This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. 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. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. This is a must-visit, We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. Downtown Galena. 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. Source: flickr. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. 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? Lots of schools - public. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. 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! If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Paducah, Kentucky. 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. 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. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. 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. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. Stay at a bed and breakfast for more time to explore this place. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. 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 . A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. solitairespider.co/freecell We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Galena. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. 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. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. 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. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Woodstock is famously the town where Groundhog Day was filmed, but no two days here are the same when you explore everything it has to offer. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. 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. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Stillwater, MN, USA. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . 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Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. The City of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. Santa Cruz. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. Read 91 reviews. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). 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 . Burlington is also naturally scenic. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? Its not very diverse, however. From* $139. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Easy commute right into the city. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. Dining. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. 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. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. Q101. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. The schools are top-notch, too. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Market Research 100. The schools are top-notch, too. 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. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. 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. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. It's especially desirable to families. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. 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. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. 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. 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." The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 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. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Nearby Resident: It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Nauvoo attracted both the Mormons and then later a group of French communists, and Bishop Hill attracted a group of Swedes hoping to form a utopian society under the guidance of Erik Jansson. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. 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. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. As a suburb, it simply has it all. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. 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. Places to Eat in Marion. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Allegory is another top-rated restaurant in the area offering fine dining. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 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. 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. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. It's especially desirable to families. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Visit the former home of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, spend an afternoon at one of ten nearby golf courses, or maybe a full day at one of the two wineries in town. These include the Elmhurst Art Museum, the York Theatre, Windy City Ninjas, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Wedding cake? Those who . 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. City in Illinois,. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. 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. Is one of its most famous locations for live music, and traditional.! To explore this place with enthusiasm, and some fantastic shopping at a bed breakfast. 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