Springfield, IL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Springfield, IL: What You Need to Know

Springfield, located in central Illinois, is the state capital. Most people throughout the world associate the city with its most famous resident, President Abraham Lincoln.

The Local History

What’s known as Springfield today was originally called Calhoun, in honor of U.S. Senator and Vice President John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. In 1832, the name was changed to Springfield after Spring Creek. In 1839, Springfield became the third and final capital of Illinois, thanks in part to the efforts of Abraham Lincoln and his colleagues. Lincoln, who moved to the city in 1837, spent 24 years here as a lawyer and politician. When he became president, he delivered his farewell speech in Springfield before leaving for Washington. During the Civil War, the city played a key role in providing political and financial support.

Schools and Higher Education

College-age residents need not go very far with 64 higher-education institutions located within 100 miles of Springfield. There are two right in the city: the University of Illinois at Springfield (4,575 students) and Lincoln Land Community College (5,565 students). The city school district has 34 public schools with an enrolment of 14,110 students. Sandburg Elementary School and Lincoln Magnet School are among Springfield’s highly ranked schools.

The Cost of Living in Springfield, IL

Your paycheck will go the distance in a city like Springfield (population: 114,230). Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 7.3%, 1.6%, and 25.8% lower than the national average, respectively. Springfield’s median gross rent is $789. The state collects a flat income tax of 4.95% and a sales tax ranging from 6.25% to 11%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Springfield combines modern amenities with historic sensibility. Living in the city means easy access to Lake Springfield, a 4,260-acre reservoir for boating or watching the sunset. Enjoy shopping at the Old Capitol Farmers Market, open twice a week from May through October. Looking for a suburban community with superb schools? Chatham and Sherman are good possibilities. Chatham gets kudos for its strong sense of community and proximity to Springfield. Sherman is known for its rustic atmosphere, great parks, and overall safety.

The Local Weather and Climate

In Springfield, you can expect about 38 inches of rain per year, which is the U.S. average, and 18 inches of snow per year versus the national average of 28 inches. Tornadoes are fairly common in the area.