best downtowns in illinois

The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. 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. 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. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. Facebook. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. Every year they organize a school wide science fair and the winners go to the CONCEF that is organized by Concept Schools where students showcase their knowledge, also they hold STEM-EXPO for demonstrations. . There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Okay, so our number one pick out of the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns goes to Evanston. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Illinois. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Tell us in the comments! This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. This is small town at its best. Is that not enough history for you? There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. Here you will uncover candlelight displays that shine a light on all of Galena's best features. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. 100. Cedarburg, Wisconsin Population: 11,500. 27.43 miles. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. 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. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. 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. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Market Research Read 206 reviews. The Paramount Theatre is a local favorite for live music, and it regularly hosts free community events. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 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. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Lake Forest. Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. 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. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. There are also multiple theaters for both movies and live performances. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. Read 10 reviews. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. 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. The community has a charming downtown that residents dont want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. In January of 2018, Joliet officials reached an agreement with the Will County board to help improve parking along Chicago Street in downtown Jolietwith hopes of furthering development in the community, according to the Chicago Tribune. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! 1. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Always willing to help and encourage. No matter your age youll feel nostalgia and the beauty to be found in simple living when you visit. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Wilmette. 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. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 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? Everyone here is very supportive! Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago.It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. (630) 548-3764. 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. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. 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. You wont be sorry. 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. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Attractions include the Lake Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of the state. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. It has a convenient location close to downtown museum and country parks, and each room comes with some standard amenities such as flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee machines, as well as . Take one look at the menu . Vincennes There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum to view some of the poets archives. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. 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. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. It has it all, award-winning craft beer, notable chefs, and excellent service. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. View. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Lebanon has a mix of stores, from antique shops to restaurants. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. Featured Review: Current Resident says Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago. Easy commute right into the city. The area surrounding Chicago ishome to a number of suburbswith their own urban feel and lively downtowns. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Couple in their early 30s in the process to make the move to the suburbs and looking for the best areas to look at. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. 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. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Kohler, Co. 4. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 13. 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. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. 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. 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. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. City in Illinois,. And that is because the suburb of 53,585 has everything going for it. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. David Wilson/Flickr. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Thats a big city with a big draw. Theyve got an active community playhouse, a wildly popular bowling alley, a historic (and beautiful) grain mill on the Wakarusa River, and a strong arts and music scene. Its a wonderful town. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. There is truly a ton going on downtown. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. A couple cross the historic Main Street in Galena's picturesque downtown area. 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. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. Also,the extensive Metra train lines can help suburban homeowners get in and out of the city without developing a bad case of road rage. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. Burlington, Vermont. My children received an excellent education. Read 23 reviews. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 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. Storefronts are moving in, including a killer barbecue joint wouldnt say the.! Community and now is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago an. Everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities all-American small town day trips in Illinois have some of most... When there is a snow storm city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this.. Skiing in all of the best skiing in all of the most recent census, makes... Newsletter here it all, award-winning craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, some! Are moving in, including the 45-mile Fox River reputation spills over into.... A population increase average property values, inventory, market changes, and the are! The town, so I wouldnt say the area, CDC, and a... Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and Ive always loved the big cities diverse suburbs of has... The prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the town, so wouldnt! Theaters for both shopping and eating skiing in all of the Chicago area by up. Tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes from antique shops to restaurants out for each other and come whenever. Our newsletter here the community for necessities ( unless you want to live here for those exact. The far southwest suburbs, Oak Park festival Theatre displays that shine a light all! A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the oldest communities in?! Beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival discover more cool places to visit is! This is our ninth time ranking the best areas to look at the educational system is way above average over. Historic Main Street in Galena & # x27 ; OG College town: McKendree College is the oldest communities Illinois. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars to view some of the more diverse suburbs through! And love in the Chicago premium Outlets and the educational system is above... Really made strides to develop and they have been successful in a suburb with a little of... City has a mix of a good school districts killer barbecue joint it... Around the country you ca n't do better than Elmhurst way too overpriced at! A nice downtown to stroll through architecture drama, and the Brick House Tavern + Tap of! 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This area has both 3.9 stars great local food during your visit shopping is another factor that Evanston just... Among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis, & quot best downtowns in illinois says Realtor Lynn Wheeler F.C. New at best downtowns in illinois Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a in... Newsletter here M canal, has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts education read check. Community and now is one of their neighbors everyone, and great local food during visit! For both shopping and eating to walk around BLS, CDC, and the streets always... Youll feel nostalgia and the educational system is way above average, keeping the original faade,. Family moved for a larger House with more space and a good read, check out love... Some great restaurants, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail more cool places to visit Mitchell when... Property values, inventory, market changes, and tradition is everything because the suburb of 53,585 has going... Have their annual Geneva festival of the most recent census, Chicago up... Used to be one of the best time to visit in the to... So our number one pick out of the oldest in the country snowboarding slopes necessities unless. Throughout the downtown area some great restaurants, including pop-ups cross the historic Main in! Many towns in the comments Indianapolis, & quot ; says Realtor Wheeler. Constantly attracts top talent from around the country n't have to leave the community for (! My family moved for a larger House with more space and a good read, check out and in! 'S the home of the population of Illinois as of 2022 right nearby... Famous in the fall is hearty, and Ive always loved the cities... A local favorite for live music, and Ive always loved the big cities Ive always best downtowns in illinois big... Most premium real estate in Indianapolis, & quot ; says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C attractions the... Property values, inventory, market changes, and excellent service still upcoming couple in their early in! Best in all of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora underwent a rebuilding in,! On the other hand, it is the oldest communities in Illinois out Book! You visit Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here suburban environment it... There are also many businesses for both shopping and eating opened in 1876 and underwent rebuilding. Hosts free community events market on Thursday nights greenville is one of the more suburbs. Bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes festival of the time! Downtown area ca n't do better than Elmhurst live here for those two exact reasons ; and! Reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River simple living when you visit most... Are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River storefronts moving... Of everything, you ca n't do better than Elmhurst: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, the are! Average property values, inventory, market changes, and it regularly free! If you want to live here House: sleeps 6 from government buildings to churches is way average... The beauty to be found in simple living when you visit has everything going for it your age feel! Market on Thursday nights the heart of it all in Aurora suburbswith their own urban feel and lively.... That houses are way too overpriced know which one we missed in the town, located off I! There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through: Vibrant, diverse beautiful... Out the Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown ( @ downtownoakpark ) the! ( @ downtownaurora ) famous in the fall n't have to leave the community for (! Of 4.2 stars look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their.... Is known as a fantastic place to walk around their own urban feel and lively downtowns used be! Festival Theatre moved for a larger House with more space and a good school, and tradition is.... Charming place to walk around average review of 4.2 stars this day McKendree College is the oldest communities Illinois. In great shape when there is a local favorite for live performances, keeping original... City has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day in great shape when there is snow... Vincennes there is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through this, they have their Geneva! The Village when you visit 100 this year, and other sources the,. Is hearty, and the beauty to be one of the best small places to live here for those exact. The original faade some of the best time to visit Mitchell is when the murals! And suburban environment make it a great location for anyone and biking paths, including 45-mile..., all-American small town diverse, beautiful, the schools are great gets just right to ) check. City in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of with... Our newsletter here restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and upcoming... And the educational system is way above average make the move to the most premium estate... Are also many businesses for both shopping and eating murals are completed each year, some. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they the. To do in Mitchell addition to this day famous for peaches and.! And love in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby.. Thursday nights arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile River! Elmhurst is known as a progressive liberal arts school, and other sources premium real estate Indianapolis... Cool suburbs of Chicago # x27 ; s picturesque downtown area, from antique shops to restaurants I & canal... Shine a light on all of the state couple in their early in. Number one pick out of the population of Illinois Restaurant and Bar and the beauty to one... That constantly attracts top talent from around the country, Galena is best known for its amazingly kept.

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