Comments about Chatham, Illinois (near Springfield)? (Chicago, McHenry: fit in, house, buy)

[Carolyn44Cooper]

We are relocating to the Springfield area and are considering the suburb of Chatham. Looking for quality of life & a place that a new kid from Texas (high school sophomore--guy) can fit in . . .

I grew up in western Illinois, but haven't spent lots of time around central Illinois . . .

Thanks!

[Cowboy67]

Chatham is the most expensive area near Springfield. Taxes are high, but the schools are supposed to be the best. But they tend to be in the news as much as any of the other local schools with the same problems, drugs etc. I just moved from central Illinois. I would not suggest moving there to anyone. The people are not very friendly, and if you did not grow up there, no one wants anything to do with you.

[srcampbell43]

My family is possibly moving to Loami--which is the next town over. Cheaper taxes, school system (New Berlin) is decent. Loami gives the small town feel and yet you're just 10 minutes from White Oaks Mall and the shopping area of Springfield.

[Carolyn44Cooper]

Thanks for your replies--when visiting I did visit Chatham and found it to be a good little bedroom community. The high school looks beautiful, it's only about 5 years old.

After living on the Mexican border for 15 years, those mid-west issues are not sounding so bad. The schools here have bullies, drugs, guns, and especially knives. Even high school graduations have riots & stabbings.

I grew up in one of those Illinois places where it takes a few generations to fit in. Anyway, it can't be much worse than what we've been through here. Long story.

[anntadair]

I am moving to Chatham in July from McHenry,Il. This is a pretty small town too. Living on a border town must be interesting! When are you moving?

[ARJ]

Chatham is a very nice, quiet area to live in, but as noted the property taxes will make you cringe. Their school system takes in some residents on the southern edges of Springfield, so the their taxes do not go into the school district. The media couldn't emphasize that enough when they built the new school, however the school is on par with a college in terms of layout as well as opportunities they offer.

I have heard some really nice things about Williamsville, Spaulding-Riverton areas as well in terms of education as well as trip time to down town Springfield, pending where your job opportunities are.

The nice thing about all of the mentioned areas is the quick & easy accessibility to the Interstate system.

Good luck with your move.

[linicx]

Lincoln is N of Sprinfield 15 minutes -- or about that. The people are nice, the hosptial is pretty good, the food is awesome. It is a nice jr. college. I've known a few kids that went to high school there and they all survived it. Taxes are reasonable. You can still buy a decent small house for under 50k. It has 30,000 pop., Walmart, Walgreens, Steak N Shake, Kroger's. It's a well balanced mix of farm, education and business.

IL taxes suck, but the groceries are 1%.

[linicx]

The one thing you will love about Sprinfield is the downtown. All the streets are one way and the maps are outdated. Elstwise its a democratic town, politics flow like beer and if you're Irish there used to be a really neat Irish Pub downtown.

I like Springfield but I hate downtown. It's ridiciulous to see a building a block way but you have to drive 8 to get to it.The layout makes no sense, but i've been told that if you drive in it long enough you lean how to get arount; I never did that.

The 5 oclock traffic isn't any better than Chicago, there is just less of it. But if you got a kidk Springfield has Knight's Water Park.

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by linicx

It's ridiciulous to see a building a block way but you have to drive 8 to get to it.The layout makes no sense

I couldn't disagree more...everything downtown is a grid, essentially. It's very logical...and if you miss your destination you just go around the block.

Springfield driving is a breeze compared to most places.

[breer23]

Originally Posted by linicx

It's ridiciulous to see a building a block way but you have to drive 8 to get to it.The layout makes no sense, but i've been told that if you drive in it long enough you lean how to get arount; I never did that.

That's because it's meant to be...walkable! Park your car on the street and hoof it for a few blocks...