Illinois left standing after 50-state search for our relocation... (Chicago: environment, motel)

[rainorsun]

Hello,

I have been looking for the best place for my family to live for a while and the only state that seems to strike gold all around is Illinois. I had never considered it before having a child I choose to homeschool (it's one of the top 3 friendliest to homeschoolers). Along with four seasons, a midwestern feel and other goodies.

I love Chicago but we do not want to live too close to a city or in a crowded area.
My husband found relocation job possibilties in the Galesburg, Peoria, and Bloomington areas. However, we haven't found housing in all those areas we are looking for.

Galena sounds lovely, but no jobs. Same with Oregon.
Peru/ Otttawa / Princeton area also look great but sadly, no jobs.
But just to mention these places as smaller towns that seem to be the environments and scenery that appeal to us.
No jobs in southern Il, even though parts sound pretty.

We don't mind snow but are leaning away from anything above Highway 80 - after research.

We want a rural feel to our surroundings, so a home with several acres over 5 ideally, would love to find a nice mix of trees .. areas not too far from water, natural parks... can spend up to about 300,000.

Our son is adopted from China and we wish to live around folks who do not have issues with this. We don't expect to be instantly immersed in the community, and in fact are somewhat quiet people. We are conservative but not church-going, so don't know how well this will go over in small communities, either.

So with the above criteria, I'm wondering which areas would be best (Galesburg/ Monmouth; Peoria; Bloomington-) ?- knowing that probably there are no homes with acreage in the last area. Don't want a commute longer than half an hour. And even if husband got a job in Peoria, we would rather live several miles out of town.

Thank you for any suggestions!

[Chinolala]

Those that I know who live in Bloomington really like it. Sorry I can't be more helpful

[steve_holt]

Based on the things you are looking for, I would guess some small town in the Peoria area would suit you well. I really like Bloomington and personally prefer it to Peoria, there certainly is not an abundance of scenery here. Most acreage around here is flat farm land, not really near natural water (unless you go north to Hudson or so). Lots of scenery around the Peoria area along the river. I'm sure someone on the forum more familiar with the peoria area will know the towns with acreage for 300k.

[AnimalLover]

Have you considered Springfield? Cost of living is very reasonable, especially housing. If you want to experience big city life - it's an easy drive to spend a day in St Louis or Chicago. There are many small towns around and quite feasible to find a home on small acreage for considerably less than 300k. PM me if you want specifics.

[shadow91]

All i know is that I came from Ottawa IL and wish I could go back. It has a wonderful feel to the town. People are friendly, schools are small, it is safe to walk anywhere there both day/night. Alot of activities in the summer. Right off (south) of interstate 80
I don't know what kind of work you do but alot of people carpool into joliet/bloomington for the higher paying jobs. Alot go directly into Chicago. The midwest is fabulous, I miss it so much. Let me know where you decide to settle.

[LindaGrace]

I would vote for Bloomington or Springfield, too. Bloomington in particular has a lot going on because of the universities - music, theater, other arts.

Both cities are lovely, imo. Lots of nice historic homes, lots of red brick, adorable bungalows, etc. The people are friendly, and there is definitely diversity, again due to the universities in both cities.

My mom complains about traffic in Spfld, but I call it "the rush 15 minutes" because seriously? No traffic, not even during what is typically the morning and evening rush.

[linicx]

I live in Central Illinois where Peoria is the largest city. Galesbury is in west Central Illinois and Bloomington-Normall is in East Central Illinios. These are all farming communities. In my opinion, the cheapest acreage is in Fulton County where Canton and a Medium Security Prison are located. But to get the cheapest acreage you will have to live farther away from Peoria. In fact to find what you want you will probably be 50 miles from Peoria in any direction. And you need to realize that very few of our 'little' towns offer much to combat boredom.

Peoria has an awecome park district that offers classes from A-Z all year that also offers a zoo, botanica, ball diamonds, pools, skating, golf courses, nature hiking and a marina to name a few activities. Peoria also has a AAA minor league baseball Club.and hockey, too. In this area you can advance your education at a university, a college, two junior colleges, two schools for gifted children and a medical school. Peoria also has upscale dining and shopping as well as Walmart and Sam's Club. We don't have Trader Joe's or a COSCO store. Peoria is home to many religious groups from Ba'hai to Greek Orthodpx to Federalist to Jewish to far out. We don't have the Chicago River but we do have the Illinois which is 278 miles long and we have a casino as well as day excursions on the river. If you sail there's a yacht club too. There is also four country clubs. Three of our many parks are over 10,000 acres in size. But, if you like to hunt, trap and fish you can't do it in Peoria. That's the trade-off. All towns the size of Peoria have there traffic problems. My own opinion of Springfield traffic is that it reminds me of the Eisenhowerm except it is only three lanes. Peoria traffic is moved over seven bridges that carry vehicles generated from I-74, I-474, US 150, US 24, IL 9 and IL 29. Wherever you live you can get to work unless you get stuck behind a vehicle collision.

Central Illinois is comprised of five counties. There seven hospitals in central Illinos and at least four family events that have captured national attention. There is an equal number of smaller events that are just as much fun. We have a lot of state parks in Illinois. Six thousand acres of the proposed 14.000 acres are open now. they (2) are five miles from where I live in Havana which is in the hearrt of hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and family.

Havana is on the river, too. Our schools are pretty good, crime rate is low, the school Superintendent is awesome. We have a hosptial and life flight. We have two grocery stores, two variety stores, two hardware sthores and a lot in between. WE also have pool, bowling and golf. The most exciting thing next to the reclamation porject is the city is getting ready to let bids for a waterpark, third motel, and convention center. I am 25-50 miles from most *vig* events and half-way between Peoria and Springfield.

[Steve-o]

Another vote for Bloomington-Normal area.

[ILRef]

Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign-Urbana will all give you the opportunity to live in a mid sized city with a good job market and a low COL. All have plenty to keep you busy and aren't far from major metro areas.

[linicx]

Peoria is located on the Illinois River. The entire five county area is heavily forested and each touches the river in some way. Where you go depends upon how much water, trees, etc., you want. .

Spend a weekend and come visit,