Highland, IL is not just a tiny city on a map. In fact, it's had some brushes with history! One of our founding fathers, Abraham Lincoln, spent several extended visits in Highland, IL.
The city of Highland, IL was originally settled by Swiss immigrants. It got its name from German settlers that arrived a few years later. The official founding date is listed as 1837, and the city became incorporated in 1884. During the early 1900s, a small Northern Illinois town began calling itself Highland, as well. The other town changed its name to Highland Park, to avoid confusion. Many well known businesses thrived here, including the Wicks Organ Company and the Korte Company. This provides residents with plenty of job opportunities. However, Highland retains its small town feel and today the population is less than ten thousand residents.
Moving to Highland
If small town living with all of the conveniences of the big cities is what you desire, then Highland is an excellent choice. The city provides electrical service, water and sewage, and garbage pick-up. Internet service is available, but the city is in the process of updating the wiring to make it better and faster than it is now.
Once you have checked out all of the listings for an available rental property on the internet, set a day aside to visit the ones on your short list. You can narrow your search by entering things like "2 bedroom apartment for rent", "one bedroom apartments for rent", or "condo for rent."Make sure to call ahead and plan your appointments in a convenient order, and give yourself enough time in between appointments. Allow time for incidentals such as stopping by a quaint cafe for a snack or a little sightseeing. In these old, historic towns you never know what you might run into! A lot of times there are fabulous historical things to see that may not be listed on the official website, or not promoted as much as other sights.
The shops themselves are also quite interesting. With such a deep rooted history, you will be amazed at all of the fascinating nick knacks and antiques that have been preserved throughout the years. Specialty shops often carry local art or crafts that you will not find anywhere else in the world!
So, when you go to check out your new potential nesting places, leave enough time to check out the local color. You may think you will have years to explore all of the hidden gems in this cute, little town. This is true, but having an advanced peek will help you decide if this is where you want to hang your hat. It might also help you decide which part of town to settle down in.
Neighborhoods of Highland
One of the most important steps in moving to a new place is finding the right neighborhood. After all, who wants to move to a new house they love in a neighborhood they hate? To learn more about Highland's specific neighborhoods, check out the list below. It can help you save tons of time and energy in your housing hunt, since you won't waste time looking at neighborhoods that actually wouldn't make you happy to live in them.
Northern Highland: Northern Highland is primarily made up of a large reservoir. Because of that, it's not booming with homes to live in. However, Northern Highland does have a good spot to eat: Farmers Restaurant. It's also home to the Highland Country Club.
Southern Highland: This is primarily a residential part of town. You should consider it whether you're looking to rent or buy, but it's mostly a place with single family homes. Linendale Park is the centerpiece of this neighborhood, especially if you like to spend time outside! Play ball, have a picnic, take a walk, or just enjoy the Illinois outdoors. (Just try to do it in the summer time!)
Living in Highland
Although there are plenty of big cities just a short drive away, there is so much to do right in town, you may never want to leave! Great food and great fun is what this little city is all about. The 9th Street Cafe serves up a delectable breakfast. It is rated as the number one place to eat in all of Highland. Drop by for a coffee, croissant or a full breakfast including crispy bacon and eggs fried to perfection. For dessert, slip over to the Blue Springs Cafe where they have the most scrumptious chocolate meringue pie you have ever tasted! The Farmer's Restaurant and Bakery has a fabulous selection of homemade cooking and yummy treats. And for fun, check out the Lory Theater and the Silver Lake Park! There is something for every one. Moving here is one decision you are not likely to regret.