Springfield IL Moving Companies

Springfield, Illinois

If you’re thinking of relocating to Springfield, Illinois, you’re not alone. The population of “Flower City” (as it’s called by local residents) has been growing slowly but steadily since the 1970s. Why are Springfield movers so busy? Perhaps it’s because Springfield has kept its small-town charm, even though it has a population of more than 117,000 people. Perhaps it’s the area’s rich history, or perhaps it’s the great quality of life. There are many excellent reasons for moving to Springfield; keep reading to discover more of them.

Economy:
One of the best reasons for hiring a Springfield moving company is the relatively low cost of living—about 25 percent lower than the national average. In addition, area home prices have remained stable since 2005. Perhaps this is because Springfield’s real estate market didn’t experience an extreme bubble like other markets; 2010 median home prices hovered around $100,000. This makes it a good place to buy a nice home for a modest down payment.

If you’ll be searching for work after moving to Springfield, keep in mind that the largest industry in Springfield is public administration, followed by health care, educational services, accommodation and travel services, finance and insurance, professional and scientific services and construction. (Although new housing construction has fallen off somewhat in the wake of the housing bubble, Springfield’s construction industry has actually seen a modest rebound from 2008 lows.)

History:
A man named John Kelly founded Springfield in 1820 by moving cross-country to build a cabin on what is now the corner of Second Street and Jefferson Street. He was followed by many other settlers from Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky, who were attracted by the area’s fertile soils.

Springfield officially became a town in 1821. (At that time, the town was named “Calhoun” after Senator John C. Calhoun of North Carolina. The name was changed in 1832 after Senator Calhoun fell from public favor.) By 1835, the new town was busy enough to need a constable. But business really picked up in 1837, when a young politician named Abraham Lincoln maneuvered to make Springfield the State Capitol of Illinois. Lincoln lived in Springfield from then until his election to the office of United States President in 1860. He would never return to his beloved town in his lifetime.

After the Civil War (and Lincoln’s subsequent death), Springfield became an industrial town. It was also an important stop on Route 66, the famous “Mother Road” that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Tourism:
Route 66 is a good place for beginning a tour of Springfield. Visitors driving into town from the north will pass the Pioneer Motel, one of the original “motor hotels” that catered to Route 66 travelers. Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a little bit further along; be sure to chat with owner Bill Shea, who is in the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

Route 66 also winds through historic downtown Springfield. This is an excellent place to stop and walk around. Important sites of interest include Abraham Lincoln’s home at the corner of 8th and Jackson Streets, as well as the Old State Capitol Building at the corner of 2nd and Capitol Streets. For a look at a more modern building, drop by the famous Dana-Thomas House, which was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Colleges/Universities:

• University of Illinois - Springfield
• Benedictine University
• Robert Morris University
• Lincoln Land Community College
• Southern Illinois University – Springfield School of Medicine

Interesting Facts:

• Springfield has a famous sandwich called the Horseshoe, which is an open-faced sandwich with cheese sauce, French fries, ham and sometimes egg. It was developed as a party food served in Prohibition-era bars.
• The Mason-Dixon Line, which is the traditional boundary between the northern and southern United States, passes just five miles south of Springfield.
• If you eat at a Springfield restaurant, don’t be surprised if you are offered a bowl of “chilli.” The name of the famous Mexican dish was misspelled by the proprietor of the Dew Chilli Parlor when he painted his restaurant’s sign in 1909, and the error became a tradition.
• In the United States, there are 36 cities, towns or neighborhoods named Springfield.