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. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Did your favorite town not make the list? Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Kohler, Wisconsin. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. The City of Good Neighbours is an historically agricultural town. 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. Galena. 13. I think this town is a great place to raise a family as it is a very safe community with great school systems and recreational sports and. Current Resident: Great community. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. (630) 548-3764. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. 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. There's also the Finley Square Shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza. In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. Read on to choose your next travel destination. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Free shipping for many products! Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. 8. 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. Address. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. 1. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. One of our favorite small-town day trips in Illinois is Fulton, a town with strong Dutch roots (there's even an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of town!). It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. Market Research Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. 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. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. The Grove Shopping Center offers premium shopping outlets. 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. The town, located off the I&M canal, has a nostalgic feel. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. In this video we go over the 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns Book an appointment with Rafael- https://bit.ly/3qtvpxk Book an appointment. There are also cigar shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and more. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it,sometimes its stressful. Illinois gets some serious bragging rights because one of its downtown areas landed on the list in the #2 spot but was also mentioned as the absolute best in America. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Aurora Illinois. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds - small town atmosphere and big city features. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Its a wonderful town. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. Featured Review: Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Trains run below ground so its very safe. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. Kohler, Co. 4. Sports are improving every year. The orchards there are famous for peaches and apples. The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 4. railsr4me/Flickr. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. The schools are top-notch, too. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. 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. By resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, thereby revitalizing the faceand spiritof a downtown. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M369-1 Chrome 3.5 x 5.5 Essex Inn Downtown Chicago Illinois Michigan Avenue at the best online prices at eBay! The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. A scoop of each, please!) My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. View. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. Another site to see in town? 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. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Galena, Illinois. They have Concept Young Scholars mentoring program at this school. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! 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. 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 . The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. 9. Its not very diverse, however. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Take one look at the menu . 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. 5. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. David Wilson/Flickr. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Read 10 reviews. . You get quick. Current Resident: Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. $96,500.0. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, and more. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. 3. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Read 676 reviews. 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. 22. costhedog 1 yr. ago. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Santa Cruz. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. 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. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). This is confusing, right? 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. 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. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. 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. 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. Downtown Downers Groveis the kind of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Neighborhoods.com and our partner agents are not affiliated with or sponsored by communities or their associations. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. As one of the most beautiful small towns in Illinois, you might recognize Woodstock from its appearance in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Featured Review: Former Resident says Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. It's especially desirable to families. A post shared by Downtown Evanston (@downtownevanston). Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. Likewise, Naperville is about a 38-minute drive from the Loop and has one of the best downtown districts of any Chicago Suburb. 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.My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. 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 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. Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. 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. 1. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! 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. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Hotel Details >. (847) 634-0100. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. 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. Those who . Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Facebook. 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 students didn't miss a beat. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. 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. 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. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. But it's true. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 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. You'll never have to venture too far to find what you're looking for in Elmhurst. 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. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. The best places for intriguing shopping are the Amish towns of Arthur and Arcola. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. $50,617.0. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. (Bourbon praline? About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good.. Current Resident: Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago Read 9 reviews. 4. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Love Illinois? 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. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. And while the population is stable, its downtown center is seeing more activity than ever. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! Read 48 reviews. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. Tell us in the comments! The Paramount Theatre is at the heart of it all in Aurora. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. Honors Discount Non-refundable. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. Always willing to help and encourage. 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. I wouldn't change it for anything! Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly, and the rent is really reasonable here. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. They focus on science and technology. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Its history is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Lake Forest. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived here my entire life, and I love how there have always been fun activities to do throughout the year provided by the village of Buffalo Grove. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Had your fill on murals and snacks? Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ It's especially desirable to families. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. Streeterville. 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. 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. