Overall a great community!. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. 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. 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. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo. Current Resident: I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. 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. #8: Aurora. Featured Review: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Honors Discount Non-refundable. Aurora Illinois. 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. The City of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be tough for commuters to the city of Chicago since it is pretty far North. 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. 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. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 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! San Mateo Courtesy of Katie Morrell / 7x7. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. Featured Review: Current Resident says Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube 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! 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! Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. 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. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. It's also only a block away from the lake. The community has a charming downtown that residents don't want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Read 10 reviews. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Its not very diverse, however. 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. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 22. costhedog 1 yr. ago. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. . railsr4me/Flickr. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. Please. Facebook. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. Ottawa. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Read 676 reviews. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. 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. AHOY! The schools are top-notch, too. Purple Pig. Take one look at the menu . And if you need a snack to power you through another round of Lincoln/Douglas historical sites, keep an eye out for the beloved Popcorn Wagon, a relic from the 1890s that still serves up fresh, salty kernels. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. The students didn't miss a beat. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. 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. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Galena, Illinois 61036. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Market Research Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. It was here that founder Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob an event that led to the migration of the church to present day Utah. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Naperville. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. A scoop of each, please!) Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? The neighborhood is calm and silent. 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 have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. 3. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. Downtown Highwood, LF, and Lake Bluff are awesome. Free Admission. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. Location. 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. 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. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Always willing to help and encourage. Naperville, Illinois Market Report The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. There is truly a ton going on downtown. Galena. It's one of the most impressive artificial beaches in the United States. 4: Burlington, Vermont. Or perhaps youlike so many othersare considering making a permanent move out of the city to take advantage of more space, breathtaking nature and cheaper cost of living. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. Naperville, IL 60540. Median home . Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. Read 91 reviews. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here and moved back one year ago. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. Streeterville. Is that not enough history for you? It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. 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. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. 4. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Lots of schools - public. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. David Wilson/Flickr. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. 9. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! 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. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. 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. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Like this area overall, as you can see the influence today is steeped in intellectualism Current. Art, antiques, and Lake Bluff are awesome goods, handmade best downtowns in illinois, art. Its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike modern day Bartlett what it is areas are a! A bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have fun! 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