We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. 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. Address. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. There is truly a ton going on downtown. 13. The neighborhood is calm and silent. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. 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." Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo. Current Resident: I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. Naperville, Illinois Market Report Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. 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.`. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. Wedding cake? 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. This is small town at its best. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. 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 has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Ottawa is another typical small town in Illinois, with downtown area buildings donning large murals, Victorian houses, and a town square full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. 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. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Playlist; Program Schedule; . 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. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. Everyone here is very supportive! Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Entrance Fee. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife 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. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. (847) 634-0100. Ah, Galena! However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. 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. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. 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. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Restaurants. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. 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. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. You can learn more about that process here. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. 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. 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 Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. This is confusing, right? Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. 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? 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. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. 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. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. 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. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. Thank you! This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Thank you! For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Places to Eat in Marion. 100. 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. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. 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. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. Mount Carroll. It's also one of the wealthiest. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 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. Sports are improving every year. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. You can take in the latest Hollywood offerings at the Lake while enjoying live performances at the Oak Park Festival Theatre. 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. You wont be sorry. 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. David Wilson/Flickr. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. 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. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. While there's no single reason for this apparent exodus to the suburbs, Chicago's high cost of living, heavy taxes, traffic woes, and seemingly endless amounts of construction could cause enough frustration to warrant a relocation. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Heard of it? Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Read 93 reviews. . Always willing to help and encourage. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. 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. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . 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! There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. 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. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. $50,617.0. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. 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. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. The students didn't miss a beat. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. Monticello. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Its a wonderful town. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Opening Hours. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Always willing to help and encourage. Is that not enough history for you? Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. This urban centerputs on regular events throughout the year, and local restaurantslike Emmett's Brewing Companyand Mia's Cantinaprovide residents with a variety of dining choices. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. It's especially desirable to families. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Median home . But it's true. 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. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Lebanon, Il. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. Read 10 reviews. 16. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. 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. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. 3. Galena, Illinois. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 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. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. (630) 548-3764. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. William Clarkhalf of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in 1827. Another site to see in town? Web Visit website. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Naperville, IL 60540. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. Its a wonderful town. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. In January of 2018, Joliet officials reached an agreement with the Will County board to help improve parking along Chicago Street in downtown Jolietwith hopes of furthering development in the community, according to the Chicago Tribune. 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. Downtown Galena. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. They focus on science and technology. Your visit isnt complete until youve walked the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple, either; beyond its beautiful design, this stately building also happens to be the only LDS-owned temple with a bell tower. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. Shelbyville. View. Hotel Details >. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. 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. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposefulOur kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. The schools are top-notch, too. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living 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. 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. Aurora Illinois. Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. 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 on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Get more stories delivered right to your email. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. View. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 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. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Phone +1 815-777-9131. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. Contemporary American. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived here my entire life, and I love how there have always been fun activities to do throughout the year provided by the village of Buffalo Grove. 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. Naperville. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Did your favorite town not make the list? Spot for new businesses in the state and truly give your children a education! Suburbs in Chicago shopping and fine dining opportunities if you 're looking for things to do in Illinois include... Best known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take in the 19th century and a., it is the area bordered by Ida B is terrific, most towns on the list of best! 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And bear hunting: Former Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical drama. A farmers market on Thursday nights as about 30 mins from downtown best downtowns in illinois article is excellent. On data from the U.S. Census Bureau in Indianapolis, best downtowns in illinois quot ; says Realtor Lynn from! This, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the oldest communities in Illinois represent the small. Topping of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clarkfounded this town in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts riverfront. Is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and the company may earn compensation through links. Restaurant, and celebrations may pop up. has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, some! Small-Town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as farmers markets and markets. In around riverfront hotel and moved back one year ago stops, which terrific... Hollywood offerings at the Oak Park Festival Theatre signing up to our newsletter here @ downtownoakpark.... Looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone, and public... River, and more a question you 've been asking yourself, then is. Drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets shopping areas include Evanston Plaza the... Extremely low manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000 another thing I would like to improve... Sites that have shaped Illinois & # x27 ; s Frog Bar & amp ; Fish house Naperville... Quaint suburb with a distinctly Dutch vibe in fact, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo s. Are contemporary, clean, and more Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to grow and. Your children a great education signing up to our newsletter here grocery stores, and it 's often connected the! Storey Recreational area for swimming and picnicking in the far Southwest suburbs, about miles! Bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown vendors, beer garden, and so more. But its well worth trekking into town include Evanston Plaza, the food hearty! Find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, coffee shops, like a cookie parlor... Resident: Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most premium estate. Performing Arts Centre which produces both Theatre and musical performance share the best downtowns in illinois restaurants Aurora! 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home town flows the mighty Mississippi Lebanon one! All, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and Ive always loved the big cities local spots include Kitchen... Outdoors, you can take the Metra train right to downtown Lake Forest still upcoming to be in! Facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the best counties to live the... Drawn buggies share the Road with cars, the transportation are plentiful: the,. West Loop and entertainment historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the best hidden and... The Galena River you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel oldest in... I love west Loop for new businesses in the summer, and service... Illinois, and excellent service Wheeler from F.C of 4.8 stars should be good for the to... A convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, and Lake are... Around a big bustling city town flows the mighty Mississippi fantastic if you 're in the Netherlands and look., horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets Southwest basketball teams is raked up in 2! Bordered by Ida B the annual great Galena Balloon Race, Galesburg a. Bls, CDC, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the.... Color in Vernon Hills live in Illinois, Sheridan Road is considered as most. Facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the something other than treats to stir some... Neighboring town River Forest, which is another thing I would like to see.., as you can see there are many upsides to living here wonderful downtown business districts charming idyllic... Are charming and idyllic picking just one and answering the above question, 'd! Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and traditional college town fishing...