Nice family town in southern IL? Not too small?

[ricjanbor]

One more thing, you will find more sex offenders in county seats, in most counties, however, due to the population, the ratio will probably be much smaller than very small towns. One town near us has a ratio of 67 to 1, while Olney has a ratio of 339 to 1. I would look at the ratio, not the number.

[newtoneaglesfan4ever]

i would consider Newton, il it is a small town but it has some resteraunts, a nice school district and housing is cheap, and is only about a 25 minute drive from effingham il, so big town options aren't too far i would highly recommend Newton.

[BigDogDave]

I don't know what size "big town" you're looking for, but between Springfield and Paducah there aren't any towns over 50,000 in population. But it's the most beautiful area in the state. The Illinois side of the St. Louis Metro area is made up of many small towns (some of which you will want to avoid) and probably has over 200,000 in total population....and downtown St. Louis is right across the bridge. I believe that I 64 runs from St. Louis straight to Paducah. So it depends on what you want for entertainment, I guess. For me, I'd pick a smaller collage town like Charelston (EIU) or Edwardsville (SIU). Maybe even Champaign-Urbana (U of I). Carbondale, is over 50% college students and is much too "young" for me, and not very family oriented.

[TracyJ]

I am originally from Herrin, IL. It is perfect and just in the middle of Carbondale and Marion, IL. Great shopping, inexpensive and friendly. Herrin is an Italian based small town but great in the schools and you should look into them! Tell them I sent ya!

[illinichick357]

Originally Posted by CrochetCrazy

How is the weather in Southern Illinois as opposed to the Chicago area?
Especially winter weather in the Mount Vernon/Marion area? Do you get much snow? What is the average? I know blizzards must pass through Southern Illinois area but how does it compare to Northern Illinois? Does "Winter" arrive later and "Spring" arrive earlier?

Thanks to everyone who responded previously about areas in Southern Illinois to retire to. My father was born in East Saint Louis and grew up mostly in
Carmi, IL but we were looking toward perhaps areas between Mt. Vernon
and Marion (such as Fairfield, Flora, etc).

Also, I noticed the high amount of sex offenders concentrated in Olney, IL.
Higher percentage than the usual. Any comments to this?

CrochetCrazy

There are a high number of sex offenders in most of the counties surrounding Richland. I live in Wayne county and we have a high number. Mostly though here, you don't hear of any trouble just because someone is a sex offender. And I'm a paranoid parent of a little girl. The numbers seem high in my opinion because it is such a small, rural area. The numbers in other cities are much higher by far...you are just less likely to have them living next to you or to know it if they are.

[waldo]

Wow! I just stumbled upon thihs thread that I started 2 years ago and it's still going! I have been in Edwardsville since 4/2007 and have to say, it was a good choice. Schools are great, great youth sports and new stores are constantly opening. A lot of "transplants" too. Very nice small town appeal but with the conveniences of a larger town.

[CrochetCrazy]

Marion, Huh? Any flooding issues in Marion proper or right outside the
city limits?

Thought of Marion as a possible place to relocate to and retire earlier.

Thanks for any thoughts regarding water or flooding issues as a problem
to moving there.