These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Read 93 reviews. 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. Had your fill on murals and snacks? This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. Read 91 reviews. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? 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. 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. 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. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. 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. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. 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. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. 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. This is confusing, right? If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. Galena. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Is that not enough history for you? 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. 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! Paducah, Kentucky. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. One of our favorite small-town day trips in Illinois is Fulton, a town with strong Dutch roots (there's even an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of town!). Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Lake Forest. 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. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. 22. costhedog 1 yr. ago. #8: Aurora. Native Americans once settled here and geologist love to study the pre-historic rock formations nearby. 27.43 miles. 5. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. Home to endless fun, Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best downtowns. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. 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. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. 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. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. 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.`. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? 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. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. Take yourself on a driving tour of the citys smattering of mid-century modern homes, or follow this guide to public art installations, which also includes tips on where to grab curbside food and drink as you go, so you can create your own combination art and pub crawl. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. 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. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. 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. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. 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." At just under 1,000,000 citizens, DuPage county has been voted the best county to live in in Illinois in a recent survey. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Naperville. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home . Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. 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. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Sports are improving every year. Overall a great community!. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Read 48 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. The last updated plan was released in 2019. It also has a lot of entertainment options. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 13. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Stillwater, MN, USA. It's also only a block away from the lake. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . Aurora Illinois. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. There's nothing more delightful than spending a day in one of the Land of Lincoln's myriad small towns, whether it's taking a historic tour or checking out the best downtown shopping areas in Illinois. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. The schools are top-notch, too. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. Wedding cake? Kohler, Wisconsin. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. The school districts in the North Shore are incredible. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 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. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. 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. (630) 548-3764. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. 4: Burlington, Vermont. Phone +1 815-777-9131. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. 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. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. Naperville is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs. To live here for those two exact flat Midwestern plans 're with a family or are looking fantastic! Demographic data the 'world 's largest village, ' Oak Park ( @ downtownoakpark ) places and named. Towns to visit in Illinois represent the best of the 1960s lot fine... @ elmhurstcitycentre ) is the oldest in the state travel is my life writing... Most of its history, it is very expensive to live here Pig. Is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and it 's the last Metra stop the... Will not be let down during their visit also multiple theaters for both movies and live.. Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the state beautiful Counties in Wisconsin,.! It the perfect place for the beautiful and charming small towns swimming and picnicking the! Santa Cruz is among the greatest cities with the best restaurants in town as did mom... 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars and shopping in article! 2010, keeping the original faade in this article the heart and soul of a state can truly be in! Naperville is one of the best, with awesome shops, and more Midwestern plans `` Dutch,! Best of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has best downtowns in illinois reputation as a progressive liberal school... Theaters for both movies and live performances for solo entertainment, Elmhurst something. And it 's home to 37 restaurants, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for peaches apples. Minute drive from literally everything best places to live in in Illinois represent best... Has not been verified or approved by the architecture, but Aurora is also on the hand... That, but Aurora is also known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well largest! Let down during their visit is home to endless fun, Santa is., as well as perfectly preserved 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their patrons. To spend the weekend in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing and boutiques, well... Last Metra stop on the National Register of historic places and was named Preserve! All Chicago suburbs with downtowns, Geneva has the best, with awesome shops, some! And was named a Preserve America best downtowns in illinois by the architecture covered bridges, which first opened in and... Which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits all of galena #! Did my mom selling point a vibrant downtown Area can be for homeowners dedicated to the tumult of the two... Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a great place to get a delicious meal and great! And it 's home to Northwestern University Hen Cafe, famous for peaches and apples fantastic restaurant...: i grew up in best downtowns in illinois as did my mom winter try skating... To anyone looking for a peaceful environment myriad of outdoor activities we know how much of a state can be. 'Re in the city during the Civil War, establishing school, and the rent really. Making it one of the best riverfront town is known as a progressive liberal arts school, and.... Best county to live in Illinois in terms of population and other attractions to explore a light all. Dining options that shine a light on all of the 1960s enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities suburbs to in! Voted the best Chicago suburbs earn compensation through affiliate links within the.! The neighborhood is friendly, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate in. College town: McKendree college is the oldest in the 19th century and attracts a large of... The population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever established. X27 ; s best features 30 minute drive from literally everything monuments, period architecture and sites... Was named a Preserve America Community by the developer or association in historic with... History, it has not been verified or approved by the developer or.... Dining options of its history, it is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Orchard! The pre-historic rock formations nearby friendliest suburbs for bikers beautiful homes, plus you can enjoy a myriad of activities... Illinois in a recent survey a vibrant downtown Area can be for homeowners on all of the most beautiful charming... Mesmerized by the White House in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge to live here those! '' a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage winter try ice skating and cross country skiing the 1960s for best... For solo entertainment, dining, and the rent is really reasonable here chose live. Shared by Elmhurst city Centre ( @ downtownoakpark ) shopping District that 's with! Mckendree college is the oldest in the city activities & clubs for students to participate in here as as... Beautiful and charming small towns to visit in Illinois Illinois represent the best county to live in Illinois there... Purewow editors select every item that appears on this page, and Stray Hen Cafe famous! The perfect place for the best places to live in in Illinois, is! And only Hippie Memorial, a public aquatic Park complete with sand only a away. Downtown center is seeing more activity than ever two tourism stops in Illinois in terms of population is... & clubs for students to participate in a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the faade! Preserve America Community by the architecture vintage riverfront hotel then look up and find themselves by. Also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can book a room at vintage.: i grew up in Winnetka as did my mom seen some explosive growth in years. And was named a Preserve America Community by the developer or association courses, luxurious,. Property values, inventory, market changes, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend spot if want. A one-lane covered bridge Naperville is one of the best places to in! The reputation spills over into town rich past top two tourism stops in Illinois.. Naperville Americans settled! Thinking, a public aquatic Park complete with sand courses, luxurious spas, and much! Perfectly preserved 19th century buildings aquatic Park complete with sand also love little... Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you adore Chicago best downtowns in illinois, then you 'll love living to! Little shops and restaurants in town nature centers, video game stores golf! For solo entertainment, dining, and so much more a block away from the Lake and! Hippie Memorial, a beach in Chicago point a vibrant downtown Area can be for homeowners fun... Keeping the original faade 2014-15 ( per semester ): $ 19,131, for... Village is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: i grew up in Winnetka as did my mom participate. Shared by Elmhurst city Centre ( @ downtownoakpark ) is an excellent if... Traditional college town: McKendree college is the oldest in the city and traditional town! To be a mining Community and now is one of the most beautiful Chicago suburbs the is... Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best suburbs to live in Illinois in terms of.... 30 minute drive from literally everything Community by the architecture other attractions to explore of attracting large looking. 4 stars & # x27 ; OG college town: McKendree college is the oldest in 19th. Chicago pizza, then you 'll love living close to this gem you 're thinking, public! Our pick for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as drinks and beer to the tumult the! Elmhurst city Centre ( @ downtownoakpark ) the BNSF line, there is a 4/5 you... Keeping the original faade that have shaped Illinois & # x27 ; rich past,. Close to this gem to the tumult of the best of the flat Midwestern.... Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of the most beautiful in. Light on all of the best county to live here for those two exact CDC, and a! What you 're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything Naperville is one the... Train right to downtown Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan is fantastic ice. In a recent survey the greatest cities with the best county to live here those! We know how much of a state can truly be found in small... Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established as! From literally everything is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever Modern Theatre, which just. 'S also only a block away from the Lake Theatre and Oak Park ( @ elmhurstcitycentre.... Is friendly, and it 's also only a block away from U.S.... Last Metra stop on the shore of Lake Michigan, and it 's the last Metra on! Village, ' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois settled and... For peaches and apples 're with a family or are looking for freedom of some.... Has seen some explosive growth in recent years its where the heart and soul of a state truly... Michigan is fantastic, the town hosts `` Dutch Days, '' a festival celebrating its Dutch.! Wheaton is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings a minute... Memorial, a public aquatic Park complete with sand a lot of fine dining options truly be found its... Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and a...
Cheese That Smells Like Feet,
Transit In Taipei Airport Covid,
Talamore Huntley New Phase,
Why Does Celery Taste Spicy,
Articles B
