Southern Illinois is a hidden treasure in America’s heartland. The region is bounded by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and dotted with accessible lakes nestled in the great hardwoods in the hills of the Shawnee National Forest. It is rich with state parks, including famous Giant City State Park and Lodge, Garden of the Gods and Little Grand Canyon. There is boating and sailing, fishing, hiking and rock climbing, winding horse trails and miles of cycling paths including Tunnel Hill, the #1 bike ride in Illinois. You can also tee up at over 25 golf-courses or take a trip on the one of the two southern Illinois wine trails where you can visit over 21 wineries and bed and breakfasts that line the trail. Some of the natural wonders include: Shawnee National Forest, Trail of Tears State Park, Bald Knob Mountain, Oakwood Bottoms, and the River to River Trail.
Music festivals and local fairs are numerous and there are many historical attractions, unique shops and towns and fine restaurants conveniently located with local and international cuisine to satisfy any type of craving.
Also, Rend Lake is a short drive from Carbondale, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. Rend Lake has many attractions like fishing, hunting, camping, or if you like to stay in, there is the Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center close by.
Southern Illinois has been honored by being the home of the Miners, a minor league baseball team. They have had a lot of success since their start and have gained this area popularity and made it even more enjoyable.
Southern Illinois University, located in Carbondale, is a major institution with a medical school. It has top-ranked sports programs, especially in football and basketball, and it offers a full schedule of theater, live music, opera and other events at historic Shryock Auditorium and modern McLeod Theater. The newest addition to the Carbondale theater family is the Stage Company which is newly renovated and located right on the strip.
Local shopping includes many quality, national stores and, in southern Illinois, you are only two hours from St. Louis, less than one hour from Kentucky, two hours from Evansville, Indiana, three hours from Nashville or Memphis and six hours from Chicago.
Southern Illinois is a beautiful place to witness the seasons changing. In the spring, there are vibrant blooms and active wildlife; which is wonderful for exploring the bike path or canoeing along one of the rivers. In the summer, there are mild and sunny weathers that is perfect for attending an outdoor festival or relaxing on one of the many lakes within in short distance. The autumn bursts with fall colors and plentiful harvests where hiking at Garden of the Gods or horseback riding in the Shawnee National forest is wonderful. The winter months differ each year but are amazing to experience. It is usually milder than the rest of Illinois and is a good time to take advantage of the wonderful hunting ground available or to attend holiday open houses at the some of the locally personalized shops. Average rainfall in Southern Illinois is 40 inches, snowfall 6 inches, temperature in winter averages 35 degrees and in summer 72 degrees.
The Southern Illinois area including 13 counties have the total population of 288,681. The average cost of living is significantly lower, about 15%, than what you would see in the big metropolitan cities. The median home value of a house in Southern Illinois is around $130,000.
The school systems in Southern Illinois are definitely something to boast about. They offer small and personable learning for each student. Class sizes in the Carbondale district ranges from 14-22 students per classroom, which provides one on one instruction and capability of detailed learning. Teaching experience in this district averages at 13 years and over 52% of teachers hold a Master’s degree or higher.
Southern Illinois is a small area that has a lot of personality and a hometown feel. It is growing and expanding with more and more attractions coming to the region; however, it will never lose the personal touch that affects everyone living in this wonderful area.
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