Sure, there are some places in Illinois where it costs several hundred thousand dollars to get your foot in the door. But there are plenty of communities where it won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you’ll still get to live in a pretty great town. Here are 10 of the cheapest but greatest places to live in Illinois.
- Danville
Paul J Everett/Flickr Located in central Illinois, Danville has a lot to offer residents, from boutiques to antiques. Fun fact: this was the home to Dick van Dyke.
- Springfield
Matt Turner/Flickr Our state capital, Springfield is also an affordable place to live. Once you make your way through all the tourism opportunities, there are some great restaurants and little shops to explore.
- Quincy
Joanna Poe/Flickr Located right along the Mississippi River, Quincy has been ranked by Forbes as one of the best places to raise a family. But no matter what stage of life you’re at, Quincy is affordable while offering some incredible historic architecture.
- Pekin
Ammodramus/Wikipedia Just along the Illinois River is Pekin. In fact, Pekin might offer some of the best views of the river. Locals go crazy over the annual Marigold Festival.
- Moline
David Wilson/Flickr One of the Quad Cities, Moline is nestled on a bluff between the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. This town has a nice downtown and is also home to Niabi Zoo.
- East Peoria
East Peoria/Facebook You might want to get in on the ground floor while prices are low, because this place is booming. East Peoria’s downtown areas have really been revitalized. But don’t worry, those wonderful views aren’t going anywhere.
- Pontiac
IvoShandor/Wikipedia Once a mainstay for travelers on Route 66, Pontiac is a nice town whether you’re just starting out or living out your later years. There’s plenty to do in Pontiac, from visiting historic homes to several Route 66 exhibits.
- Kewanee
billwhittaker/Wikipedia Kewanee is a quiet little town with a downtown area that will surprise you with some nice business offerings. Strong community ties and low prices make this the optimal place to live.
- Washington
Washington Chamber of Commerce/Facebook The residents of Washington, Illinois went through hell when a tornado ripped through their town a few years back. But this town is determined re-establish itself. Maybe you can be a part of that.
- Chatham
MailWhite10/Flickr Just south of Springfield, Chatham is a charming town of about 12,000. You will love the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge (pictured here), and if you like the outdoors, check out some of their rails-to-trails trails.
These are some great towns!
Paul J Everett/Flickr
Located in central Illinois, Danville has a lot to offer residents, from boutiques to antiques. Fun fact: this was the home to Dick van Dyke.
Matt Turner/Flickr
Our state capital, Springfield is also an affordable place to live. Once you make your way through all the tourism opportunities, there are some great restaurants and little shops to explore.
Joanna Poe/Flickr
Located right along the Mississippi River, Quincy has been ranked by Forbes as one of the best places to raise a family. But no matter what stage of life you’re at, Quincy is affordable while offering some incredible historic architecture.
Ammodramus/Wikipedia
Just along the Illinois River is Pekin. In fact, Pekin might offer some of the best views of the river. Locals go crazy over the annual Marigold Festival.
David Wilson/Flickr
One of the Quad Cities, Moline is nestled on a bluff between the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. This town has a nice downtown and is also home to Niabi Zoo.
East Peoria/Facebook
You might want to get in on the ground floor while prices are low, because this place is booming. East Peoria’s downtown areas have really been revitalized. But don’t worry, those wonderful views aren’t going anywhere.
IvoShandor/Wikipedia
Once a mainstay for travelers on Route 66, Pontiac is a nice town whether you’re just starting out or living out your later years. There’s plenty to do in Pontiac, from visiting historic homes to several Route 66 exhibits.
billwhittaker/Wikipedia
Kewanee is a quiet little town with a downtown area that will surprise you with some nice business offerings. Strong community ties and low prices make this the optimal place to live.
Washington Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
The residents of Washington, Illinois went through hell when a tornado ripped through their town a few years back. But this town is determined re-establish itself. Maybe you can be a part of that.
MailWhite10/Flickr
Just south of Springfield, Chatham is a charming town of about 12,000. You will love the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge (pictured here), and if you like the outdoors, check out some of their rails-to-trails trails.
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