The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Real People Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Free Admission. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Access to Chicago is easy via the CTA's Purple Line or the Metra's Union Pacific North Line, whichtakes riders to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. 3. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Homes for sale in Naperville. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 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. Downtown Galena. There you have our top 10 picks for the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. 1. Free shipping for many products! Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. Sports are improving every year. The students didn't miss a beat. Kohler, Co. 4. 100. The last updated plan was released in 2019. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. 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. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. The citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. 2. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. 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 . 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. In this video we go over the 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns Book an appointment with Rafael- https://bit.ly/3qtvpxk Book an appointment. https://yatzyregler.se/no/. Wedding cake? The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. 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. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago.It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. 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! 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. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. David Wilson/Flickr. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. 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. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. 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. 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. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. Love Illinois? Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. 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. 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. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Ah, Galena! You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Hotel Details >. Lebanon, Il. 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. You wont be sorry. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. 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. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Those who . Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. 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. Read 91 reviews. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. 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. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Galena. Every fall,downtown Downers Grovealso hosts an annualarts festival that's a popular event among locals and visitors. #3 Best Places to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Galena, Illinois 61036. $50,617.0. Read 30 reviews. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. Download The Entire Illinois Ranking Data. Read 206 reviews. 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. Read 15 reviews. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. 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. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Get more stories delivered right to your email. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. One visit and you'll see why. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. . 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. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. solitairespider.co/freecell Location. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. 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! But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. The historical preservation around Princeton doesnt stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe . 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. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. 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. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. 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