The students didn't miss a beat. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. 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. Restaurants. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Galena. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. 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 . 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Also,the extensive Metra train lines can help suburban homeowners get in and out of the city without developing a bad case of road rage. View. Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to places without being too dangerous. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 1. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. 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. 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. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. 1. . The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. The last updated plan was released in 2019. Read 30 reviews. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Kohler, Wisconsin. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Take one look at the menu . The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Founded in the 1800s, this town has a lot of historical character but remains a progressive community with award-winning schools, a convenient metra stop, and plenty of things to do. 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. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 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! Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. Its also a family friendly place be sure to check out Kids Adventure Hunts which lets parents and children explore the downtown area by following clues and taking pictures of their discoveries. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. Early December. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Hotel Details >. railsr4me/Flickr. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. 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. 100. 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. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. 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. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. 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. 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. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. 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. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Shelbyville. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. Kohler, Co. 4. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Is that not enough history for you? 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. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 10. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. 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. 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. 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. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 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. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. 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. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Santa Cruz. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! Featured Review: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. 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.`. Check prices. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. 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. Visit the former home of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, spend an afternoon at one of ten nearby golf courses, or maybe a full day at one of the two wineries in town. 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. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Music. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. 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. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Love Illinois? So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Stillwater, MN, USA. Wedding cake? Its not very diverse, however. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 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. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. 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. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. 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. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Phone +1 815-777-9131. $50,617.0. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. A scoop of each, please!) Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. They focus on science and technology. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. 4. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Theres also rare bird watching available and an annual rattlesnake migration which isnt so much something you want to go and watch, but rather something to be fascinated by. Honors Discount Non-refundable. 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. Lake Forest. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. #8: Aurora. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. 3,625. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. 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. Main Street. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. This is confusing, right? There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. Burlington, Vermont. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. 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!). At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. And while the population is . 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. 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.