Southern Illinois

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by smac59

Right on, Sandgirl! I've lived in Murphysboro all of my life, earned a bachelor's degree at SIUC (next door in Carbondale), and I've made a good life here. I disagree with BLS2753 (to quote) "Most natives think everyone should want to live here. They have no other frame of reference, because this is all they have ever known." This mindset reminds me of so many Chicagoland students I encountered at SIUC who told me they were amazed at the fact that there was indoor plumbing and paved roads in southern Illinois. As far as I'm concerned, outsiders can move somewhere else!

Sorry you feel this way of people from the Chicagoland area I dont think its a true fact from everyone

[megan8]

That's something alot of southern Illinoisans aren't told very often. It's good to hear. Thank you.

[megan8]

I'm not here to bash anyone. I love everyone. My whole life I've been told how looked down upon we are by ppl from Chicago, so that's what's been bred into me. It isn't only Cicago I wouldn't want to live in. I'd hate to live in New York City, Boston, or L.A., too. I would haye to live in any big city. I'm a country girl. So, this isn't anything against Chicago in particular.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Nothing wrong with what your comfortable
Illinois is a large state not only by population but in geography

There are so many areas of this state that others tend to miss or not notice

We all live in a wonderful state that holds many treasures from way up north at the wisconsin border to its southern end by kentucky and missouri and every point in between

[Traveller49]

Originally Posted by Julian B

At least consider the metro-east burbs of
St. Louis. O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, etc. Southern Illinois has been at a standstill for at least 22 years (my lifetime), with an exception of Marion. Marion would be by far the best place to send your kids to school.

While Marion schools are good, Carbondale's schools are rated much better than Marion's schools. This is probably influenced somewhat by the university, because Carbondale's population is far more educated and larger than Marion's. In general, there is more opportunity in Carbondale---in not just the schools.

[dcisive]

I attended SIU Carbondale 72-75. I really enjoyed it there. Country living with a slower pace. I never encountered any hostility from anyone native to the area. In fact they were downright hospitable. I came from the Chicago area but didn't bring any attitude with me. I think the local folks could sense I enjoyed their company and kindness was always returned to me. I won't forget those lineups for biscuits and gravy at Mary Lou's when she had her place by the railroad tracks. Country fried chicken all you could eat out at Grand Tower at Ma Hale's. Some really good times. I was a member of the local Murphysboro Musicians Union as a buddy and I played professionally around town and even twice live on WTAO radio on Sunday morning. I even remember stopping on my way back from St. Louis in the country one time at a little restaurant on a corner in Pinkneyville. Nobody eyeballed me they just went about their business. Man that was some good home cooking. My last time out there a friend had me join them for a company dinner that was being catered at the Giant City Lodge. Spent many a weekend at the park there that's for sure. Good memories and the folks down there were always good to me. I think if you leave your attitude at home you'll be rewarded for it