Bloomington - Normal (Chicago, Peoria, Springfield: to rent, insurance, house)

[flyingwriter]

Hi Illinoisans (is that the correct term?),

I have a few questions for you. I just graduated from college in Michigan and I'm considering a job in Bloomington, Illinois. I have never been to the area and have a few questions for you locals.

1) I've done a little research into the area, and it seems like it is doing well economically. Is this still true, or has the recession completely killed off the economy there? Coming from economically depressed Michigan, it would be nice to be in a place where people actually have jobs and other opportunities.

2) As much as I love Michigan, and would love to stay there even if I get this job, the four hour commute would get to me eventually. So I'm looking to find a place in B-N. Any ideas on good areas, areas to avoid, etc. I'm looking to rent to start out, maybe buy a house after I've saved up some money. I don't need a big place, as I will still be spending a lot of time in Michigan and will be keeping some of my stuff there. I don't mind being near college students, actually I think that's somewhat of a plus because it gives me an opportunity to meet people around my age. I would love to live in a downtown area (as long as it's safe).

3) I know this question has been asked before, but what is there to do in the area? I come from a small town in MI, so it's not like I need to be in a big city. However, where I live has the beach, outdoors, and cities like Kalamazoo nearby. From what I've seen of B-N, it seems to be in the middle of nowhere. Are there any activities in the area, or do people drive to Chicago or St. Louis to "do things."

Thanks for answering my questions!

[h2ohzrd]

1. No, not completely dead. There is still life in B/N

3. Well, if you are young and enjoy the nightlife, your are out of luck. B/N's nightlife will get old quickly. There are a few lakes nearby with good fishing. If you golf, it's pretty reasonable and there are some very challenging courses. The best shopping is in Chicago. Next best might be Shoppes at Grand Prairie in Peoria. No skiing nearby - head to Wisconsin or fly to Denver.

[linicx]

Normal and Bloomington are quite different as Normal is a college town whereas Bloomington is more business orientated. Many of the Normal college kids come to Peoria on weekends. It's about 35 miles or so from B-H. Springfield is closer to 70 miles from Bloomington. Peoria is more like Chicago. Many employees drive from Peoria and Springfield to B-N to work. Where you work normally dictates how many miles you want to drive to work and home each day. For some 45 minutes isn't a big deal. For others it's a life time.

Illinois is a farming state of 102 counties and nearly 80,000 farming families. It is number two behind Iowa. Outside of Chicago there are five pockets of large population: Peoria, B-N, Champaign and Springfield and East St. Louis metro area. B-N, Springfield and Champaign are basically flat and surrounded by farms and ranches. Peoria County sprawls along the Illinois River and much like Chicago it has heavily treed areas and a very diverse cultural and religious community. There is one small beach on a small lake in the area, but it not anything like Lake Michigan. I do not ski, but Aspen Hills Ski Slope is NW of Peoria in Peoria County.

[bill9]

I live in Peoria; I go to Chicago / ST Louis like 6-10 times a year between them; usually just to visit family not the city's them self unless I am going to a sporting event; there is reasonable shopping in (B-N) & the internet too. By the way locals just call it Bloomington as the two Citys are really 1 when looking at it from the outside. I would also add that East Peoria has a riverboat, And I would be surprised if you found the night life in Peoria to be that different then Bloomington... As far as the economy goes with the downturn what I am seeing is downsizing through attrition (i.e. someone changes jobs or retires and is not replaced), It seems that it would be more difficult to find a job that pay's as well as the job you are leaving and it also seems raises have basically been frozen for all the large employers in the area........Near campus has parking issues & all the kids.. as far as a beach we have lakes nearby (lake Clinton comes to mind like 20 miles south on 51).

so which insurance giant are you going to work for St Farm or Country Companies...