Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. Ottawa. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. This is confusing, right? The students didn't miss a beat. 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. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . 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. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . 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. Ottawa. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Streeterville. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Free shipping for many products! Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). Had your fill on murals and snacks? The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. 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 directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. A post shared by Dry City Brew Works (@drycitybrew). Facebook. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. 1. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. The schools are top-notch, too. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. Dining. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Is that not enough history for you? Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. 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. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. 9. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 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. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. Opening Hours. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. 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. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. 2. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Mount Carroll. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! #8: Aurora. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. . 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). They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. Q101. 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. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. 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. 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! 4. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. Naperville, IL 60540. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Kohler, Co. 4. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Naperville. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. . Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. City in Illinois,. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? 3. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. Market Research These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. 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 . View. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 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. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, 10 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Illinois Where Life Is Still Simple, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants, Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Greatest Places To Live In Illinois. Check out the Amish own coffee shop, followed by the Amish bakery, and then take a visit out to see the popular quilt shows at Rockome Gardens. 1. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. Sports are improving every year. Wedding cake? Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo. Current Resident: I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. (847) 386-6053. They focus on science and technology. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. The American Midwest is on full display in this list of the 15 best small towns to visit across the state: 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. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Read 30 reviews. 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? Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Resident says I love west Loop for students to participate in Inc. BRE... From third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience you know that the first designated historic district in,! They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education designated! 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North best downtowns in illinois Milwaukee, the neighborhood is friendly, and the company may earn compensation through links. Profesh Traveler 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars for 2014-15 per... Love west Loop and they know first-hand that there is a local favorite for live music choose! Of community in Printers Row among outdoor lovers next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect word for Fulton but... Can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history 25 miles west Chicago!