Woodie Guthrie wrote the song "The Dying Miner" about a 1947 mining accident in Centralia, Illinois, that claimed the lives of 111 men. On a happier note, 1 of only 2 remaining 2,500 class steam locomotives from the Central Illinois Railroad is preserved and on display at the Fairview Park in Centralia; Sheldon Cooper would love that!
Centralia is something of an odd duck among small cities in Illinois
Woodie Guthrie wrote the song "The Dying Miner" about a 1947 mining accident in Centralia, Illinois, that claimed the lives of 111 men. On a happier note, 1 of only 2 remaining 2,500 class steam locomotives from the Central Illinois Railroad is preserved and on display at the Fairview Park in Centralia; Sheldon Cooper would love that!
Centralia is something of an odd duck among small cities in Illinois. Most cities and towns in this area were either railroad towns or coal mining towns; Centralia was both. This made the town very prosperous. With the decline in both industries, the town shifted gears and began focusing its efforts elsewhere. It has done very well for itself, and this thriving little town is something of a showplace! A robust town and friendly people make for a great place to call home.
Renting in Centralia is easier than in most places simply because it's such a small town. A few apartment complexes will ask for an application and run a credit check, but this rarely happens in private rentals. Rental homes in Centralia generally require a payment of the first month's rent, last month's rent and a security deposit. If you have a pet, the apartment complexes may request a pet deposit and monthly fee, but this is also rare in private rentals.
With a town this size, neighborhood distinctions are not as cut and dry as in other locations. Neighborhoods in Centralia tend to be divided by what the real estate designations are, when an area was incorporated into the city or who founded a particular piece of land. There are essentially four neighborhoods in Centralia, and their differences are negligible.
Downtown: To fully appreciate this area and the ease with which you will find an apartment, you need to understand that this neighborhood was what originally made up the entire town. As people prospered, they sought larger pieces of land and moved. Today, the downtown area contains a mix of older homes and small apartment complexes, giving this neighborhood a really cool vibe. This is also where the majority of shopping and dining places are located (including the fun Tequila Centralia), so you will have easy access to entertainment in this area.
Bartelsoand Walnut Hill: This is a great neighborhood. If you are looking for a home or duplex for rent, then start here. The homes are established but neither old or new. Most of them are medium size, have several bedrooms and feature large yards. This is considered a prime location in Centralia, so rental properties tend to get snapped up fast; you snooze, you lose! Roto Rooter Plumbing and Drain is in this area, so help is right there if you ever run into any clogs!
Airport: If you are someone who travels a lot, then living close to the airport could be just the ticket for you! This is also where you will find the newest and largest apartment complexes. This neighborhood is also close to the downtown area, so it's a quick trip to all the amenities you could want. If you are looking for an apartment with paid utilities, this is the best place to start looking.
Yes, this is a small town -- no, that doesn't mean it's boring here! There is a lot to see and do. Plus, you will be well-situated for visiting other towns; it's a quick trip from here to St. Louis. Once you get settled into your new place, you will want to start exploring Centralia. Residents enjoy the weather here -- the summers can be hot and humid, but the winters are generally fairly nice with only a few bouts of snow and ice. Spring and autumn are normally awesome.
Restaurants
If you are new to Southern Illinois and like Mexican food, you have to visit a Tequila's. Luckily there is one right here in Centralia! Tequila's is a Southern Illinois institution, and it's THE place everyone goes for a nice Mexican dinner. The pollo loco is famous!
For something entirely unique to Centralia, try the Centralia House Restaurant on Oak Street. The historic atmosphere is as impressive as the food. This restaurant dates back to 1854 and was so famous that even such luminaries as Stephen Douglas and General Sherman dined here. They have a surf and turf that people visit the town just to enjoy!
Bars
Bars and pubs can be highly personal destinations. You want to find a relaxing place that fits your personality. You'll find many options in Centralia. If you are looking for something refined, head over to the Centralia House Restaurant. If you are looking for something a bit more casual, try Jerry's Bar and Grill. The beer is cold and the food is hot. It's a great place to have a meal and toss a few brews back with your friends. Rumors is another good choice for a relaxing night spot. You will find it on James Street; their happy hour is the stuff of local legend!
Festivals
There are three major festivals in Centralia, and it's difficult to pick a favorite. Make it easy on yourself, and attend all three!
The National Boat Racing Association and Outboard Drivers Association put on the Outboard Power Boat Races every July at Raccoon Lake. This event is extremely popular -- not only does the entire town turn out for the races, so does the entire region!
The Balloon Festival is held the third full weekend in August, and it's worth braving the heat to enjoy. This festival showcases more than 40 hot air balloons, a display of fireworks, a craft market, and delicious fair food! Everyone loves this colorful and exciting festival, and it brings a ton of tourist dollars into the town every year.
The Fall Festival and Halloween Parade take place on the last Saturday in October. There is plenty of food and live music, and the evening parade features Halloween-themed floats. It's a very popular event. The fact that the weather is almost always perfect this time of year doesn't hurt!
