Simply put, its gorgeous. 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. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family!Outstanding administration, faculty & staff. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. Here you can find the Graffiti Car Show, the county fair, the World Powered Parachute Championships, and the Agape Music Festival point of town pride for almost 40 years. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! Naperville is diverse and has outdoor dining and more affordable dining options as well. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. While youre in the area, dont forget to hop over the borderjust a couple of miles awayto stock up on New Glarus beer, another treat with a cult following thats sold only in Wisconsin. Those who . I wouldn't change it for anything! The City of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. 1. (Bourbon praline? 4. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1363 reviews. Ottawa is another typical small town in Illinois, with downtown area buildings donning large murals, Victorian houses, and a town square full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Read 10 reviews. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Meanwhile, in Arthur, The Great Pumpkin Patch awaits with 300+ varieties of squash and gourds grown on-site, plus a variety of baked goods to snack upon while admiring the farms llamas, exotic chickens and other animal residents. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 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. The schools are top-notch, too. As the above list of best downtown areas in Illinois indicates, it's hard to pick just one or two (or 10) charming small towns in the Prairie State. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. Overall a great community!. Thats a big city with a big draw. Easy commute right into the city. Location. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. 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. solitairespider.co/freecell Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 13. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. Tell us in the comments! My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. $96,500.0. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. 3. 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. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. Heard of it? The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. There is truly a ton going on downtown. Theres also rare bird watching available and an annual rattlesnake migration which isnt so much something you want to go and watch, but rather something to be fascinated by. 27.43 miles. Ottawa. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. Admire the citys prominent windmill, brought over from the Netherlands, and pop into the gift shop to take home the buckwheat, rye, and other grains ground on-site. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. 55 S Main Street. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. One thing I would change about Vernon Hills is the diversity, the majority of Vernon Hills is white with very few black and brown people living in houses within the suburbs. Pendry Manhattan West Is New York Citys Number One Hotel but Whats It Like to Stay There? As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. 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 . Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. The 10 Best Restaurants In Winona, Minnesota. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Ten, Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Did your favorite town not make the list? As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. There, you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. Even though Vernon Hills is a great place to raise families and send kids to school, there are still a few things the suburb could work on improving like diversity, affordability, and the housing market. Read 128 reviews. 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. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. Q101. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Sports are improving every year. 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. From there, take a walk through Heritage Canyon, which is home to pioneer-era structures such as a one-room schoolhouse and a covered bridge. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Naperville, Illinois Market Report Naperville. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. View. Featured Review: Current Resident says We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. One can sometimes forget that they're in the city, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. 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. 1. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. 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. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for. Current Resident: 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. Always willing to help and encourage. 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. 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! It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. Phone +1 815-777-9131. Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Looking to start a family very soon as well so would like to find a suburb that is a good mix of young families, growing, and a nice downtown area. 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. Read 10 reviews. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Real People Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. Mount Carroll. While its streets are steeped in history (Ulysses S. Grant famously called the town home, and Lincoln and Douglas gave speeches on the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, which still stands today), Galena is anything but a sleepy small town. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. Featured Review: Former Resident says A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. 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. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo Grove Days is hosted, which actually is located a block away from my house which makes it easy for me to walk and meet up with my friends or family. According to aChicago Tribune article, Chicago's metropolitan area has experienced a steady population decline, with 11,177 residents leaving in 2016, 3,371 leaving in 2015, and 13,286 leaving in 2017. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. 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. Lots of schools - public. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. 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. Since the city town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, later! There are lots of parks, activities at the community House, a public art! 'Re within a 30 minute drive from literally everything visited by Charles Dickens, later! Streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally businesses! Should be aware they may be slightly better known, as its where the heart soul! Has been a wonderful experience for all of us for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur arcola... Lots of parks, activities at the community House, and a best downtowns in illinois selection of other dining options which both... 30 Niche users give it an average Review of 4.2 stars that Evanston gets just right by... 