Moving to Manhattan, Illinois (Chicago, Lincoln: section 8, real estate market, apartments)

[Flathead Valley Montana]

Where can I find rental information in the Manhattan, Illinois area? Thanks.

[Dex]

Manhattan has several rental areas but all are chockful of Section 8 residents. The town was once best described as sleepy but it's now definitely alive but in the wrong way. The old guard of Irish-Americans in Manhattan are clashing with the blacks who have moved in from Chicago and the south suburbs. It's not surprising to drive by an apartment and see either a Confederate flag or a black liberation banner.

In the past several years, Lincoln-Way Central High School has had an increasing number of problems that have led to fights between whites and blacks. Actually Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort has many more racial problems but mention is kept out of the local papers because most L-W big shots live in the affluent parts of the district near Frankfort.

There are areas in Will County that are pleasant but Manhattan isn't one of them. I would no more rent in Manhattan than purchase a house.

[kristigirl1203]

If you want to rent in Manhattan you have to drive around and look for the signs. Manhattan does not advertise rentals. There are a lot of houses for rent. They like to keep it in house.

[jojojohnson76]

I wonder what the upper west side of Manhattan, IL is like.

[mark720]

Originally Posted by Dex

Manhattan has several rental areas but all are chockful of Section 8 residents. The town was once best described as sleepy but it's now definitely alive but in the wrong way. The old guard of Irish-Americans in Manhattan are clashing with the blacks who have moved in from Chicago and the south suburbs. It's not surprising to drive by an apartment and see either a Confederate flag or a black liberation banner.

In the past several years, Lincoln-Way Central High School has had an increasing number of problems that have led to fights between whites and blacks. Actually Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort has many more racial problems but mention is kept out of the local papers because most L-W big shots live in the affluent parts of the district near Frankfort.

There are areas in Will County that are pleasant but Manhattan isn't one of them. I would no more rent in Manhattan than purchase a house.

Seriously?! Where are you getting your information? I moved to Manhattan about two years ago from the northside of Chicago, I can assure you I have never seen a confederate flag or black liberation banner anywhere in this town, let alone "section 8 residents", but I don't know how you would spot them.

Lincolnway is one of the best districts in the state and again, I have never heard of any racially motivated problems.

What I can say about Manhattan is that it is growing. It is still growing even with the housing market and economy downturn. The new residents have outnumbered the townies and there are alot of young families in the new development areas. This is one of the few towns/areas left where you can still turn a profit from your house. As for apartments, there are very few apartment buildings at this time.

[kristigirl1203]

I live in Manhattan. I love this town. The people are nice and it is one of the last affordable towns left. There are a lot of Irish people and in the last 3 years there has been a lot of changes for the good. The school district is one of the best. There are not that many Black or Hispanic people in this town but this town does not look down towards anyone. Its a great town for the average working family. Yes, I have seen a confederate flag on one of the houses off of Manhattan-Monee Road. It is not there any more. The house was rented they are gone. The town is getting better and hopefully those kind of people leave this town so it can look better.

[pepsiguy]

Originally Posted by Dex

Manhattan has several rental areas but all are chockful of Section 8 residents. The town was once best described as sleepy but it's now definitely alive but in the wrong way. The old guard of Irish-Americans in Manhattan are clashing with the blacks who have moved in from Chicago and the south suburbs. It's not surprising to drive by an apartment and see either a Confederate flag or a black liberation banner.

In the past several years, Lincoln-Way Central High School has had an increasing number of problems that have led to fights between whites and blacks. Actually Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort has many more racial problems but mention is kept out of the local papers because most L-W big shots live in the affluent parts of the district near Frankfort.

There are areas in Will County that are pleasant but Manhattan isn't one of them. I would no more rent in Manhattan than purchase a house.

Where on earth do you get your information? I have known the town of Manhattan for 10 years and have lived there for the past two. I have NEVER seen any section 8 buildings or a large population of black / Hispanic / etc. Further, I do not see Manhattan as having a problem with any other race. The majority of residents are white middle-aged working families with children. Manhattan school district is excellent. The worst thing about the town are the two bars off of RT.52 which can get a little loud but we never have problems there either. It sounds like you have more of a problem with Manhattan than Manhattan has with anyone.

[TracyJ]

I live in Manhattan. It is so wonderful and small. If you want big city life you need to go elsewhere. We do need a couple things here. Such as: a good family place to eat/ a Walgreens and how about a good starbucks! All in all, if you love a great education for your children, a wonderful police office and a nice neighbor, this is the place! We do not tolerate rude people here or those who do wrongs to children or society in general..NO TOWN should!

[ManhattanIsGreat]

I need to sell a very nice, newer home in Manhattan, Il. Does anyone know someone who could be interested? I would pay you if it sells from your lead. I love the home but must move due to a job change.

[GolfLover2]

Flathead Valley Montana: Welcome to our area! I grew up in Manhattan and visit often as I still have relatives living there. It's a peaceful, beautiful little town that is surrounded by a changing landscape and experiencing growth. There are still many farms in the area (especially to the south), but the village is growing at a steady pace and has many new home subdivisions within the village and township. There is a variety of price range homes in the area, ranging from older smaller, less expensive homes to large higher priced ones, and everything inbetween. Manhattan's streets are safe and you often see villagers out walking and enjoying the community. Yes, the village has a large population of very proud Irish that are very active within the village. Manhattan hosts an annual Irish Fest each year in March around St. Pat's Day, along with a parade. It's an event celebrated and enjoyed by thousands of people over that weekend as it draws from all over. The community has a variety of churches, a good library system and park district, and many active community groups for all ages. The friction or problems mentioned in a prior post were made to sound flagrant. Every village or town has issues. Manhattan's are extremely minor and infrequently heard of.
This village is located within the Lincoln-Way High School district, which has an extremely good reputation in the state and across the nation for education and extra-curricular activities. The school offers each community that feeds into its system user privileges for its residents, so you get bang for your tax dollars. Like any school, it faces periodic challenges with discipline, but LWHS has always handled the demands of these challenges well. The grade school system within the community is also good.
If you are looking for rental or housing information, you will be best served by selecting to contact one of the two realtors that dominate the real estate market in Manhattan. I would suggest contacting Lee Hansen of Coldwell Banker - Honig Bell Real Estate. Lee Hansen grew up in the town and still lives and serves those within the village. He is extremely well acquainted with all the available real estate in town and the surrounding areas. Lee's website is: leehansencb.com.
Best of luck to you ... and enjoy Manhattan!