Help...information about small IL towns (Chicago, Rockford: sale, home, schools)

[StevenKrzak]

Dear Fantasymaker,

Thanks for the information and your opinions about the Shelbyville area. Since I haven't been to this part of the state yet, I welcome all facts and opinions. What I need to do is visit these places and get a sense of the area.

As far as what you mentioned about the smaller towns being clannish, I do appreciate your opinion. I want to know what other people's thought and observations. I think that if I've been in a place long enough and show them that I'm a nice person, I'll eventually be accepted by a few folks. Even where I currently live, there are many groups of people that stick together, and some have a difficult time welcoming new people to the neighborhood. Somtimes there's a language barrier or a cultural difference, and sometimes the people are just plain rude.

I'll certainly do a little research on the other cities that you've listed (Taylorvillle, Pana, Effingham, Altamont and Mattoon.)

Thanks for your help!

[Anita Clark]

Hello,
Had you considered the more serene, quiet, no-crime parts of Kankakee County along the Kankakee River Aroma Township, Wilmington or inward Bourbonnais Township? Aroma Township is six miles from I-57 where that is one hour via 57 to Chicago or a bit less to Orland, Frankfort, etc.. There is a nice Farm and Fleet in Bourbonnais(tri-cities are Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais-the best of the three but crowded compared to Aroma Township and small rural town of St. Anne much further south). The homes right now in Aroma Township(includes the small friendly village of Aroma Park, Kankakee PO address in Aroma Township, St. Anne PO address in Aroma Township)-that is single family homes 1,287 s.f. on up starting with over 200 deep foot lots in some cases(try by-owner Craigs, Realtors listings) are $100,000 on up. Average sales in the mid/upper $120,000's. Fishing(annual derby, too), boating(annual races, too, and boat clubs), Forest Preserves and activities, walking trails, very nice.

[StevenKrzak]

Hi, Anita,

Thanks for the information, I appreciate your input. I had not really considered the Kankakee county area, but the Aroma Township/Aroma Park area sounds quite nice. I'll do a little research and see what this village has to offer.

Thanks for including some info about homes for sale and things to do!

[akamer]

Hello! Not real sure if you are wanting to be in those exact towns. We live in Oakley,Il. and we may have 20-25 houses in our town. Population of maybe a 100.. Very quiet. You will see golf carts running around town and maybe a 4 wheeler once in a while. I work in Decatur and it takes me about 12 minutes to get to work. There are homes for sale here in our town. Our's being one of them. Great place to run a business !! 2.10 acres.... We are relocating to Oregon due to our jobs.. Cat is maybe 10 - 15 minutes away ADM is maybe 10 minutes from here (taking the back roads)..

[StevenKrzak]

Hello, akamer! Thanks for your reply and for the information. I'm not familiar with Oakley, IL. It definitely sounds like a quiet little town, and you can't beat such a short commute to work! Sorry to hear that you're leaving. I hope that the move will be a good one for you and your family.

After much consideration and research, I'm leaning more toward moving to the northwest part of IL, or even the southwest part of Wisconsin.

Again, I appreciate your reply and hope that you're able to sell your home quickly.

[LucyMegs140]

Regarding Galena, although I don't live there, my family has a second home there and I have been going there for all of my life. It is a truly beautiful area. The other great thing about the area is that it is located just a short drive from Dubuque, Iowa, which is a larger town that has all the things you could need (malls, movie theaters, etc.)

The only potential downside is that Galena can be a little touristy. However, if you wanted to avoid that, it's pretty easy to do. Just don't go down the main street in downtown on the weekends. Any other day or time and it's primarly locals.

[StevenKrzak]

Hi, LucyMegs140,

Thanks for your insight regarding Galena. I agree, the area is quite beautiful and the scenery is always breathtaking to me. It seems that if I choose to live in Galena, I'd probably have to commute to Dubuque for work, which would be okay, but I think that I'd rather work close to home in Galena.

The fact that it's a little touristy is fine because I know that tourism helps the city thrive. As long as I could have my little place in the country with some peace and quiet and friendly people, I'd be happy, and Galena seems like an ideal place to live.

One thing that concerns me is the fact that the Galena area is so hilly -- winter driving must take a great deal of skill and courage!! I suppose that one gets used to it, though.

Thanks so much for writing. I appreciate your personal perspective! Your family is fortunate to have a second home in such a beautiful area.

[LucyMegs140]

You definately are right about the winter driving. Even though my family is not out there full-time, we all own 4 wheel drive vehicles because of the Galena terrain.

[StevenKrzak]

I have a 4 wheel drive vehicle as well, so I'd be prepared for the winter driving. Last February, I drove around the Galena area during a snow storm, and it was challenging because I'm not used to driving on the hilly terrain.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by esbat13

I have a 4 wheel drive vehicle as well, so I'd be prepared for the winter driving. Last February, I drove around the Galena area during a snow storm, and it was challenging because I'm not used to driving on the hilly terrain.

Whatever you do, steer clear of Blackjack Road during a snowstorm. I cant imagine how that would be with all those blind corners, super sharp corners, very steep downhill and uphill grades, tons of trees and ditches, etc, etc.