Batavia is a hidden gem of Chicago suburban living. The city truly lives up to its nickname, ‘city of energy’ (being home to a physic lab), giving good energy to everything it does, with high caliber schools, appealing real estate opportunities, and well-rounded amenities that draw in families, young professionals and retirees alike.
It’s the kind of place that ticks all the boxes. It’s not too big and not too small. There’s a charming and walkable downtown, but if you feel like kicking things up a notch, you’re in easy reach of St Charles, Geneva, Aurora, and Naperville. Located on the western fringes of Chicagoland, you’ll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, but you can still be there in 50 minutes by car any time. Here in Batavia, you’ll feel secure but not bored. This truly is a Goldilocks city – it’s just right.
That’s why, in our humble opinion, Batavia is not just the oldest city in Dupage and Kane county – it’s one of the best. Let’s take a closer look at everything that makes it one of the most highly-rated places to live in Illinois.
Is Batavia a good place to live?
According to multiple sources, Batavia is one of the best places to live in Illinois. In recent years the suburb has received several awards, including the Top 100 Places to Live in America, Best Street awards, and commendations for its park district.
Residents say they love living in Batavia for the family-focused atmosphere, local businesses, and the community ethos. The schools and amenities see good investment, which give this suburb a sustainable standard of living and sees families settling down for generations to come.
The Best Schools in Batavia, IL
Lots of Illinoisan families gravitate to Batavia to benefit from its school district. Batavia takes education seriously, with well-funded schools that achieve high ratings for the educational opportunities they provide. Batavia spends 68.6% of its property tax funds on school districts.
Batavia is mainly covered by school district 101, though some small areas fall into Geneva district 304 and West Aurora district 129.
Batavia school district 101 includes:
- Louise White Elementary School – A minus
- Hoover Wood Elementary School – A minus
- Grace McWayne Elementary School – A minus
- Alice Gustafson Elementary School – A minus
- H.C. Storm Elementary School – A minus
- J. B. Nelson Elementary School – B plus
- Sam Rotolo Middle School – A minus
- Batavia High School – A minus
All ratings according to niche.com, are based on educational data and reviews.
Batavia High School
Most students in Batavia will attend Batavia High School, which is an A-rated public school, according to niche.com. There are 1,938 students in grades 7-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. This high school stands out for its commitment to a holistic education, offering AP courses, honors, and dual credits, as well as a wide variety of clubs and the opportunity to compete athletically. Students say they appreciate the attention given to helping them find the best path beyond their 4 years at Batavia High School.
Geneva Community High School
A small subset of Batavia Students on the northside will attend Geneva Community High School, which is also an A-rated institution according to niche.com. 1,831 students attend Geneva Community High School and benefit from slightly smaller class sizes of 15 to 1.
The school competes as the Vikings and the football team has one of the oldest Illinoisian rivalries with the Batavia High School Bulldogs. Whichever side your child ends up on, be prepared for fiercely competitive matches.
Real estate in Batavia
Amid the highest house prices seen in decades, homebuyers in Chicagoland would be wise to look to cities like Batavia. Thanks to being all the way out in Kane County, the median home prices here are comfortably below the Chicago average.
You can find reasonably sized properties at attractive prices – for example, there are many 3-bed homes around the $300,000 mark that would make great fixer-uppers. There are lots of beautiful townhouses and single-family homes, as well as the occasional condo or apartment. Many homes in Batavia have curb appeal while still being pleasantly affordable, which makes this place a rare diamond in real estate.
Rental properties in this suburb are somewhat less widely available and tend to air on the average side of Chicago prices. You can also find plenty of lots and land here in Batavia if you’re looking to start from scratch.
Things to do in Batavia
Batavia might be a small city but the locals aren’t short on things to do. Both in and around the city, you’ll find scenic walks, delicious food, and high-energy entertainment. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Batavia.
1. Head Downtown
Part of Batavia’s undeniable charm is the historical downtown that overlooks the beautiful Fox River. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, complete with quaint buildings, boutique shops, and down-to-earth eateries. Not to be missed are the historical windmills dotted along the river walk, which are a unique landmark of the city. Along the river is also the weekly farmer’s market, where you can pick up anything from Kombucha to Artisan cheeses.
2. Visit the Fermilab
The Fermilab is a fascinating part of Batavia’s story. You don’t need to know what a top quark and a bottom quark is – just that they were discovered right here in the Fermilab, in a moment of significant scientific breakthrough. Since being established in 1967, Batavia’s very own lab has been shaping global knowledge of particle physics, accelerator physics, and quantum informational science. So whether you’re looking to inspire your kids in STEM subjects or get a closer look at what some of the greatest minds in particle physics have been up to, you can do so all year round at the Fermilab. They offer tours of the lab and lecture series – or you can simply come along to enjoy the 6,800 acres of natural beauty on the grounds of the lab, which includes a bison preserve.
