Whether city or country, there are some wonderful places to put down roots in Illinois. The choices are endless. So it’s hard to answer the question “where is the best place in Illinois to live?” But here is our best attempt at answering that question. We’re giving you ten different places in Illinois you might just want to call home.
- Bolingbrook
Tony Hisgett.Flickr Celebrating only its 50th anniversary, Bolingbrook has a lot of offer its roughly 75,000 residents. There is great shopping at the Promenade and IKEA, and many restaurants to choose from. The park district is one of the better ones in the state. And it’s located just 30 miles outside of Chicago, with great access to all the city has to offer.
- Barrington
Ron Cogswell/Flickr If you’re a lover of Victorian homes, you have to check out Barrington. There are loads. But beyond beautiful, historic homes, there are also some excellent nature preserves. Barrington schools routinely win accolades.
- Rochester
flavius217/Flickr Rochester is one of the fastest growing communities in central Illinois. Rochester Community Park has an enormous play structure for the kiddos. It is very family-oriented and safe. And it is just a few miles from Springfield.
- Elmhurst
Daniel X. O’Neil/Flickr This town has been home to some famous residents, including Carl Sandburg. The schools have very rigorous standards for the kids. There is a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
- Urbana
Marc-Anthony Macon/Flickr Home to the University of Illinois, this town has that college feel and all the amenities that a large university has to offer. But it also has a lovely up and coming downtown area with very good restaurants. The parks are beautiful, also.
- Edwardsville
Allen Gathman/Flickr Edwardsville is one of the oldest towns in Illinois but still continues to attract residents. This is partly because of its proximity to St. Louis and job opportunities there. Schools are excellent. And it is always a great day to take a bike ride.
- Grayslake
Payton Chung/Flickr There is a strong sense of community in Grayslake with an eye toward sustainability. You can see that from this beautiful wetland pictured here. There is also a community garden. Still, Grayslake is not too far from Chicago and all that the city offers.
- Charleston
Philip Brewer/Flickr Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University and, maybe more importantly, Jimmy Johns. The downtown area is vibrant, with plenty to see and do. The town is also strong on arts and culture.
- Geneva
David Wilson/Flickr Located along the Fox River, Geneva is scenic and is a tourist attraction. It is an historic town, and has a strong historical community. Additionally, it is home to the minor league baseball team, the Kane County Cougars.
- Carbondale
nathanmac87/Flickr Carbondale is located in Southern Illinois, and is home to SIU-Carbondale. It is within driving/walking distance of some of the most scenic parts of Illinois, including the Garden of the Gods. Many of its residents are very active and are nature lovers.
Which town do you live in? Which Illinois town is the best? Let us know in the comments.
Tony Hisgett.Flickr
Celebrating only its 50th anniversary, Bolingbrook has a lot of offer its roughly 75,000 residents. There is great shopping at the Promenade and IKEA, and many restaurants to choose from. The park district is one of the better ones in the state. And it’s located just 30 miles outside of Chicago, with great access to all the city has to offer.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
If you’re a lover of Victorian homes, you have to check out Barrington. There are loads. But beyond beautiful, historic homes, there are also some excellent nature preserves. Barrington schools routinely win accolades.
flavius217/Flickr
Rochester is one of the fastest growing communities in central Illinois. Rochester Community Park has an enormous play structure for the kiddos. It is very family-oriented and safe. And it is just a few miles from Springfield.
Daniel X. O’Neil/Flickr
This town has been home to some famous residents, including Carl Sandburg. The schools have very rigorous standards for the kids. There is a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
Marc-Anthony Macon/Flickr
Home to the University of Illinois, this town has that college feel and all the amenities that a large university has to offer. But it also has a lovely up and coming downtown area with very good restaurants. The parks are beautiful, also.
Allen Gathman/Flickr
Edwardsville is one of the oldest towns in Illinois but still continues to attract residents. This is partly because of its proximity to St. Louis and job opportunities there. Schools are excellent. And it is always a great day to take a bike ride.
Payton Chung/Flickr
There is a strong sense of community in Grayslake with an eye toward sustainability. You can see that from this beautiful wetland pictured here. There is also a community garden. Still, Grayslake is not too far from Chicago and all that the city offers.
Philip Brewer/Flickr
Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University and, maybe more importantly, Jimmy Johns. The downtown area is vibrant, with plenty to see and do. The town is also strong on arts and culture.
David Wilson/Flickr
Located along the Fox River, Geneva is scenic and is a tourist attraction. It is an historic town, and has a strong historical community. Additionally, it is home to the minor league baseball team, the Kane County Cougars.
nathanmac87/Flickr
Carbondale is located in Southern Illinois, and is home to SIU-Carbondale. It is within driving/walking distance of some of the most scenic parts of Illinois, including the Garden of the Gods. Many of its residents are very active and are nature lovers.
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