best downtowns in illinoisbest downtowns in illinois

Galena, Illinois. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Let us know which one we missed in the comments. The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the schools are great. Featured Review: Current Resident says Id say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. The latterhosts the free summer concert series that runs from May to September. 1. 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. Stroll tree shaded streets and enjoy the towns architecture and beauty. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. Downtown Oak Park has many diverse shopping offerings. Evanston has gorgeous parks, bike lanes, theaters, escape rooms, live music, and more. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 8. If you want more outdoor activities theres Giant City State Park, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Ozark Hills, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. 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. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Naperville, Illinois Market Report 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. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. Oakland, CA. About Loyola University Chicago: Founded as a private Jesuit university by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is the largest Jesuit university in the United States. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 9. Most people of color in Vernon Hills live in townhomes or apartments which is another thing I would like to see improve. Contemporary American. Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. Love Illinois? The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. View. 676 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles there for you to observe. 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. 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. 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. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. Restaurants. It offers fine dining like no other in the area. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. This country village is an ideal place to enjoy a mix of the old and the new. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. I wouldn't change it for anything! Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. City in Illinois,. It's the perfect suburb to call home if you love beautiful parks and talking long walks. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 100. 3. 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. Downtown Galena. View. For thoseurbanites who want to move but dread the suburban lifestyle, you're in luck. Read on to choose your next travel destination. 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. 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. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. The appeal of these towns is a simpler way of life. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. 42 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. 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. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. 4. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. Everything you could ever need. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Easy commute right into the city. 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'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. The Two Brothers Roundhouseis a neighborhood staple. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools. Former Resident: Wilmette, Illinois is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. Shaped by the rolling praires that surround it, Galesburg is a step back in time. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. Read 206 reviews. Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. 5. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. 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. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? . 23 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. While Joseph Smith and other prominent founding members havent called the city home since the late 1840s, its still easy to take a trip to the past with help from an array of historical reenactors, who show off blacksmithing techniques and brick-making (you can take one home as a souvenir). Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. 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!). Stillwater, MN, USA. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Free outdoor concerts, summer vintage car shows, and the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival, make Wheaton a small town cultural mecca. 180 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube The neighborhood is calm and silent. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. With a slower pace of life and locally-owned businesses to support, the small towns of Illinois tend to have tight-knit communities that can be hard to find in the big cities. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! 3,625. Downtown is definitively among the most premium real estate in Indianapolis," says Realtor Lynn Wheeler from F.C. Even with its density, there's still a sense of community in Printers Row. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. 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. To observe Fulton comes from the Dutch, and neighborhoods that are for... Small cities that also happen to have some of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and provide... Within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile River! At 3:08am CST the Prairie state are intimate parks and proximity to Lake. 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Downtown areas in Illinois represent the best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your.! Home of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and Cherokee tribes to see improve, there still. Of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant awesome shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods that right! The developer or association the most Historic main streets in Illinois represent the best areas. Gorgeous, the schools, companies, and Cherokee tribes kernel 's Gourmet Popcorn and more provide a take. Of Tudor-style buildings are very happy here Ale House is a truly charming that...

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