What do you think of Springfield, IL? (Chicago, Peoria: houses, established neighborhood)

[cbsommer]

My husband and I are considering a move to Springfield from Los Angeles. We have three kids, ages 10, 7 and 5. We are wondering what is there to like about Springfield and the surrounding communities? What don't you like? How easy is it to move there and make friends? And finally, we will be visiting next month but since we haven't seen it yet, what does it look like?

Thanks!

[linicx]

Check out the new Scottsdale AZ to Springfield, IL posts. Springfield is a conservative political town. It has alot of history which I love, and a lot of one-way streets downtown, which I do not love.
The move is easy. I=40 to 1-44 - to St. Louis. Take the Chicago exit and follow I270 to the IL border where yo will join 1-55. Go North about 90 miles to Springfield.

You have to cross the desert unless you go north to 1--80. It will take you to the Iowa-ILL border. Take 1-74 to Peoria and follow it through Peoria to 1-55 at Morton, IL. It will take you direectlu to Springfield. Do NOT corss the dessert in the summer before midnight. Too hot, too hard on Vehicle-especially if you are towing. NO services in the desert. No cell, no nothing until you reach the AZ border. Been there done that. AZ is not nearly as close as looks on a map. You can also go south from San Diego, You still cross desert, but there are more services and it is not that hard to pick up 1-40 at Las Cruces. You miss most of the mountains. .

[kmwheel]

Hi,

We moved to Rochester (right next to Springfield) from north of Chicago in September. I have really enjoyed living here so far. It's very easy to get around in Springfield...they don't have major issues with traffic. I always laugh about people around here who complain about the traffic. Try driving in the Chicago suburbs at any time of day and THEN call me. My husband and I both work in Springfield (opposite ends) and we enjoy 20 minute commutes.

I have made a few friends since we moved. My kids are 12, 9, and 5, and they've had no problems getting involved with school and friends. The pace is definitely slower than L.A., Chicago, or even the Chicago 'burbs. I feel like people here are a little more friendly. I tend to get chatted up more by people in restaurants or retail establishments. Springfield is heavy on history...tourism is a large part of its appeal.

What does it look like? Well, that depends where you are. To me it looks like a typical midwestern city. There are parts of the city that are pretty run-down, and other parts that are particularly lovely historical areas. I'm sure you've seen parts of your city like that. The downtown area is pretty cute. It's like a mini version of a big city. I say this because I live outside of town and I can pretty much be "downtown" in 15 minutes. You'll find lots of big box stores and shopping on the west side of town. We live pretty close to Lake Springfield, which looks like it's fun to boat on. I haven't been here in summer yet! There's a zoo down the road I haven't visited yet, and they're also planning to build a new childrens' museum. The Lincoln museum and library downtown are superb. Springfield also appears to have a great park district with lots of programs for kids. I haven't taken part in any yet, but I'm excited to see what's available.

Medical options are plentiful. There are several hospital/medical facility options and many have highly rated programs.

Housing is very affordable, and you can choose from the typical McMansion all the way to grand old Victorian (and everything in between). We ended up in a funky split-level in an established neighborhood that we affectionately refer to as "That 70's House." Many have the opinion that Springfield public schools don't have a good reputation. I think that people tend to either live in Springfield and send their kids to private school, or choose one of the smaller towns that surround Springfield (Rochester, Chatham, Riverton, New Berlin etc.)

If you have any other questions about what it's like to be a transplant, let me know. I don't have anything particularly negative to say yet, except that our water bill is really high! But I guess when you don't live next to Lake Michigan anymore, you have to work harder for your water!

[linicx]

The only thing you can't find in Central Illinois is Trader Joe's Costco and Whole Foods. You'll have to go to St.Louis for the former two and Chicago for the later. Or you can find all three in Chicago: two are in the Loop and Costco is south of Midway Airport a couple of miles. .

Furriers, upscale furniture, shopping and dining, preforming arts, observatory and planetarium, and the balance of the box stores should be in one of the four towns. Cental Illnois has four major shopping centers: Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign. Each city is unique and special. In fact, I believe Ikea is in Champaign. There are many things to do and see in this area.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by linicx

The only thing you can't find in Central Illinois is Trader Joe's Costco and Whole Foods. You'll have to go to St.Louis for the former two and Chicago for the later. Or you can find all three in Chicago: two are in the Loop and Costco is south of Midway Airport a couple of miles. .

Furriers, upscale furniture, shopping and dining, preforming arts, observatory and planetarium, and the balance of the box stores should be in one of the four towns. Cental Illnois has four major shopping centers: Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign. Each city is unique and special. In fact, I believe Ikea is in Champaign. There are many things to do and see in this area.

St. Louis actually has all three.

[kmwheel]

Originally Posted by linicx

The only thing you can't find in Central Illinois is Trader Joe's Costco and Whole Foods. You'll have to go to St.Louis for the former two and Chicago for the later. Or you can find all three in Chicago: two are in the Loop and Costco is south of Midway Airport a couple of miles. .

Furriers, upscale furniture, shopping and dining, preforming arts, observatory and planetarium, and the balance of the box stores should be in one of the four towns. Cental Illnois has four major shopping centers: Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign. Each city is unique and special. In fact, I believe Ikea is in Champaign. There are many things to do and see in this area.

IKEA in Champaign? Uhhh...I don't think so. The only two IKEA stores I know of in Illinois are in Bolingbrook and Schaumburg (both near Chicago, and approximately twenty miles away from each other for some strange reason).

[sgresident]

My husband grew up in springfield and most of his family still lives there. there are areas that are highly questionable, but others that are really exclusive. His brother is a retired police officer and lives just off I55 in hunting meadows or something like that, subdivision. very regular. also, there is the suburb called Chatham. a number of his relatives etc live there. the area has really grown there and has good schools. you might try that.

[cbsommer]

Thanks, everyone! We're looking forward to coming out there in a couple of weeks and seeing for ourselves.

[DMWW]

I live in Chatham. Its really nice and safe and we have one of the best school districts in the area. Rochester's is pretty good as well. Springfield high is your normal city high school and South East HS and Lanpher HS are your more rough schools... Also the Sherman/Williamsville school district is pretty nice, but much smaller than the others.

[ihynes]

Springfield is a very sleepy town in a very flat landscape. Everyone seems to do their shopping in St. Louis. The state government crowd can't get to their cars fast enough on Friday and floor it all the way back to Chicago. However, I always found Springfield to be a nice place to visit. Definitely check out Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House while you're there, it's one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen, and they have tours.