Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. Galena, Illinois 61036. Read 93 reviews. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. 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. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. Easy commute right into the city. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. Another town in Illinois perfect for a day trip is Woodstock. Naperville, IL 60540. As one of the most beautiful small towns in Illinois, you might recognize Woodstock from its appearance in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Everyone here is very supportive! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. 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. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Parent: We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to raise them. Read 180 reviews. Those who . Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. 10. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. It's one of the most impressive artificial beaches in the United States. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. $96,500.0. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. It's also only a block away from the lake. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. 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. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. $50,617.0. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M369-1 Chrome 3.5 x 5.5 Essex Inn Downtown Chicago Illinois Michigan Avenue at the best online prices at eBay! . Is that not enough history for you? There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Thank you! City in Illinois,. Love Illinois? 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 . There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. 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. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Entrance Fee. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. 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? You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Read 30 reviews. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. 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! Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. Read 10 reviews. 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! We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. View. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 1. 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. 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. 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. 4: Burlington, Vermont. From there, take a walk through Heritage Canyon, which is home to pioneer-era structures such as a one-room schoolhouse and a covered bridge. 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. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. It's especially desirable to families. Oakland, CA. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. 1. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds - small town atmosphere and big city features. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. GreatSchoolsRatings provided byGreatSchools.org, Copyright 2023 Neighborhoods.com All Rights Reserved, 5 Chicago Suburbs With the Best Downtowns, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, CHECK OUT MORE FROM OUR '7 DAYS OF SUBURBS' WEEK. Its not very diverse, however. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the American Midwest, Galena is a big draw for honeymooners, foodies, and city dwellers who need a little rest and relaxation. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if. Current Resident: This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. 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. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 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 town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. 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. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. 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. Read 676 reviews. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Burlington is also naturally scenic. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). Thank you! 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. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. The students didn't miss a beat. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. 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). There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. 3,625. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. It's also one of the wealthiest. 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. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. David Wilson/Flickr. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. 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. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. There is truly a ton going on downtown. 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. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. Naperville. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. 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. 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. There's the namesake brewery, with its cult-status Spotted Cow ale, the award-winning Alp and Dell creamery and Minhas Craft Brewery, the country's second-oldest brewery. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. 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. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? Kohler, Wisconsin. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). While youre in the area, dont forget to hop over the borderjust a couple of miles awayto stock up on New Glarus beer, another treat with a cult following thats sold only in Wisconsin. Wedding cake? Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Boston has been "lit" ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. You can learn more about that process here. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. 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 . But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Wilmette. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Ottawa. 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. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. 1. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. 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. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. 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 . Did your favorite town not make the list? Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. 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.`. 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. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . 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. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. A scoop of each, please!) I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. 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! 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Shelbyville. 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. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. 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. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. And while the population is . Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a .