Geneva

One of the popular western suburbs of Chicago, Geneva, is a growing community of 22,000 no stranger to best-of-living lists. While it may be known for its historic (and operational) Dutch windmill, there's much more to this river town. As a popular spot for visitors, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping in the charming downtown. Excellent schools also make Geneva a top choice for families. For residents and visitors alike, dozens of parks, fields, recreation centers, and even a disc golf course and skate park make scenic Geneva an excellent spot for recreating. Biking trails, including the Fox River Trail and Prairie Path, and walking trails are abundant. Minor league baseball is here thanks to the Kane County Cougars. If hockey is more your speed, the Chicago Steel call the Fox Valley Ice Arena home. Of the three towns making up the tri-city area, Geneva has the local Metra stop and is close to a regional airport.

Distance from Chicago: 37 miles • Time to Loop by Car: 52 minutes • Time to Loop by Train: 1 hr 13 minutes