Sandwich, IL

Sandwich is a quiet small town of about 7,200 residents, sitting roughly an hour west of Chicago where DeKalb and Kendall counties meet. Life here revolves around a classic downtown centered on the historic 1879 Opera House, leafy residential neighborhoods, and open farmland stretching past the edge of town. Families appreciate the close-knit feel of the local school district and the convenience of Route 34, which makes running errands or commuting toward the suburbs straightforward.

ATTRA. McMurray A mcmurray / CC BY 2.5

The town got its start as a railroad stop in the 1850s, named by a local congressman after his New Hampshire hometown. Today, Sandwich pairs that heritage with everyday small-town appeal, from bustling antique markets and community theater to the annual Sandwich Fair. Held every September since 1858, it is the state's oldest continuing county fair and remains a beloved tradition that brings the whole area together.