Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. 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. Nature wakes up from under the snow cover and reveals its fresh-faced glory to the world. Mount Carroll. . The city was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and the town is home to artists, craftsmen, galleries, boutiques, and good restaurants. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. Ottawa. Each May the town hosts the Dutch Days festival and they are home to one of the only authentic Dutch windmills in the United States. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. 1. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heightsmay be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. You will also love the little shops and restaurants in town. But you will also find some higher end stores like lululemon. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. 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. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Homes for sale in Naperville. Fashionistas, renowned designer shops and boutiques await you. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Read 91 reviews. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Love Illinois? 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. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. Galena is best at showing off its impressive . Read 48 reviews. 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. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. The schools are top-notch, too. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. Lebanon, Il. Shopping areas include Evanston Plaza, Sherman Plaza, the Evanston Center, and more. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the state of Illinois as of 2022 right after nearby Aurora. Heard of it? This small town is known for its antique shopping and boutiques, as well as perfectly preserved 19th century buildings. While you may not see an onslaught of other people in these little Illinois towns, youll still find a throng of things to do, from visiting a stop along the Underground Railroad to whizzing around a racecar track. 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. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. 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. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. 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. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. Naperville, Illinois Market Report #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Cuisine is pretty diverse in Evanston, and some favorite local spots include Found Kitchen, Peppercorns Kitchen, and Terra & Vine. The students didn't miss a beat. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, 10 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Illinois Where Life Is Still Simple, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants, Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Greatest Places To Live In Illinois. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. Read 206 reviews. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. It's a charming midwestern town with lots of outdoor attractions. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. On the other hand, it is very expensive to live here. Featured Review: Current Resident says 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. You can also enjoy stand-up comedians and live music while dining here. It's one of the most impressive artificial beaches in the United States. Everyone here is very supportive! The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. And for history buffs, there's no shortage of points of interest in Galena, as 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places! Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. 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! St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. This idyllic suburb lies 25 miles west of Chicago. Locals love baseball and the town has the distinction of having the largest Little League program in the country. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. This is confusing, right? Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. In Naperville, you can have a great time without ever having to step foot in the city of Chicago. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 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. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Is that not enough history for you? What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? 128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale, Youtube Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Stillwater, MN, USA. Meanwhile, many suburban areas are seeing a population increase. Downers Groves natural areas like Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie offer walking paths, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has a system of more than 145 miles of trails. 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. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. There are lots of fun things to do in the downtown area. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. 4. Everyone here is very supportive! It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. You wont be sorry. 8. City in Illinois,. Overall a great community!. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. Now, Greenville is a college town filled with festivals. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. . Thats a big city with a big draw. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. Thank you! The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. 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. Free shipping for many products! 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. View. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. 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. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Fulton provides another opportunity to step back in time, but with a distinctly Dutch vibe. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . 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. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. Old Towne Pub Geneva is an excellent spot if you're looking for fantastic food as well as drinks and beer. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. 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. General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . Galena has a gorgeous downtown area, with some excellent restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops for you to choose from. Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. Naperville, IL 60540. That's because we know how much of a selling point a vibrant downtown area can be for homeowners. 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. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. 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. 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." There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. 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