Welcome to St. Charles
A historic slice of peaceful suburbia.
Nicknamed The Pride of the Fox, St. Charles has earned its place as one of the best neighborhoods in Fox Valley. The city has held itself by a simple yet powerful principle: Heritage. Community. Service. Opportunity. Residents have maintained a thriving township with an active community through these principles.
The historic nature of St. Charles has always been a cherished facet. The St. Charles Preservation Ordinance and the St. Charles Preservation Commission were established to find and revive the life of St. Charles homes and buildings from centuries past. Many of these buildings still run as functioning businesses, as the community was discontented with these magnificent structures laying dormant.
St. Charles Real Estate Market
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Historic architecture is one of many things St. Charles has to offer. Residents who are passionate about the outdoors are happy to call the town home. Hikers, golfers, and equestrians have an abundance of choices for their favorite activities, with top-of-the-line horse barns, numerous prestigious golf clubs, and beautiful open lands bursting with natural beauty just waiting to be explored.
What to Love
- A delightful and vibrant culinary scene
- Scenic Fox River views that run through the town
- A lively, friendly community
- Home to an award-winning school district
Local Lifestyle
St. Charles has earned its reputation as a welcoming and united community. The area is warm, fun, and inviting to all who enter. Residents are supportive and active participants in local festivals and events.
Those who call St. Charles home adore outdoor pursuits like walking, hiking, bird watching, biking, fishing, or kayaking in the Fox River. Countless parks attract locals of all ages eager to connect with Mother Nature and enjoy the weather.
St. Charles has a thriving local economy, and many residents work inside the community. However, commuters have easy access to the highway and the local Metra line, which connects them to other townships and downtown Chicago.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
St. Charles has ensured the cherished historic buildings inside its streets have become more than museums but active centers for the community. One example is Hotel Baker, an upscale hotel sitting along the picture-perfect Fox River. The hotel has maintained the elegance and attentive service of a bygone era, making residents and visitors feel welcome. The venue also hosts many special events, such as weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays.
Another venue bringing the charm of yesteryear to the modern era is the Arcada Theatre. Originally a vaudeville theater from the 1920s, Arcada Theatre has evolved to become the central hub for St. Charles nightlife. The theatre contains a music venue, dance hall, jazz bar, and cabaret lounge; there is a wealth of choices for residents to let loose and have fun. Inside, you’ll also find Club Arcada, a restaurant with the classic atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy.
One restaurant that has earned its reputation as a beloved dining spot in St. Charles is La Zaza Trattoria. Authentic Italian cuisine such as pesce bianco alla spinach, fresh whitefish sourced from Lake Superior covered in a lemon butter sauce, capellini pomodoro, and angel hair pasta in a garlicky tomato sauce are served here.
St. Charles boasts a community passionate about the outdoors, and many residents seek out Sammy’s Bikes as their one-stop shop for exceptional bicycles. Sammy’s Bikes has gear for every biking experience, whether cycling on prairie paths, taking a scenic ride along the riverwalk, or enjoying a sunset excursion after dinner.
Things to Do
St. Charles is known for its community spirit, meaning there is a constant stream of anticipated events and festivals held throughout the year. Residents rub elbows at the Scarecrow Festival to celebrate the return of fall. Over the three-day event, attendees can visit Lincoln Park and Riverside Avenue for scarecrow contests, professional pumpkin carving, live music, and spooky-themed treats. The annual Christmas Parade is another popular event for wholesome fun and festive celebration. Decorated parade floats light up the streets of downtown St. Charles, with the high school marching band performing and the Arcada Theatre hosting a free showing of Elf the day after Christmas.
Parks like Pottawatomie Park are excellent spots for St. Charles residents of all ages to spend time in the great outdoors. This expansive park hugs the Fox River, and visitors can rent a boat or walk along the river’s shore for inspiring views. Other popular attractions at Pottawatomie Park include admiring garden sculptures, playing golf, or taking pictures of the on-site watchtower.
Schools
The St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 serves the community of St. Charles and is a highly-rated school district with 2022 National Blue Ribbon schools. Many public and private schools offer valuable educational opportunities, such as:
