Elgin is a City of Choice

Elgin is a unique community that proudly distinguishes itself from its neighbors. Its approachable, progressive identity is anchored in its resilient history and strong, diverse community that continues to embody a desire for an even brighter future. The community’s 180-year history is dotted with challenges, growth and innovation that has emboldened Elgin to become unapologetically itself. This character is vividly evident in Downtown Elgin, where diversity mingles among historic distinction. Local entrepreneurs entice visitors with unique experiences for dining, shopping, recreations and entertainment in our walk and bike-friendly community set along the beautiful Fox River. The vibe is enthusiastic, the people are passionate and the activities are abundant!

Today Elgin is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Illinois with more than 114,500 residents. Within the downtown area there are over 335 businesses including restaurants and bars, retail shops, entertainment and event venues, art galleries, recreations, professional services, civic amenities, churches and schools, non-profits, everyday conveniences and more.

Elgin is a City of Choice with Downtown Elgin at the center of it all!

#ElginCityOfChoice

Last summer the Civic Center Plaza underwent a $2.05 million enhancement. Come visit this beautiful new space along the Fox River in Downtown Elgin. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Over 40 businesses participate in the Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate program. The DNA created this program as a convenient way for shoppers to support local downtown businesses. They make popular gifts, especially around the holidays. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Downtown Elgin is a bike friendly destination with one mile of trail along our beautiful riverfront that connects to hundreds of miles spanning Elgin and neighboring suburbs. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Downtown Elgin has numerous options for public transportation including two Metra train stations in the downtown and Pace bus service. The Fox River Bike Trail also goes right through town! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

In 2010 the talk of the town was the filming of the movie ‘Contagion’ starting Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow at the old Elgin Sherman Hospital. Many more movie scenes have been filmed here! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

“Chance” is the Elgin Community Therapy Dog. He’ll work with individuals who could benefit from mental or behavioral health services. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

In 1999, Yo-Yo Ma opened the 50th Anniversary Season of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra with a performance of Haydn’s Cello Concerto No 1 in C Major. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Still Life Meditation is in Downtown Elgin is the only non-religiously-affiliated meditation center in the Fox Valley area. They also offer private instruction, coaching, sound baths, and a variety of complementary workshops. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Every year beautiful flowers adorn over 20 planters in Downtown Elgin thanks to the efforts of participants in the Downtown Planter People program. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

State Street Market Shops has been a destination store since 1982 offering a huge selection of antiques, collectibles, gifts, home decor, jewelry and so much more. You name it, you can probably find it! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Health and safety are top priorities in Elgin, and we’re proud to have top notch service providers serving our community. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

More Coming Soon!

#ElginCityOfChoice

Last summer the Civic Center Plaza underwent a $2.05 million enhancement. Come visit this beautiful new space along the Fox River in Downtown Elgin. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Over 40 businesses participate in the Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate program. The DNA created this program as a convenient way for shoppers to support local downtown businesses. They make popular gifts, especially around the holidays. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Downtown Elgin is a bike friendly destination with one mile of trail along our beautiful riverfront that connects to hundreds of miles spanning Elgin and neighboring suburbs. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Downtown Elgin has numerous options for public transportation including two Metra train stations in the downtown and Pace bus service. The Fox River Bike Trail also goes right through town! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

“Chance” is the Elgin Community Therapy Dog. He’ll will work with individuals who could benefit from mental or behavioral health services. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

In 2010 the talk of the town was the filming of the movie ‘Contagion’ starting Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow at the old Elgin Sherman Hospital. Many more movie scenes have been filmed here! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Every year beautiful flowers adorn over 20 planters in Downtown Elgin thanks to the efforts of participants in the Downtown Planter People program. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

In 1999, Yo-Yo Ma opened the 50th Anniversary Season of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra with a performance of Haydn’s Cello Concerto No 1 in C Major. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

State Street Market Shops has been a destination store since 1982 offering a huge selection of antiques, collectibles, gifts, home decor, jewelry and so much more. You name it, you can probably find it! It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Still Life Meditation is in Downtown Elgin is the only non-religiously-affiliated meditation center in the Fox Valley area. They also offer private instruction, coaching, sound baths, and a variety of complementary workshops. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

Health and safety are top priorities in Elgin, and we’re proud to have top notch service providers serving our community. It’s one more reason Elgin is a City of Choice.

#ElginCityOfChoice

More Coming Soon!

Interested in opening a business or purchasing property in Downtown Elgin?

Elgin City of Choice

10 Reasons Why Elgin, Illinois Might Be The Perfect Fit For You

So you’re ready for a change of scene and you’ve made a list of everything you’re looking for, but have you considered what would define your ideal community? Is it quality schools, walkable storefronts, an easy commute, safe neighborhoods? How about a rich sense of history, outdoor activities, diverse dining options and a vibrant art scene? Read more.

Elgin City of Choice

10 Assets Downtown Elgin Offers Business Owners & Residents

Downtown Elgin assets range from public art and civic amenities to historic architecture and a diverse business environment. Jennifer Fukala, Executive Director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin noted, “Whether you’re coming to live, work or visit, our downtown has unique assets that set us apart from surrounding suburbs. Read more.

Elgin City of Choice

The Official Downtown Elgin Photo Gallery

We’ve compiled a wonderful collection of professional photos featuring sights around Downtown Elgin. These amazing photos were captured by talented local photographers Carolyn Bone Burhow, Scottie Bloomer and Ruben Ramos. We thank them for capturing the beauty of our city and allowing us to share their work with you! See more.