3. Go to Funways Entertainment Center
Funways is suitably named – offering fun for all the family in almost every way you can think of. There are go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, water wars, batting, and soccer cages, and jump shots! You can burn off some energy on a rainy day in the 20-lane bowling alley or roller skating rink, or battle out with your friends at Lazer Tag. In those famously bitter Chicago winters, Batavia locals are more than grateful to have Illinois’ favorite indoor sports center on their doorstep.
5. Browse the local boutiques
Batavia’s downtown supports local artisans and creatives, with a number of one-of-a-kind storefronts including Hearth & Hammer, a literary candle studio, Bee Attitudes Antiques, the Boardwalk, with multiple independent vendors, and an apothecary. Another shopper’s destination is the Wilson Street Mercantile, where you’ll find four boutiques under one roof and can pick up scented candles, very millennial cushions, framed prints and artisan coffee.
5. Shop the cultural scene
Among Batavia’s downtown shops are lots of local gems in the cultural sector – music, literature and art, to name a few.
Kiss The Sky
The local record store, “Kiss The Sky” has been part of the pulse of Batavia’s beating heart since 1996 (minus a brief relocation to Geneva). Local owner Steve is not only a touchstone for the community to discover new music (or rediscover old loves), but acts as a transmitter. He’s always chatting to locals who pass through the store, asking what they’re listening to so that he can find gems to share with others. As you might expect from that, Kiss The Sky is a genre-spanning treasure trove, stocking anything and everything from critically acclaimed rock classics to ear-blasting hyper pop. They also sell merch, vinyl gear, speakers, and oddities, as well as hosting over 2,500 live music acts over the lifetime of the store.
Water Street Studios
Their next-door neighbor is Water Street Studios. This local, independent studio and gallery is on a mission to make the arts accessible to the midwest. As well as ongoing exhibitions, there are gallery receptions every second Friday, where you can peruse the local talent, pick up one-of-a-kind fares at the pop-up shops and attend special events. There are regular workshops and studio spaces to rent, making sure the artsy population of Batavia are always catered for.
The Book Shop
Just around the corner is The Book Shop, a second-hand mercantile brimming with page-turners curated by a true book lover. The prices are unbeatable – choose wisely and you can pick up a handful of fantastic reads for less than $20. While the store is currently only open on afternoons at the weekend, it’s well worth setting aside time to dig for treasure in this cozy cubbyhole on Wilson St.
6. Take a day trip to Naperville
One of the best Chicago suburbs is Naperville and it is only a 25-minute drive from Batavia. Naperville has it all; the best eats, drinks, shops, and riverwalk. Batavia residents can enjoy it all but without Naperville prices. Once you’re on I-88, it’s an easy route to downtown Naperville and you can make this popular suburb your regular hang-out spot.
7. Take a day trip to Aurora
The city of Aurora is just under ten times bigger than Batavia and it is only a ten-minute drive straight down route 31. Aurora is well known for a being diverse and vibrant city – it’s also one of the best spots in Chicago for Mexican food, with over 10 popular Mexican and Latin eateries in the heart of the downtown area. If that doesn’t whet your appetite for living in the tri-city area then we don’t know what will.
Green spaces in Batavia
Batavia’s award-winning park district manages 36 parks and green spaces across the suburb. So although the area has a dense suburban feel, you won’t be short of spaces to stretch your legs, walk the dog, take a picnic, or even pursue more adventurous outdoor activities. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite green spaces right here in Batavia.
Depot pond
The Depot bond in Batavia is beautiful all year round but the highlight has to be when it freezes over in the winter and all the locals go ice skating. It’s been a tradition of the suburb for more than a century. Seeing everyone wrapped up in scarves, hats, and mittens while trying to balance on their skates is something the residents look forward to the year around – especially the children. In the summer months, the Depot is also great for paddle boating. Tucked into the Batavia dam, it’s a central outdoor location that you can visit any time.
Batavia Riverwalk
The river walk was built by the community, for the community. The volunteer-led project took six years to complete and extends along the Fox River around the 12-acre peninsula. There are boardwalks, overlooks, and a pavilion – all providing tranquil moments to take in the scenery and enjoy the fresh air. Don’t forget to bring your camera because there are lots of picture-perfect views you’ll want to capture, including the wildflower sanctuary, the Depot Museum, and the historic windmills.
Forest Preserves
There are two forest preserves on the western outskirts of Batavia; the Dick Young Forest Preserve and the Nelson Lake Marsh. Teeming with diverse flora and fauna, these beautiful natural locations have inspired many photographers and artists over the years and you can still see rare and endangered plant life there today.
Red Oak Nature Center
The Red Oak Preserve is perfect for families because this walk has some unique features to add interest to any stroll. Among the hiking trails, you’ll find a cave known as the Devil’s Cave, which is heaps of fun for children to climb and explore. There are also exhibits at the Nature Center to keep the little ones entertained and you can even see turtles in the mini-aquariums.
