Chatham Apartment Renter's Guide
Chatham Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Chatham was once on the forefront of the pioneer movement, representing a symbol of westward expansion as pioneers moved ever farther into the unknown. Now it is home to several historic places, including two of which bear the honor of being on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham is found in Sangamon County, Illinois, named for the Sangamon River that runs through it
Chatham was once on the forefront of the pioneer movement, representing a symbol of westward expansion as pioneers moved ever farther into the unknown. Now it is home to several historic places, including two of which bear the honor of being on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham is found in Sangamon County, Illinois, named for the Sangamon River that runs through it. Though the exact meaning of the river's name is unknown, many people think it comes from an old Pottawatomie word which means 'where there is plenty to eat.' Chatham is a small landlocked village of just 5.72 square miles, all of which is land. It's home to roughly 11,500 people, with an average population density of 2,010, so things can be kind of crowded at times. With a lot of history and southern culture in the area, Chatham boasts several schools, historic attractions, and is host to several festivals each year including the Sweet Corn Festival and the Championship Cow Chip Throw.
Moving to Chatham
If you're interested in apt for rent in Chatham, you'll be pleased to learn that there are an abundance of locations available for you to live. There are so many complexes to choose from that you will never lack for variety, but you should definitely make sure to allocate enough time to examine them all. When you start searching for a place to live, give yourself a month or two to decide -- you don't want to miss out on a great apartment just because of a rushed decision!
Apartment Costs
The rental costs in the area range stretch from completely affordable to very expensive, but most apartments fall right in the middle. Some of the newer complexes may be a bit pricier, but you can also find a perfectly affordable and charming house to rent if you'd prefer that instead of an apartment.
Downtown or Rural?
Although Chatham is not far from Springfield, it's a rather small hamlet. Before you move to the area, you should decide what part of Chatham to live in. The southern part of Chatham is in rural farmlands, far from the downtown sections. While this area is more peaceful, the pace of life is much slower. The downtown section is a pricier place to live, but it's also more energetic, with something always going on somewhere. Downtown is close to Jaycee and Westside Parks. Just a mile or so to the right of the main downtown area are quiet suburbs which many people enjoy living in. One thing to consider is how far you'll be from your place of employment! If you prefer a shorter commute, living closer to the heart of the city might be preferable. However, if you enjoy scenic drives and quiet neighborhoods, the more country sections of Chatham might be calling out to you.
What You'll Need
First of all, you'll need time. Chatham, though it's only 5 square miles, has a lot of apartment complexes! Before you move, you'll need to decide where to live, and make sure you have all the proper documentation on hand at that time: pay stubs, credit history, rental history, and more. If you have pets, make sure to find to find out what complexes allow them and which ones don't; you wouldn't want to arrive with Fido only to find out he's not welcome after all. Make sure you inspect the complexes before moving -- the last thing you want is to sign up for a lease through an apartments locator and then find out it isn't nearly as attractive in person. Anything you think your landlord might require would be a good idea to bring; a good referral letter from a past landlord can take you a long way.
Chatham Neighborhoods
Although Chatham doesn't really have defined neighborhoods, a lot of the areas in the city are divided by landmarks that are close by. For instance, the downtown area consists of the main shopping areas and the surrounding suburbs. The more rural southern sections of the city are mostly farmland with a few clusters of houses interspersed throughout the area. The northeast area of Chatham is near the school, with the track and recreation fields off to the side.
Living in Chatham
Life in Chatham tends to be kind of slow paced, with a sort of lazy, take-it-as-it comes feel. Sure, parts of the area can get busy at times, particularly when festival season comes around, but the folks around these parts are friendly and welcoming, preferring to enjoy life rather than rush through it. For entertainment, it's common to find them playing ball at once of the local parks, or driving up Iron Bridge Rd to the recreational center.
When hunger pangs strike, The Creek Pub & Grill is a favorite for a lot of people. For a more authentic Italian flavor, they'll head over to Fulgenzi's Trattoria. There are several restaurants through the area, most locally owned and operated and each possessing its own charm.
There are several schools in the area. Glenwood High, Glenwood Intermediate, and Glenwood Middle are all popular, as are Ball Elementary School and Chatham Elementary School. These are the main educational institutions in Chatham, and most of the children in the area attend one of these locations. There are also several private schools in the area, and about seven preschools.
Lake Springfield isn't far away, fed by Lick Creek and Polecat Creek. A lot of people enjoy heading up that way for watersports and fishing. No matter what kind of recreational activities you're interested in, you'll find plenty of it Chatham.