Family Friendly housing bear Carbondale (Murphysboro, Herrin: for sale, rentals, houses)

[dba07]

I might be accepting a position in Carbondale, and I’m looking to rent an affordable single family home with yard in a nice area. Are there any areas you’d recommend that I look at in addition to Carbondale?

[Little Egypt]

Depends how far away you want or are willing to go. Housing will generally be cheaper in neighboring towns such as Murphysboro, Carterville, or Cobden. There are also houses in the country you might like.

[MikeQBF]

Originally Posted by Little Egypt

Depends how far away you want or are willing to go. Housing will generally be cheaper in neighboring towns such as Murphysboro, Carterville, or Cobden. There are also houses in the country you might like.

Somewhat agreed. There is special pressure on rental housing in Carbondale proper because it is a college town. Carterville, Energy or Herrin will be more likely simpler choices with better access to local support (shopping, etc.).

I personally wouldn't consider Cobden, as it's a fair commute on a hilly two-lane road and there's not a lot there, and I suspect quality rental housing will be tough to find. If you are indeed coming from England as your bio indicates, "country" in this region may be a lot more isolated than you would be accustomed to.

[tlw]

Carbondale housing market should be a buyer/renters market. There are literally hundreds of rentals empty. Many business and commercial properties for sale. Three long time business's for sale on the "strip" alone. The main reason for this is the fall 2018 enrollment was 12,817. In the early to mid 90's the enrollment was pushing 30,000.

[damba]

Originally Posted by dba07

I might be accepting a position in Carbondale, and I’m looking to rent an affordable single family home with yard in a nice area. Are there any areas you’d recommend that I look at in addition to Carbondale?

Most US universities and colleges have dedicated staff to help new faculty with relocation/housing. Call SIU or better yet, look around on their website.

[dba07]

For example, how is this neighborhood? 913 W Pecan St
Carbondale, IL 62901

[tlw]

West Pecan area is fine. East Pecan area has a lot more student rentals .... some ok and some not. The east side of Pecan has more "slumlord" properties.
As I said, I wouldn't jump into anything till you've used all the resources you can find. With all the empty properties sitting, I'm sure many of the prices have dropped. The student housing market there has really tanked which will affect the entire town.