Geneva, flanked by St. Charles and Batavia is a part of the Tri-Cities area of Kane County located along the scenic Fox River. The riverside location makes Geneva a beautiful spot to live, but that isn’t all this western suburb has going for it. 

The Standard of Living 

Home in Geneva photo courtesy of Teemu008

Geneva is not the least expensive suburb in its area, but you’ll find a wide range of home prices throughout the suburb’s neighborhoods. Homebuyers considering settling down in Downtown Geneva, a historic area with plenty to do, can expect to see a median home price of $302,400. In comparison, the median home price in Downtown Batavia is $267,000 and $390,000 in Downtown St. Charles. Geneva also has neighborhoods with a lower median price ($287,000 in Green Willow and $245,000 in Geneva East).

Although the cost of buying a home—and the property taxes—can be higher in Geneva, the suburb has a number of desirable traits that make the cost of living worth it. For example, the city has excellent public schools.

The Schools

Many people considering a move to the suburbs, whether from a nearby community or from the city, are looking for more space to raise a family. The schools are a big deciding factor when it comes to picking which suburb to call home. Geneva is a strong contender with six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school in its District 304. 

GreatSchool highly rates a number of the suburb’s public schools. Geneva Community High School is rated 10 out 10, and Geneva Middle School South is rated 9 out of 10. Both Fabyan Elementary School and Mill Creek School are rated 9 out of 10. Geneva also has a number of private elementary schools.

The Outdoor Space

Fabyan Forest Preserve, Geneva

Geneva’s location on the Fox River makes it picturesque, and the city doesn’t waste those views. Residents have access to miles of biking and walking paths, as well as plenty of public parks and forest preserves. Peck Farm Park features 385 acres of space with trails, picnic areas, gardens, sports fields, and a butterfly house. Wheeler Park has mini golf, a playground, tennis courts, and ice skating in the winter.

Geneva also has access to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. For a picture-perfect walk, come to the Japanese Tea Garden in the Fabyan West Forest Preserve. Within the bounds of Geneva, you can also explore Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve, which is located right on the river.

The Commute

Geneva Metra photo courtesy of JeremyA

At a little more than 40 miles outside of Chicago, Geneva is not the city’s closest suburb, but it does have convenient access to plenty of transportation options. Drivers can easily hop on Interstate 88, which will take you toward the city. Other major roadways include Illinois Route 31, Illinois Route 25, and Illinois Route 38. This network of options will take commuters pretty much anywhere they need to get to in the surrounding area.

If you are looking for public transit, the Union Pacific West Metra line services the city. You can take this line to commute into the city.

The Food

Geneva has an abundance of restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops in the area. Like with many other cities, you’ll find the highest concentration and biggest variety of eateries in the downtown area. Grab coffee at Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse, located on 3rd Street. If you’re having a craving for sweets, the coffeehouse also does pastries and gelato. Downtown, you’ll also find Altiro Latin Fusion, Bangkok Thai Restaurant, Craft Urban, and pizza place Doughocracy.

Geneva even has its own brewery, Penrose Brewing Company, for anyone who has the craft beer fever so common in Chicagoland.

The Entertainment

Kane County Cougars photo courtesy of willowbrookhotels

Residents don’t need to fight the crowds in Wrigleyville every time they want to catch a ball game. They can take in a nine innings closer to home. Geneva is Kane County Cougars territory. The minor league baseball team plays its home games at Northwestern Medicine Field. 

The city also hosts a number of events throughout the year that make it an attractive spot to settle. In June, Geneva hosts Swedish Days. In July, you can attend in the Geneva Arts Fair. In September, wine drinkers come together at the Festival of the Vine.