Eastern Illinois University

[Drover]

Originally Posted by AMDM

Based on what everyone has said, there appear to be some nice looking places in Charleston in the $100-150k range. Hopefully, this would be a long term move for us. The appreciation of home value is a concern; however, at this time it is better for us to be able to afford a nice 3 bedroom/2 bath regardless of how the value might appreciate. It is nice to see a place where you don't have to drop $250k for 1000 square feet and one bath.

You can always take the money you don't have to spend on a more expensive house (and higher property taxes) and invest it elsewhere. The tax treatment might not be as favorable, but it does help substantially offset what you'd otherwise make on home appreciation.

[nJohn]

Just had my orientation at EIU. While waiting for the Dean of LAS to speak to us LAS majors I over heard (more of eavesdropping) a conversation between a girl who was from S. IL and a kid from a rival h.s. of mine (how on earth could he call himself a Chicagoan after he said this is beyond my understanding) when he said "There's nothing much besides downtown." I was tempted to put him into a half-nelson and scream "TAKE THAT BACK!"

[anr_black]

I went to EIU for 4 years and graduated in 2000. I went back last summer for the first time since then, and was hit by a wave of nostalgia-yes, nostalgia!-for my time spent there. What's great for an undergrad is you don't really need a car to get around, since the campus is "compact" like you said, and almost everything you would need (food, clothes, bars) is within walking distance. Yes, Charleston is lacking in culture and sophistication, but the flip side is, it's a safe, small town where you can still pretty much walk around at night without fearing for your life. Living in St. Louis now, I miss that security :-) And there used to be a TON of kids from Chicago there, so you could probably even share rides home and split the gas. Good luck if you decide to enroll. I think you'll like it.

[nJohn]

Originally Posted by anr_black

I went to EIU for 4 years and graduated in 2000. I went back last summer for the first time since then, and was hit by a wave of nostalgia-yes, nostalgia!-for my time spent there. What's great for an undergrad is you don't really need a car to get around, since the campus is "compact" like you said, and almost everything you would need (food, clothes, bars) is within walking distance. Yes, Charleston is lacking in culture and sophistication, but the flip side is, it's a safe, small town where you can still pretty much walk around at night without fearing for your life. Living in St. Louis now, I miss that security :-) And there used to be a TON of kids from Chicago there, so you could probably even share rides home and split the gas. Good luck if you decide to enroll. I think you'll like it.

Already am enrolled! Will be transferring spring term. Like I mentioned in a previous post the Doudna Fine Arts Center brings the much needed culture that Charleston was missing. It's a huge improvement. As with all Illinois state and private institutions, besides N'western and U of C, about 90% of kids who attend are from Illinois. In EIUs case, most are from Chicagoland, the exurbs, and central Illinois.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by AMDM

I've been reading through this discussion and wondered if any of you had opinions on living and working in Charleston/ Mattoon. If things go well, I may be accepting a position in the area.

My wife and I, plus our 4 year old daughter, haven't visited the area yet. I would be curious to find out what everyone thinks about Charleston/Mattoon for a relatively young family.

If you are looking to live in an area similar to the Chicago suburbs, which seems to be the standard on many of these forums, you will be very bored. If you enjoy living in a more rural area where there is a sense of community, you may find it in the area around Mattoon.

Personally, I would strongly recommend that you visit the area before accepting a position. Look around Mattoon or even the Arthur/Arcola areas which are more Amish. The schools tend to be better than most rural areas.

As in any small town, you have an opportunity to get involved and meet a lot of good people.

In that area, you will be within an hour of Champaign and Charleston, so if you need more excitement/entertainment. Remember, it is a lot easier to commute an hour to have fun than to commute to work an hour.

Back to the OP's question. EIU has a beautiful administration building surrounded by one of the most non-descript and unattractive campuses around.

By the way, I subscribe to some of the local newspapers in the area and see a number of houses in the $80-120k range.

[decidingwheretolive]

Originally Posted by nJohn

Wow, thank you. The small town with small minded people isn't new to me. I'm at NIU right now and you would think people would be more tolerant since it's about an hour from Chicago, but no. I spoke to some acquaintances of mine who attend EIU and they actually speak of it with enthusiasm. I'm a bit worried though, I know EIU isn't an academic haven, but I want to seriously delve into my majors (Soc. and Phil.) so I hope there are enough resources for me to pursue. Were the professors you had competent and easy to talk to outside of class? Were you challenged not only by your professors but by your classmates academically?

I graduated from EIU in 1997. I was a Philosphy minor. I loved Jonelle DePetro. I haven't been back since, but what others said about the area sounds about right. I really enjoyed my time are EIU though.

[nJohn]

Originally Posted by decidingwheretolive

I graduated from EIU in 1997. I was a Philosphy minor. I loved Jonelle DePetro. I haven't been back since, but what others said about the area sounds about right. I really enjoyed my time are EIU though.

Yes, I met with her and she was such a nice lady. Did you like the Philosophy department? They seem like an efficient bunch. The department is so small that at one time each Philo. student had a personal mail box, but ever since the internet came around they changed to e-mailing.

[nJohn]

UPDATE: I'm enjoying my time here at EIU, and Charleston isn't that bad. The new Doudna Fine Arts Center really adds to EIU and the town itself. And yum, Chubby Stix!