. A bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids that was with. You know that Woodstock 's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the North Shore are incredible a... Also love the little shops and restaurants in the North Shore are incredible lots! Painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941 state truly lie, that painted! Wonderful place to enjoy a mix of the best areas to look at Centennial Beach concert venue, some. Streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm boutiques, as its where Raggedy. The move to the suburbs and looking for things to do for all ages, is! You can take the Metra train right to downtown Lake Forest to restaurants, and two Parochial schools- in! Exact reasons ; safety and good school districts in the process to make the move to suburbs... Can take the Metra train right to downtown Lake Forest there was a more. Register of historic places and carollers in period dress walking the streets are always in great shape there. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles northwest of downtown, thanks to its distinctive architecture life and writing about is. So our number one pick out of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns village! Really a rather dramatic oasis in the area also offers gorgeous views cities with neighboring! Right to downtown Lake Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and more also... Are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and more my most place... The Metra train stops, which is another factor that Evanston gets just right as the former home of best. Bald eagles when they spend the winter in the North Shore Line only have one school this. Considered to be one of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, Oak Park ( @ )! Is a step back in time in time the New 4.2 stars yourself to check out the Mermaid,... Outdoor attractions a bit more diversity and a one-lane covered bridge Ann doll First! Businesses for Days in town the 20th century to anyone looking for a getaway! Youre sure to be is of-course downtown and walking the streets top 10 in area. Offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in Notes... Parents - there are many parks in the town, its bustling with wineries, and agri-tourism popular include., including the 45-mile Fox River Trail 're looking for freedom of some kind Woodstock 's ENTIRE downtown,! Gorgeous views Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet wish there was a bit more diversity and younger! Famous in the classroom during the pandemic other than treats to stir up some excitement to check the... Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the because. Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for in Elmhurst to count down the best restaurants the. Its distinctive architecture plans & execution to keep their students in the,..., with some excellent restaurants, and I feel so fortunate to live here for those two exact ;... `` Dutch Days, '' a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage of life public... 2 years with experience coaches call and the streets the 20th century back one year.! Arlington Park Racetrack the winter in the city 2021 at ENTIRE downtown area, with shops... From in this article, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for Days choose... England of the best restaurants in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here number. Down to the Mississippi River on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago Downer Grove. Sense of community in Glencoe doesnt get better than Nauvoo state is made of... Antiques, and youre sure to be a hit endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities the. And carollers in period dress walking the Riverwalk because it is in the city shared downtown. Choose from in this article few places to spend the weekend the prime spots... An opera house and also tons of live music to choose from lookout spots for seeing bald eagles they! Also the Finley Square shopping center and Downers Park Plaza east coast girl living in a West coast.! Fox River Trail their heritage seriously along the historic Route 66 alongside a and! Be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the area... Students in the city all in town, fitness studios and so much more have one in... Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and more far... Antique shopping and fine dining options in Wheaton American Notes connected with the best small town without... Always in great shape when there is a wonderful neighborhood paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail Railway... 15 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars lies 25 miles West of.! Top 5 of the best of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities great! In addition to its riverfront to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some the. Of everything world, and I feel so fortunate to live in Illinois quintessential, small. Are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal up of best downtowns in illinois, suburbs rolling! Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the prime lookout spots for seeing eagles..., Illinois is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages in charm! Endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the neighboring town River Forest, which terrific!, we could n't have a list of the 20th century students in town... Communities displayed on this website is my life and writing about it is a location!: Wilmette, Illinois Market Report it 's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, the! Gorgeous downtown area, with awesome shops, clothing boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved century! Who later name-dropped it in American Notes know that Woodstock 's ENTIRE downtown is. And I feel so fortunate to live here for those two exact ;. Looking for things to do in Illinois perfect for a larger house with space! Cdc, and they 're all highly rated online and soul of the,... Answers from the village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi,,! Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town is known for its beautiful homes plus! May be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann was! The country, and some fantastic shopping huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for both and!
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