Moving from Detroit MI to Robinson IL (Marshall: apartment, rentals)

[ChemE119]

Hi all,

I am a recent college graduate awaiting employment in Robinson IL. I am looking for some feedback on the housing market. Basically any information or tips when buying a home in Robinson or similar cities.

Also, is it a good thing to rent first to "feel the area out" before buying? I understand there may be some difficulties from living in a big city and then moving to a much more closely niched town.

Any opinions or views is highly appreciated. Thanks.

-David

[irish setter girl]

My BIL and SIL live there. It is a small town, simple lifestyle. Not much goes on. My SIL is from there and she says many people from her highschool days continue to live as if time has never passed. Housing is very afforadable and the taxes are low! They bought a super cute house on half an acre with a pond for less than 85k. I think you'll like it but it is certainly a different lifestyle from the big D!!!

[aus10]

I grew up 20 miles from Robinson and will agree with irish setter girl. Life in Robinson moves at a slow pace. You will find the people friendly. But you will also find enough to live comfortably. A quick jaunt up the road to Marshall and you'll hit the interstate which will take you to Terre Haute, IN where you will find a nice small mall (Honey Creek Square) and typical suburban fare. Lots of folks from Robinson also go to Vincennes, IN and shop.



Marathon refinery is one of the main employers in the county. Rental units in Robinson and the smaller surrounding communities can be hard to find. Apartment rentals are much easier to find than homes.

You might find some help at the local newspaper: The Robinson Daily News

[PenguinSix]

It's always good to rent before buying, for a myriad of reasons. You don't know the neighborhood is one, but you also don't know your job. You might actually hate it with a passion and want to quit within a few months. You are also in the 'buy now buy now' mentality rather than renting short term, being in the area, and being able to 'buy the right place at the right time' mentality.

I dare say property prices in much of Central and Southern Illinois did not experience the same rate of growth as those in other parts of the country (nor are they likely to in the near future). This is good for you when buying, but really is annoying when it comes time to sell.

Should this be your first job on the way to other jobs in other (more expensive parts of the country) than you may want to look at putting away a little extra savings each month in preparation for the 'big move' in say five years. A number of people in smaller towns are basically unable to move to larger ones and maintain the same standard of living as they were 'off' the high growth property ladder and cannot afford to get back on.

[Big TR]

I grew up in Robinson, and my parents and brother still live there. PM me for specific questions. I have always thought of Robinson as a nice place to grow up, but not a really great place to live. I guess if you like the job you have and have no desire to grow from a career standpoint, Robinson is as good a place as any.

Housing is dirt cheap in Robinson, but the pay also leaves a lot to be desired. As for renting v. buying, I would definitely recommend renting first. You don't want to go right in, buy a place, then find out that the town is a place you don't want to live in.

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by irish setter girl

My BIL and SIL live there.

Please define "BIL" and "SIL" for me.

[Big TR]

Originally Posted by karlsch

Please define "BIL" and "SIL" for me.

Brother and sister in law.

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by Big TR

Brother and sister in law.

BIL is brother in law?? I always use SOB!!