best downtowns in illinois
The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. Theyve got an active community playhouse, a wildly popular bowling alley, a historic (and beautiful) grain mill on the Wakarusa River, and a strong arts and music scene. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Take one look at the menu . The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 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. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. 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. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. 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. 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 . One visit and you'll see why. 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. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, 10 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Illinois Where Life Is Still Simple, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants, Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Greatest Places To Live In Illinois. Thank you! Early December. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. 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. 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. 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. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Ottawa. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Its a wonderful town. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Downtown Galena. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 22. costhedog 1 yr. ago. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Restaurants. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. Everything you could ever need. $50,617.0. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. 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 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 . However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Sports are improving every year. 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. If you really want to get out in nature you can visit Apple River Canyon State Park and enjoy camping and fishing in the heart of the parks striking limestone cliffs. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. 3. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! The neighborhood is very tight nit and there is even a Facebook group for the moms of western springs to give recommendations and warnings about things occurring around town. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. 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. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. Love Illinois? Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Sports are improving every year. Its not very diverse, however. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Playlist; Program Schedule; . Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. 4: Burlington, Vermont. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Another site to see in town? Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. 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. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. 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. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. 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. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. railsr4me/Flickr. (847) 634-0100. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. Read 15 reviews. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube But it's true. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Check out the Midsummer Music Festival if youre travelling in June. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. Did your favorite town not make the list? Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. 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. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. This is small town at its best. It's one of the most impressive artificial beaches in the United States. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. The historical preservation around Princeton doesnt stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. The civic pride is on full display during the Prairie Path Clean-up, when the entire town gathers to take care of a 61-mile stretch of highway through town. 4. Galena, Illinois. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Free shipping for many products! #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. Paducah, Kentucky. 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. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. Market Research Everyone here is very supportive! If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. . 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