Small Towns On Northern Part Of State? (Joliet, Kankakee: tornadoes, hospital)

[countrylv22]

Hello everyone!

Could you please tell me the names of small towns, on the northern part of the state?
Any CHARMING, QUAINT TOWNS?
Could you please also tell me how are they considered SAFETY wise?
Are they affected a lot by TORNADOES?
Thank you so much!
COUNTRYLV22

[gardener34]

How small? How far north? Oregon, IL. Galena, IL are two that I can think of that are quaint. I don't think any area of IL is more prone to tornadoes, but a meteorologist could tell you for sure. If anything down south a bit by Joliet/Kankakee/Plainfield IL is generally known as tornado alley if I am right.

[mrtrain]

Get your map out and lookup Carroll County in Northwestern Ill. I live in Chadwick and there are 7 small towns in and around my town in Carroll County.

[Steve-o]

Galena would fit your bill perfectly. Its small, quaint, quiet, hilly topography... there is lots to love about Galena. Its very touristy at times, and for good reasons. Something like 90% of the town is on the National Registry of Historic Places, or something like that. There are LOTS of bed n breakfasts, art galleries, restaurants. There is even a ski resort outside of town (Chestnut Mountain) if youre so inclined.

[gardener34]

Galena is Jo Daviess county I think. Nice area.

[countrylv22]

HELLO!

Thank you so much for your response! I appreciate it!
I am a bit sacred of Tornadoes, so that is why I was looking for a place as far north as possible, close to the Wisconsin border. I figured that if I was way up to the north that we would be safer (I am not sure if I am right ... )
Having said that, I love charming,quaint,historical towns, they can have 1000 people or 6000 or even more. Ideally I would like to live in a small town, that is safe with a low cost of living, yet maybe with a major city 1 to 2 hours away. At least 1 hospital in town or neaby would be nice (in case of an emergency)
I wanted 4 distinct seasons, I love the fall and winter time of the year the most(not concerned about TOO COLD or too much snow) and beg of spring, I am not to crazy about really HOT & HUMID summers ( but I guess I cannot have it all...)
So HOW HOT & HUMID are the summers in the areas you recommended?
I would love to be able to have a small garden if possible.
Once again, thanks a bunch for your help!
COUNTRYLV22 .

[countrylv22]

Hello!

Thank you so much for the advice!
I love mountians, hills, etc.! I think it gives a place character! I actually DISLIKE FLAT areas!
So what you described sounds like it fits the bill! I will check it out!
If you can think of anything else, please feel free to send it over!
By the way, what would be the nearest big city and by how much, 1 or 2 hours or more?
I appreciate it!
COUNTRYLV22

[nanannie]

Wisconsin gets tornadoes same as Illinois-sorry

[countrylv22]

Hello!

Thank you for the input! I will google the towns!
I appreciate it!
COUNTRYLV22

[countrylv22]

TO NANANNIE!

Thanks!
I was under the impression that Northern IL & Wisconsin were not part of Tornado Alley ???