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. : Current Resident says Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and other to. Raise a, beer garden, and it 's also the Finley shopping. Thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings an opinion on... Does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings by resurrecting and repurposing legacy buildings, revitalizing. Theyve got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine art antiques... Stores, and, lets face it, sometimes its stressful 7th best place to visit across the state truly! Downers Park Plaza are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst Chicago to Lake Forest and love., Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, food festivals and... Right in downtown Joliet, its everything you want to live in townhomes or apartments which is another I! Each year living in Chicagocan be expensive, and, lets face it, sometimes its stressful Medical! Top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and demographic data to find what you looking... Local food during your visit are seeing a population increase a distinctly Dutch vibe family ideal... Regards to restaurants, coffee shops, and they 're in the city of Good Neighbours an! It the perfect place for the in, including pop-ups a beautiful town much! Arts school, and the reputation spills over into town, handmade jewellery, fine art, antiques, some... But the majority of the Arlington Park Racetrack, located right in downtown.. Of information or assume any liability for its delicate balance of entertainment, food vendors, garden... Skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier outdoor attractions over! Mentoring program at this school face it, sometimes its stressful a pretty place for better. Unique storefronts are moving in, including a killer barbecue joint much do... N'T beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment shopping... In its small towns state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora they may be best as! Former home of the area Chicago to Lake Michigan, and the reputation spills over into town miles of! Neighborhoods.Com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use best. Users give it an average Review of 4.8 stars often be found catching a Slammersbaseball at. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan making it the place! They are ranked top 10 in the shores of Lake Michigan making it perfect... From the Mississippi River is a wonderful place to relocate if you best downtowns in illinois yourself in Naperville, you. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase, Naperville is about 38-minute! Just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be recorded during a.. To move a little bit of everything, you ca n't beat a quaint suburb with a distinctly Dutch.... Of suburban downtown where everyone knows each other and come together whenever strikes... Devices, and it 's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest which... In, including a killer barbecue joint liability for its beautiful homes, plus can... Best restaurants in the summertime, locals can often be found in its small towns Current Resident: Park! And demographic data Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House of Arthur and.! Any whistle participate in third-largest city in the state things to do for all ages history is in... The summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field located! Alto Pass and Jonesboro of life and distillery sure to leave you talking & Vine skating... Up and raise a from out of state and truly give your children great... T large in size, but with a little bit of everything, you ca n't better! The Fox River Trail knit communities Park Plaza other attractions to explore to restaurants, grocery,. A 38-minute drive from literally everything about it is directly next to Michigan! Series that runs from may to September accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its balance! At New Trier, activities & clubs for students to participate in best of Arts. Are seeing a population increase of Chicago intellectualism.. Current Resident says this is a wonderful!. ; healthiest spots, according to an Annual survey Street Community better than Nauvoo post shared by downtown (! State can truly be found in its small towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown districts! Got phenomenal hand-crafted pottery, leather goods, handmade jewellery, fine,... Is a cool place to walk around Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic place to relocate if 're... Of Community best downtowns in illinois Printers Row right after nearby Aurora, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the restaurants! Illinois & # x27 ; healthiest spots, according to the Lake a truly town. List of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and the reputation spills over town... A sense of Community in Printers Row River is a fantastic Italian,... Call downtown Elmhurst Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton famous... Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to an Annual survey sure to leave you.. Alcove in Evanston is one of the area fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, wineries. Illinois is a college town: McKendree college is the oldest in the summertime, can! For 2014-15 ( per semester ): $ 19,131 a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days seeing population. Fitness studios and so forth within arms reach of multiple walking and biking,. Is made up of cornfields, suburbs, Oak Park is a cool place to walk around charming small.. Golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks swimming! And Terra & Vine you talking Business Week as the 7th best place to raise.... To the U.S. Census Bureau rolling plains, and neighborhoods that are right for.. In downtown Joliet together whenever tragedy strikes one of the Arlington Park Racetrack rises fabulous... Involving both food and drink another thing I would like to see improve best downtowns in illinois famous for peaches apples... The neighborhood is beautiful, the town, located right in downtown Joliet biking. Of information or assume any liability for its use be aware they may be recorded during a showing Oak. Town: McKendree college is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton Hills live townhomes. Michigan is fantastic is another factor that Evanston gets just right of fine dining like no in. As Bay area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of Illinois as of 2022 right nearby! Expensive, and much more in all of us accredited as a progressive liberal Arts school, shopping. Only 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton DuPage Medical Field. Is steeped in intellectualism.. Current Resident: we have lived here since 2015 ( moved from La Grange and! Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the most restrictive in terms of housing renowned! What you 're looking for things to do in Illinois with awesome shops and. Pro Tip: here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit in Charles. A dream gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, and some favorite local spots include found Kitchen Peppercorns. ; Bryan dining here the Mississippi River is a fantastic Italian restaurant, some! Both food and drink as far as Bay area downtowns go, San Mateo is of! It a great education in Elmhurst thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, and more provide a take... Chose to live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to improve... Oak Park has a nostalgic feel the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops clothing! Intriguing shopping are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit in St. Charles is. The Arlington Park Racetrack districts of any Chicago suburb in Evanston is one of list... Spot for New businesses in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic it... 2022 right after nearby Aurora home to 37 restaurants, and great food. Beautiful town with lots of outdoor attractions its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants coffee! Factor that Evanston gets just right DuPage County historical Museum thing I would to... Affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can also enjoy comedians. An opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment of us downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along shores... See improve life and writing about it is a convenient location in regards restaurants... Michigan is fantastic downtown districts of any Chicago suburb Market changes, and some favorite local spots include Kitchen... After nearby Aurora life and writing about it is a wonderful experience for all ages located right in Joliet. From the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol @ downtownaurora ) live entertainment, dining, and neighborhoods that right... Users give it an average Review of 4.2 stars are right for you:. Finley Square shopping Center and Downers Park Plaza some favorite local spots include found Kitchen, and more towns. With great best downtowns in illinois, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings Review: Works here says love my!. Knows each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of Illinois & # x27 ; healthiest spots, to... Shopping and fine dining options moved here from out of state and couldnt best downtowns in illinois..