Fabyan Forest Preserve
Just north of Batavia, you’ll find the Fabyan Forest Preserve, which is on Geneva territory. It has multiple natural and historical landmarks that make it one of the most unique and fascinating preserves in Illinois. You can visit the Fabyan Forest Villa, a Japanese tea garden built-in 1910, and the strikingly beautiful Fabyan Windmill. People come from all over the state to behold the sights here, but in Batavia, you have it right on your doorstep.
Harold Hall Quarry
The Quarry Beach is the number one destination for Batavia families looking for relief from those hot Chicago summers. There is a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, a drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms. Self-described as “kid-tested and family-approved”, the Harold Hall Quarry won’t disappoint.
The Best Restaurants and Bars in Batavia
The food scene is humble here in Batavia. You won’t find upscale dining but what you get is arguably better – friendly, cozy, and intimate mom-and-pop eateries that serve up delicious plates every night of the week. Dining in Batavia is easy on the wallet, so you can eat out way more than in an expensive suburb. Let’s check out some of our favorite foodie (and drink) locations in Batavia.
The Flyleaf Cafe
Directly opposite the centrally-located public library, you will find the Flyleaf Cafe, where they’re serving up wholesome, hearty, home-cooked meals and pastries to fuel the literary adventures of Batavia locals. This small-batch bakery serves up big-time favorites, like cinnamon rolls and homemade cookies. The menu and flavors evolve from day to day, as they cook to suit the seasons and their storecupboard
Inside tip: Follow the Flyleaf Cafe on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for family-friendly community events, like painting workshops and artist exhibitions
Energy City Brewery
You can only live in Batavia for so long until you come across big queues winding through the downtown area on a Saturday morning. Before you ask yourself what all the fuss is about, know that the answer is “Energy City Brewery”. This local artisan brewery only opens its doors for a few hours on a Saturday and the town goes crazy to get a taste of their adventurous beers.
It’s a truly unique business venture and local founder David FIles treats it like a science. He makes insanely creative flavors, like Milkshake IPA, Battisseri Stout and Blood Orange Habanero. The atmosphere on their open days is great, but you can order anytime and they’re also stocked in locations across Chicago.
Inside tip: If you find a flavor you love, be sure to stock up because their rotation is always changing.
Bocaditos
This family-owned Argentine is a favorite among Batavia locals. It’s a cute and cozy cafe and is the best spot in town for Empanadas. Their food has a homemade feel to it; packed with flavors and guaranteed to leave you feeling well looked after. It’s also run by two of the friendliest women in Batavia, so you’d be challenged not to have a lovely time at Bocaditos.
Inside tip: Take home a batch of frozen Empanadas to eat at home.
Tusk Thai
When it comes to humble, cozy restaurants in Batavia, Tusk Thai is a firm member. It’s a family-owned business and you need only visit once or twice for them to start getting to know you and treating you like a regular. The menu is fresh, vibrant, and packed with Thai staples – think Eggrolls, Potstickers, and Tom Yum. But even if you play it safe with a traditional dish like the yellow curry, you won’t be disappointed.
Inside tip: This place is BYOB (bring your own bottle), so be sure to arrive prepared.
Sidecar Supper and Beer Garden
The Sidecar Supper club is one of the best evenings out in Batavia, serving the time-honored triple whammy of fantastic food, beer, and atmosphere. Their menu is all about American classic bar fares, like burgers, wings, and chips. It’s a great spot to rub shoulders with locals and get to know your neighbors.
Inside tip: The Sidecar is always putting on great live music, so time your trip for the occasion.
Riverside Pizza
Life doesn’t get much sweeter than eating delicious pizza and drinking cocktails while overlooking the Fox River. Riverside Pizza is a rare breed, as they’ve mastered both the crispiest thin crust and the deepest pie dishes. You won’t be challenged to find places to put your money back into the community, because Riverside Pizza is yet another Batavia family-owned business.
Batavia Popcorn Depot
Smell is one of the most powerful memories you can have, and for the people of Batavia, no smell reminds them of downtown more than freshly cooked popcorn. This historical landmark is just off the riverwalk path, where you can stop by and pick up made-to-order popcorn in mouth-watering flavors like fresh spun cheese or warm caramel.
Batavia Diner
Only in Batavia could there be an appetite for a cafe that only does breakfast. Early in the morning, this is where you’ll find the locals, who come here to start their day with piping hot coffee and, if they know what’s good for them, the gypsy skillet. It’s the type of spot where you can enjoy your time and relax, which is exactly the way a morning in Batavia should be spent.
Bar Evolution
Although Batavia doesn’t really do upscale, Bar Evolution is the best place to head for a slightly high-key night out. They serve the best cocktails in a chic setting – there’s a grand piano and tree trunk tables… Need we say more?
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