If Chicago comes to mind when you consider Illinois' best destinations for excitement, think again.
In a list of the 10 most exciting places in Illinois, the real estate website Movoto gave Evanston the top spot, followed by Woodstock and Rock Island. Chicago ranks fourth, followed by St. Charles to round out the Top 5.
"Evanston may be a suburb of Chicago," the site notes, "but as our analysis showed, it is perfectly exciting on its own, thank you very much—especially for anyone into music."
As for Woodstock and Rock Island ahead of Chicago? Movoto says they ranked high for music and nightlife.
The list was determined based on nightlight and live music venues per capita, as well as active life options and food offerings per capita. The percentage of young residents ages 20 to 34 also was factored in.
"Evanston is home to Northwestern University, which is the main reason this city ranked so high in the young population category."
Earlier this year Movoto compiled a list of the most boring places of Illinois and determined New Lenox was tops. Following New Lenox was Rolling Meadows, Calumet City, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Bolingbrook, Hanover Park, Oswego, Vernon Hills and Streamwood.
Here are the top 10 most exciting places in Illinois, according to Movoto:
1. Evanston
2. Woodstock
3. Rock Island
4. Chicago
5. St. Charles
6. Carbondale
7. Champaign
8. Edwardsville
9. Bloomington
10. Downers Grove
