Homes for sale in Naperville. 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. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! 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. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. Whether you're interested in a quick visit or a fun place to linger, these charming small towns in Southern Wisconsin have lots to enjoy. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Downtown Galena. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Galena, Illinois. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. $50,617.0. 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. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. I wouldn't change it for anything! Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! 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. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. 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. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. TRAVEL The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State. It's especially desirable to families. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). 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. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Love Illinois? They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! 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. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ The neighborhood is calm and silent. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. 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. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Contemporary American. The village adopted a downtown master plan in 2007, which sought to increase density in order to create a more cultural and urban suburb feel. Galena. Burlington is also naturally scenic. 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! 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. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Places to Eat in Marion. 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. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Is that not enough history for you? 3. 4: Burlington, Vermont. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. 2. Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Wilmette. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. You wont be sorry. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Lebanon, Il. 3,625. Entrance Fee. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Read 30 reviews. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. Everyone here is very supportive! 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Streeterville. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. 1. View. Thats a big city with a big draw. 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. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. As previously stated, there are lots of parks littered throughout the downtown. 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. 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. 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. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Always willing to help and encourage. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Read 48 reviews. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Lake Forest. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. 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. 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. I have spent many summers nannying various kids in the neighborhood and can tell there are many young families moving from the city into the suburbs and building new, very nice homes. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 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. Current Resident: This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. 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 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. 13. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. Check prices. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. 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. Those who . Ah, Galena! Mount Carroll. In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. Cedarburg, Wisconsin Population: 11,500. Q101. 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. Paducah, Kentucky. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. (Bourbon praline? 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. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. 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. Sports are improving every year. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. 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. Free shipping for many products! 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. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. Read 676 reviews. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) 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. 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.`. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Read on to choose your next travel destination. Tell us in the comments! Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. 10. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for. 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