As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville is a posh seafood restaurant in the Main Street Promenade offering lunch and dinner choices. (Keep an eye outRaggedy Andy turns 100 this year, and celebrations may pop up.) Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. 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. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. 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. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. 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. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. 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. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 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. It's especially desirable to families. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. 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. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced. Read 44 reviews. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. The local downtown area looks as magnificent as it did . Purple Pig. Read on to learn our picks for the top10 best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. . This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. 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? It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. Morris has a decent amount of offerings in its downtown, with plenty of places to get a really good dinner and some great shops. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Parent: We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! 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. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. Free Admission. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. Overall a little bike ride to a friends house isnt that bad and the area is very safe. Read 16 reviews. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. 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. Burlington, Vermont. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. Wedding cake? 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. 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. 1. Proud of its traditions and community covenant, the atmosphere here isnt like your typical college 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. You can see what pioneer living was like when you visit Heritage Canyon, see the history of the area at Martin House Museum, and check out everything else the town has on offer Andresen Nature Centre, the historic downtown, two gorgeous national scenic by-ways, and the Great River Bike Trail. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. 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. Places to Eat in Marion. Thank you! Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. railsr4me/Flickr. It's also one of the more diverse suburbs. You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. 3. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Naperville is truly a shopper's paradise. 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. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. Read 10 reviews. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. 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. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. The historical preservation around Princeton doesnt stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. The neighborhood is calm and silent. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. You will find some unique shops, like a cookie dough parlor and book shops. Neighborhoods.com is not affiliated with the builder, developer, or the association of any communities displayed on this website. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Wilmette. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Oak Park has a vibrant downtown with plenty of attractions for suburban families. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Since the resort arranges babysitting services, you and your loved one can spend some quality enjoying the resort facilities. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. It was here that founder Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob an event that led to the migration of the church to present day Utah. For an in-depth look into Galena's history and its important place in American culture, visit the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, located in a beautiful Italianate mansion originally built as a residence by merchant Daniel Barrows. Featured Review: Former Resident says Overall, good. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. . 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! 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 Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. 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. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. 100. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. . Overall a great community!. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. 27.43 miles. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Read 48 reviews. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. 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