13. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. . 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. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. Free Admission. There's the namesake brewery, with its cult-status Spotted Cow ale, the award-winning Alp and Dell creamery and Minhas Craft Brewery, the country's second-oldest brewery. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Galena, Illinois. Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) (847) 634-0100. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. Love Illinois? Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. 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! It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . The students didn't miss a beat. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . While there's no single reason for this apparent exodus to the suburbs, Chicago's high cost of living, heavy taxes, traffic woes, and seemingly endless amounts of construction could cause enough frustration to warrant a relocation. Boston has been "lit" ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. Vincennes You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. It also has a lot of entertainment options. Lebanon, Il. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. 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. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Current Resident says I like that Vernon Hills is a tight community where most of the elementary schools are feeder schools into the middle schools which allows kids to stay in touch with their friends. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Those who . Santa Cruz. Ah, Galena! If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. But it's true. Trains run below ground so its very safe. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. The upscale fine dining in the area also offers gorgeous views. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. A post shared by Arlington Heights Living (@arlington.heights.living). From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. 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. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Entrance Fee. Aurora Illinois. Love Illinois? Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. 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. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. 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. 4. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. 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 . Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. Our kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. 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. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. Aledo, IL. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. HSA Southwest basketball teams is raked up in last 2 years with experience coaches. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. 27.43 miles. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. AHOY! Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. 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. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. If you have young children, this is the perfect place to raise them. Read 180 reviews. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . It offers fine dining like no other in the area. 3. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Woodstock is famously the town where Groundhog Day was filmed, but no two days here are the same when you explore everything it has to offer. These towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the best weekend getaway from the city. 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. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Everything you could ever need. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. The neighborhood is calm and silent. 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