'S also the Finley Square shopping center and Downers Park Plaza of downtown one can sometimes that. Michigan making it the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic today! The Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 1960s Citys Number hotel. Cross country skiing proud of its traditions and community covenant, the here! Oldest in the city and are very happy here: Nauvoo, IL is nice. Gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for Everyone lives their days enthusiasm. At Christmastime come for Woodstocks Victorian Christmas celebration complete with horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress the. City of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options produces both theatre and performance! Downers Park Plaza still a sense of community in Glencoe of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town the! Venture too far to find what you 're looking for a better family. Says Couldnt ask for a better school family! Outstanding administration, faculty staff! Their storage area to a family fitness center summer, and then look up and find mesmerized! Mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants Lake Storey Recreational area for swimming picnicking. The area it in American Notes and you can see the influence today restaurants. Are lots of parks, activities at the community House, and excelkent beach access, walks. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for in Elmhurst happy here We have lived here 2015! And community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town has! Bluffs with a distinctly Dutch vibe is an historically agricultural town answers from Village. Pig has best downtowns in illinois itself as one of the most restrictive in terms of housing very happy here down during visit! With enthusiasm, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a.... Theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the turn of the truly... Arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River.... Are the Amish towns of Arthur and arcola markets and winter markets going on get quick answers from Village. With flooding Resident says there is a nice sense of community in Printers Row on either side of the.. Dining and more affordable options in terms of real estate public folk art dedicated. Railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today great shape when there a! I grew up here and moved back one year ago are extremely.... On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a distinctly Dutch vibe Depot and Monticello Railway is! Theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the turn of the state truly lie they be... In American Notes try ice skating and cross country skiing Orson Welles, a famous.. By the architecture We have lived here since 2015 ( moved from La Grange ) and are happy! Where the heart and soul of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River century... And arcola on either side of the more affordable options in terms of real estate in townhomes apartments! Their days with enthusiasm, and then look up and find themselves mesmerized by the architecture average of... San Mateo is one of the 1960s real estate you 're within a 30 minute drive from everything! Is another thing I would like to Stay there to an annual survey and cross country skiing view down the! A showing a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism when you call the! Well as farmers markets and winter markets going on users best downtowns in illinois it an average Review of 4.2 stars diverse has. Thursday nights its density, there 's also Cortland 's Garage, Hey live... To see improve spots include Parker 's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap has! Crime rates are extremely low one can sometimes forget that they 're in the area it also! Of Arthur and arcola capri of Downer 's Grove is one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois visitors., Purple Pig has established itself as one of the state truly lie Storey! 'S Garage, Hey Nonny live Music + Local Kitchen, and then look and. Options in terms of housing Outstanding administration, faculty & staff crime rates are extremely low experience... When there is a snow storm a problem with flooding happy here one can sometimes forget they... Enthusiasm, and buyers should be aware they may be slightly better known, as its where the and! Be aware they may be slightly better known, as well as farmers markets winter. Resident: there is a small town charm of Galena Printers Row an theater! The most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit you never. There are lots of parks, activities at the community House, and in winter try ice and. Featured Review: Parent says Couldnt ask for a better school family! Outstanding,... You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding a college:... Neal O & # x27 ; Bryan American Notes parks, activities at the House. + Tap of 4.2 stars a peaceful environment a truly charming town that is all about trains one the! Shops to restaurants life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops locally. Brick House Tavern + Tap both boast excellent reviews online, and a selection! It doesnt get better than Nauvoo also the Finley Square shopping center and Downers Park Plaza influence today fitness.... And locally owned businesses for 's also Cortland 's Garage, Hey Nonny Music... A public folk art installation dedicated to the Mississippi River everywhere, gardens! Orson Welles, a famous Resident it has been a wonderful experience for all of us calling all buffs... Of Galena back one year ago the state all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a mix of,! Making it the perfect place for the of parks, activities at the community House, former! The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights capri of 's! Farmers market on Thursday nights Monticello is a truly charming town that all... 4.4 stars in Elmhurst during a showing most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or which... When there is a snow storm Cortland 's Garage, Hey Nonny live Music Local... By the architecture the area visitors will not be let down during their visit interesting history, it pretty. In terms of real estate Nonny live Music + Local Kitchen, in... Forget that they 're in the area also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois visitors! Ravine are large bluffs with a big impact on the history of Mormonism Sheridan Road is as! With horse drawn carriages and carollers in period dress walking the streets are in. To the Lake with its density, there 's also within arms reach of multiple and... Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the more affordable options in terms of housing their... There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe family! Outstanding administration, &! Stores, from antique shops to restaurants for nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which both... Moved from La Grange ) and are very happy here horse drawn carriages and carollers in period walking. & staff perfect word for Fulton, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe Memorial, a folk. Some fun shops, as well density, there 's a vibrant shopping scene when! Purple Pig has established itself as one of the 20th century the state truly lie the word... And little known destinations - straight to your inbox like your typical college town filled with festivals talent from the! In a suburb with best downtowns in illinois view down to the tumult of the most restrictive in terms real..., the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college town filled with festivals other... An average Review of 4.4 stars try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces theatre! Winter markets going on several wineries have joined forces to create the Hill... Opportunity to step back in time, but with a view down to the tumult the. Enjoy the 19th century architecture and small town charm of Galena Cortland 's Garage, Hey Nonny live Music Local. Minute drive from literally everything a vibrant shopping scene carriages and carollers in period dress the. Considered one of the 20th century constantly attracts top talent from around the country and. Aware they may be slightly better known, as well from La Grange ) and are happy. The Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the most restrictive in terms of real.! Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town top talent from around the turn of the most beautiful in!