Welcome to St. Charles
Scenic riverfront community steeped in luxury and outdoor activities.
Stretched along the iconic Fox River, a charming downtown, fabulous parks, museums, and the Arcada Theatre have earned Saint Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Home to excellent schools, a nationally ranked public library, state-of-the-art community amenities, and outstanding recreation areas, St. Charles is a popular destination for tourists and families seeking a tranquil suburban haven with urban conveniences.
Easy access to two-state routes and terrific walkability around town make commutes to and away from St. Charles easy, while the finest eateries and retail outlets are right at your fingertips. Besides its distinct small-town charisma, residents are drawn to St. Charles for its beautiful changing seasons, vibrant town events, and a strong sense of community.
While you’ll find a diverse range of residential properties across town — including condos, townhomes, and senior living apartments — the housing market in St. Charles is predominantly centered on sprawling estates and impressive horse properties. Tucked among towering trees and lush greenery, these grandiose structures offer the ultimate in privacy and tranquility.
What to Love
- Sprawling estates with stylish architecture
- Abundant green spaces offering adventure
- Fox River in the heart of downtown
- Amazing school system
- Great shopping and classy dining
Local Lifestyle
Peaceful and offering a wealth of natural scenery, St. Charles is not only beautiful but also makes a perfect getaway from big-city bustle and prying eyes. Downtown is a perfect place to hang out with friends or take your family to dinner, while the community’s festivals are a great opportunity for neighbors to come together over shared cheer, food, and refreshments.
With access to some of the state's most acclaimed schools, residents rest easy knowing their children are getting nothing but the best possible education.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Downtown pulses with exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s home to two movie theatres, chic boutiques, a vintage riverfront hotel, and an endless array of classy restaurants, so there’s a little bit of something for everybody.
Browse through Trend + Relic on Indiana Ave. for a curated collection of antique wares, fabulous home décor, and furniture. At The Office, you can treat yourself to unique entrees and salads paired with a refreshing cocktail. This quaint gastropub has got an enormous garden patio for you to kick back in and enjoy the vibrant, clubby vibe.
Stop into GIA MIA St. Charles for a yummy serving of shrimp capellini or BBQ chicken pizza and pappardelle. Their farro salad and the iced tea are also can’t-miss! Finally, make sure to swing by Kimmer’s Ice Cream for a flavorful frozen dessert made with all types of toppings and quality ingredients.
Things to Do
Bike along the Fox River Trail on a fine Sunday morning or escape into lush scenery and recreational fun right on the Fox River itself at Mount Saint Mary Park. Beautiful sculptures and tennis courts fleck the area, and the gorgeous setting serves as an excellent backdrop for family photos.Head out to play golf at Pottawatomie Park or rent a boat to go cruising on the river. There’s a fabulous playground for the kids as well as lots of space to lay down for a picnic.Join the rest of the neighborhood for an extraordinary Fine Art Show over Memorial Day weekend. Have a blast with your kids meandering through handcrafted scarecrows at the spirited three-day Scarecrow Festival, complete with live entertainment at Lincoln Park, a photo op, and a scarecrow in a box.
Schools
St. Charles is served by the Community Unit School District 303, home to 13 high-performing elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. A few of these prestigious educational institutions are: