What are the most charming suburbs in Illinois? (Chicago, Elgin: for sale, apartment)

[prairiestate]

Peoria Heights is a cute little town in a scenic location.

[NaperResident]

Batavia and Geneva. Was just in Geneva for the Swedish fest. Nothing beats the charm of the tri-cities along the Fox river.

[Chicagocat]

Clarendon Hills
Riverside
Most "charming"

[holl1ngsworth]

Wheaton, of course! Chicago's fifth oldest suburb is chock-full of historical and aesthetic appeal. Downtown Wheaton, Danada Farm and Cantigny all put up solid numbers in the charm department and make the city a stand-out.

I also agree with those who mentioned Riverside. The city was purpose-built to be charming by the same two guys who designed New York's Central Park. And it shows. Hard to top.

Then there's the likes of the Tri-Cities, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Libertyville, Barrington and most of the North Shore. Many of Chicago's historic rail-based suburbs have loads of charm. We're lucky here in Chicagoland.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by holl1ngsworth

Then there's the likes of the Tri-Cities, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Libertyville, Barrington and most of the North Shore. Many of Chicago's historic rail-based suburbs have loads of charm. We're lucky here in Chicagoland.

Yes, there are dozens of older, very charming suburbs.

To the north:
Evanston
Wilmette
Winnetka
Glencoe
Highland Park
Lake Forest
Barrington (older central area)
Arlington Heights (near downtown)
Libertyville

To the west:
Oak Park
River Forest
Elmhurst
Glen Ellyn
Wheaton
Geneva
Batavia
Naperville (Central Area)
Downers Grove (North Side)
Hinsdale
Western Springs
La Grange
Riverside

To the south:
Flossmoor
Crown Point


There is no shortage of charming suburbs in this area.

[cpm55]

Libertyville to me is the best example of a near perfect community that isn't too "snobby" and almost like a Norman Rockwell quality.

[divakat]

North Shore by far, and I live in the Western burbs. Wish I could move there but I work in the west so...

[ToriaT]

I personally think the western suburbs have more charm than even the north shore in many ways. I'll grant it that they have the lake and some big mansions up there.

[4122]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

I personally think the western suburbs have more charm than even the north shore in many ways. I'll grant it that they have the lake and some big mansions up there.

It depends on what west suburb and north shore suburb you're comparing. It's hard to determine which region is more charming because each one has many different towns.

[dude1984]

Elgin, West Dundee, and the southern suburbs...just kidding.

I really like Wheaton and Lombard.