Looking to make a fresh start (Quincy: architecture, architect, kids)

[surfergirl67]

Originally Posted by Scio42

A great part of the economy in Galena thrives on tourism and residents from Chicago moving there or owning a second home. There's some smaller businesses there too, but it's not really a big place (~4,000 people I think). I'd be a great place for a bakery (as you mentioned) to sell baked goods to tourists. Getting jobs as engineers there would be tougher (unless you can work out telecommute agreement). The closest city of any size is Dubuque, IA.

I loved the town, just not sure if we could make a living there.

[surfergirl67]

Originally Posted by Alexva

If the small town life is what you seek you may want to check out Quincy, Illinois. Sits on the banks of the Mississippi River about two hours north of St. Louis, with a population of 40k. Known as the Gem City, Quincy has scenic rolling hills terrain. For a small town, Q-town has remarkable architecture, a fine offering of the arts, and pretty decent schools. A year ago I moved to Quincy for a fresh start. I have not been disappointed.

Here is a City-Data thread about Q-town: Quincy. Also, you can find several YouTube videos showing some sights of the town if you search on “Quincy, Illinois” in YouTube.

Good luck with your quest surfergirl67.

Thank you I will check it out!

[msnysofly]

What do you mean by wanting English to not be a second language?

[LoserYesYouAre]

Originally Posted by Alexva

If the small town life is what you seek you may want to check out Quincy, Illinois. Sits on the banks of the Mississippi River about two hours north of St. Louis, with a population of 40k. Known as the Gem City, Quincy has scenic rolling hills terrain. For a small town, Q-town has remarkable architecture, a fine offering of the arts, and pretty decent schools. A year ago I moved to Quincy for a fresh start. I have not been disappointed.

Here is a City-Data thread about Q-town: Quincy. Also, you can find several YouTube videos showing some sights of the town if you search on “Quincy, Illinois” in YouTube.

Good luck with your quest surfergirl67.

Quincy is a wonderful town to raise kids in. It definitely has some of the most unique and beautiful architecture. Here is a great website to check out:
quincy, il | see the unexpected

[LoserYesYouAre]

Ok, how do you insert a link? Grrrrr.....

[Careless]

Originally Posted by msnysofly

What do you mean by wanting English to not be a second language?

Are there really people not aware of the fact that much of South Florida has so many immigrants (and children of) from Spanish speaking countries that Spanish is the primary language? (or is used so much that it feels like it is the primary language)

[waldo]

IL is about as anti-business as they come. Check out the proposed legislation in Springfield and you'll see that more is coming (taxes).

[doll lady]

I agree about Quincy. It's a nice town located on the river near Hannibal, but I don't know how many tourists it gets....Hannibal gets a lot...but both cities have faced severe floods....even downtown and blocks away from the river. So be sure to check out locations thoroughly.

Another town which might meet your needs is Petersburg....in the Land of Lincoln Tourist Areas. The town is built on some very high hills .... I would call them tall hills rather than mountains. There are many quaint victorian style homes which some are for sale... some would be suitable as a bed & breakfast....usually for a cost of around 180,000 - $250,000. Some are beautifully restored for that price. New Salem Tourist area is just outside of town....the town has a trolley which transports people back and forth.

Petersburg doesn't have a bakery but it has a grocery store which offers some baked goods and donuts at outrageous prices and the stuff isn't even baked on site but not like the real thing!! And the best thing is .... Springfield is about 22 miles away....most people commute to Springfield to work. So there are probably jobs available....and the state of Illinois is the largest employer and does employ engineers in lots of capacities as does Memorial Medical Center, St. John's Hospital, and SIU School of Medicine. Probably lots more employers who do...I just can't think of them at the moment.

Petersburg is just another option. Much lower tax base here than in the northern part of the state. Take a look at the Petersburg web site and be sure to check out the real estate section link at the bottom. You might see something which will meet your needs. Blane is the most reliable. I know there is one building in Petersburg which would be ideal for your bakery needs (I live nearby this city). A search for Petersburg homes for sale will get you more I'm sure.


PetersburgIL.com Home Page



Keep us informed about where you settle.....it's fun to know about new Illinoisians. We will want to welcome you to the state.

[surfergirl67]

Originally Posted by msnysofly

What do you mean by wanting English to not be a second language?

You've obviously never been to South Florida.

[surfergirl67]

Originally Posted by Careless

Are there really people not aware of the fact that much of South Florida has so many immigrants (and children of) from Spanish speaking countries that Spanish is the primary language? (or is used so much that it feels like it is the primary language)

Exactly...

Don't even try to go to Miami or call Ft. Lauderdale or Miami if you don't speak spanish. AND it's all migrating north... My kids are in the minority at their school and that is the norm for South Florida.