Benton, IL here we come! (Frankfort, West Frankfort: fit in, lease, crime)

[New2SouthernIL]

We did it! We signed a lease in Benton just last week, I am so excited! So far, everyone has been really nice. The landlord seems to be good and have a good rep who owns a business and some properties. I have already contacted the school my children will be attending, who have been really helpful and are helping with the transition...and apparently this will be the first year that Benton is starting a Youth football league, which my youngest will be joining, all positive experiences so far...

Just one quick question...how does this area take to latinos/hispanics in your humble opinion? I haven't noticed or received any bad vibes but I was just wondering because we are a bi-racial family (Caucasion & Hispanic).

Thank you!

[myrc60]

Good luck with that. My SIL just moved out; said Benton was over-run by criminals and that the police do nothing. It pays to check a place out before you commit to move there.

[New2SouthernIL]

Myrc60: Thanks for the luck. I hope your SIL is happy. I did check out the basics and did my research on the town before we commited, including the crime rate. Your comment has actually been the first negative one I've heard, but then again, your opinion is going on hearsay...thanks anyway though.

If anyone could offer any first hand answers to my actual question, that would be wonderful.

[myrc60]

Maybe she lived in the wrong part of town??? I'd be interested to know how you find it when you get there.

[illini84]

I'm not originally from Benton, but from a town nearby. I've never heard of any significant crime in southern Illinois--ever. It's pretty much non-existent. Benton is a nice little community and I think you'll enjoy it! The people are friendly and the area is absolutely beautiful. With regards to the race question--in all honesty, I think it depends. If your husband is very assimilated, or "Americanized", I'd be quick to say you'll have no problems at all. However, if he speaks with a strong accent and appears more "foreign", people mayyyy be a little slower to accept. Just my perception, having grown up in southern Illinois. Welcome to the area though--it's wonderful.

[sctbebe1]

if your white or can pass for white I really don't see a problem, anywhere for you come on now! But tell me folks how do you think a black single mom would stand up to living in Benton, btw not single by choice husband is handicap and lives in a nursing/rehab home at the present time, thanks

[New2SouthernIL]

Thanks for the responses...I found it humorous that it was assumed that I was caucasion, when in fact I'm Hispanic and yes, totally "americanized" as my mom has told me many times, hahaha. I was born and raised here in the states and speak perfect English and Spanish with an accent!

I'll make sure to post after settling in!

[wayne vauthier]

hello! i am moving to benton soon, i hope. i am buying a house there, and will be moving my wife and children with me. (they are black and i am white). my wife is under the impression (from my brother who is in Du Quoin), that Benton is still stuck in the old days. When interacial relationships were punished. i am from Southern, Il. originally, and know that people there as a majority gudge by character,not color,but for her & the kids i'd like some input from those who live there. so they can "hear it from the horses mouth" as they say.

[New2SouthernIL]

Well...my family have been in Benton since June and let me say.....we love it! My children are attending the local schools, the teachers have been wonderful...everywhere we go, we are greeted with respect and kindness. I am so glad we moved!!!

[JerichoHW]

The people in the Benton/West Frankfort area all seem very nice. You should fit in fine, best of luck to you and your family.