Atlanta Illinois (Chicago, Peoria, Springfield: houses, living in, club)

[markbrunskill]

My parents are ISU grads living in the DuPage suburbs (as am I) and they are looking at a couple of good deals at some houses on a golf course in Atlanta, Illinois

They wanted to go to the Bloomington Normal area to be somewhere cheaper and quieter and they are looking at the bedroom communities around the B and N area

I guess my question is is Atlanta a bedroom suburb like Towanda or is it more of an isolated hick town like Pontiac ( I grew up there as a kid so I can say that)

[mbakerphoto]

In my opinion it is definitely more of an isolated hick town.

[breer23]

I'd have to second the isolated-town opinion. But, it might be nice to be out and away from hustle & bustle of B-N...and yes, I know B-N is nowhere near as busy as suburban Chicago.

Go ISU!

[runninfiend]

Not sure what your definition of "isolated hick town" is. I guess it's isolated by Chicago standards, but it's right on 55 about halfway between Lincoln and B/N. You're not far from either, maybe 20 miles to B/N.

It's a smaller town feel, like most all small farm towns. They do have a rather nice downtown with a route 66 influence, and a really cool, historic little library, a grain elevator museum (neater than it sounds), and a giant Paul Bunyon statue. It will be quiet, obviously. I would think you could do worse than to pick Atlanta if you're looking for a move away from bustle.

The town website is pretty cool. Perhaps you've seen it:

Welcome to Atlanta, Illinois!

[markbrunskill]

Im bumping this back up to see if I can get any other perspectives

[linicx]

If this is the town I think it is, the last time I was there is was a farm town of about 300 population or less. One of the most beautiful 18 hole golf courses I've ever seen is in Carthage, MO., but no houses face the course. Grove, OK has a nice nine hole with houses that face it. Pekin Illinois has more than one course not counting the country club; its about 15 miles from Peoria. I believe Lincoln, IL. has a golf course. Peoria, IL has three public courses not counting the private country clubs, Canton has one golf course. . Bloomington has a country club with a private course I believe, and Normal might have a course. . I do not know that much about the B-N area any more. Springfield has a course or two, also. Havana has a small club and golf course too.

If your parents want to live in an area more like Chicago then look at Peoria. If they like a more conservative area then look at B-N, but if they are political animals they will surely like Springfield.