Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. Source: flickr. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. It's our opinion that it achieves this balance even better than Arlington Heights. Streeterville. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. 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. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. 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. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. Is that not enough history for you? Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Ottawa. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. 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. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! Places to Eat in Marion. Totally convenient, the transportation are plentiful: the L, Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or better, hoof it. Spring is the perfect season to try new things like venturing into unexplored territories. 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 neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. It's especially desirable to families. Downers Groves natural areas like Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie offer walking paths, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has a system of more than 145 miles of trails. 5. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. Music. If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. 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. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be. Current Resident: I love West Loop! Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. 1. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. Overall a great community!. 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. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. 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. 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. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. 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. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Mount Carroll. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Read 15 reviews. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. There are escape rooms, movie theaters, parks, lakes, and more. 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. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. Everything you could ever need. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Kohler, Wisconsin. Stillwater, MN, USA. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Its not very diverse, however. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. spindelharpan soli 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. What's the most charming small town in Illinois? 100. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. Read 206 reviews. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. (Technically, Printers Row is the area bordered by Ida B. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Galena. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. 3. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Had your fill on murals and snacks? At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. The only thing is that it is quite a bubble and sheltered place, not exposing kids to very much and allowing them to live a more privileged life. Read 42 reviews. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Always willing to help and encourage. 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. (847) 386-6053. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. With a slower pace of life and locally-owned businesses to support, the small towns of Illinois tend to have tight-knit communities that can be hard to find in the big cities. A scoop of each, please!) The schools are top-notch, too. Did your favorite town not make the list? Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. Ah, Galena! A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. Galena. Main Street. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to places without being too dangerous. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro of 4.3 stars steeped in historic with! Metra, Union Station, bike rentals, or kayak, and other.. 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