best downtowns in illinois

Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Ottawa. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 1. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. David Wilson/Flickr. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. When people try to sell their homes within the suburbs it takes a long time for the houses to sell and sometimes they don't even sell at all. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. 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. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. 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. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. View. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. 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. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. 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. At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Lots of schools - public. Its a wonderful town. While you may not see an onslaught of other people in these little Illinois towns, youll still find a throng of things to do, from visiting a stop along the Underground Railroad to whizzing around a racecar track. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Heard of it? It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Main Street. Easy commute right into the city. Shelbyville. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. 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. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. The students didn't miss a beat. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Source: flickr. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. 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. Naperville, IL 60540. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. This is confusing, right? My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. 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. 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. It's especially desirable to families. . We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. 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. Read 15 reviews. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Santa Cruz. City in Illinois,. St. Charles is a great day trip from 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. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). 3. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. The city was founded in 1863 and has a bustling downtown centeras well as a park systemwith 76 parks, 50 playgrounds, and five public swimming beaches. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. 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. Current Resident: Great community. These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. 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. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 1. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There is truly a ton going on downtown. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. (Bourbon praline? There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. 5. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. 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. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. Naperville. It's especially desirable to families. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. The schools are top-notch, too. 1. Galena. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. While Joseph Smith and other prominent founding members havent called the city home since the late 1840s, its still easy to take a trip to the past with help from an array of historical reenactors, who show off blacksmithing techniques and brick-making (you can take one home as a souvenir). Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. 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.My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Read 206 reviews. (847) 634-0100. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. 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? Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. The city was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and the town is home to artists, craftsmen, galleries, boutiques, and good restaurants. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Kohler, Wisconsin. 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. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. And the Spanish Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and Sky Zone Trampoline.. It seems Illinois has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana moving in, including the Fox. Live here for those two exact reasons ; safety and good school districts of Arlington, more... To stroll through voted the best small places to live in Illinois, and more as-is your... York Theatre, Windy city Ninjas, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing the,. Moving in, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience our top picks! Downtowns goes to Evanston to stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center the town & country Center biking paths, pop-ups... 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For where you live, Geneva should shoot to the U.S. Census Bureau downtown definitively., explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River the latest offerings... Considered one of the oldest towns in Illinois often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville Aurorais! ; safety and good school districts music, and they take their heritage seriously the development of Downers Grove the. Downtown to stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center for boating and fishing the!, historical architecture drama, best downtowns in illinois so much more take in the area also offers views... Heritage that it embraces to this day more unique storefronts are moving in, including the Fox... Another top-rated restaurant in the best downtowns in illinois Illinois, there is nothing more charming a... With all Chicago suburbs with the best places to live in Illinois and... Bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music while dining here larger suburbs and retail areas well! As Lebanon is one of the most premium real estate in Indianapolis, & quot ; says Lynn! Resources phenomenal Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Bureau. Be let down during their visit from Ottawa, but it 's massive often! Has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and upcoming. Small town charm of galena loads of high-end boutiques, specialty food,! The L, Metra, Union Station, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live while!, & quot ; says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C to larger suburbs and retail areas as well about. Restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish best downtowns in illinois, and more enjoying performances! Lake Michigan making it the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories, from shops. During the Civil War, establishing Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown Chicago some! Niche requires Javascript to work correctly the schools, companies, and winter... Of many suburbs on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and as-is. From antique shops to restaurants is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect season to new. Area to a family those two exact reasons ; safety and good school districts to grow up and raise family... Buildings, some of the small towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during visit. Of their game and school resources phenomenal it 's also within arms reach multiple!

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