When it comes to Olney, Illinois, you really only need to know one thing. It's home to the largest concentration of white squirrels in the world, and this cute critter rules the roost.
If the outdoor lifestyle appeals to you or living in some of the finest farmland countryside in the U
When it comes to Olney, Illinois, you really only need to know one thing. It's home to the largest concentration of white squirrels in the world, and this cute critter rules the roost.
If the outdoor lifestyle appeals to you or living in some of the finest farmland countryside in the U.S. sounds attractive, you'll feel right at home in Olney. It's surrounded by pleasant fields and green woods laid out over low, rolling hills. There's plenty of water too, if watersports are your thing. The city owns three lakes: East Fork, Borah and Vernor. Fishing, boating, swimming are all available -- you name it, you've got it. Apply for the right license and join the fun. You don't even have to leave the city to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of parks for picnics, walks or just sitting down to watch the world go by. Rather stay inside? You're covered too (literally). History buffs and culture vultures will find heritage sites, museums and festivals. And all that before we've even mentioned the city's star inhabitants: the white squirrels. Locals take huge pride in sharing their home with these rare animals, who are the city's mascot and emblem.
If you're bringing your pet, you'll find a warm welcome in Olney. Just be mindful that your cat in particular will need to be strictly controlled. Cats can't help it: they're predators and those squirrels are fun and tasty hunting. Unsurprisingly, cats are seen as a threat to the local white squirrel population, and your animal won't be allowed to roam free in case it decides to add them to its diet. Dogs too need to be controlled at all times. If you have time before you move out to Olney, you can volunteer for the annual squirrel census in October. You can get a real sense of the place while you count squirrels and look for an apartment for rent in the same trip. Olney has an airport, making it easy to schedule a short fact-finding visit.
Suit Your Needs
Around a third of the houses in Olney are rental properties, spread fairly evenly about the city. Rental prices vary in line with availability and options. You already know that a prime lakeside location is going to empty your bank balance more than a city center dwelling will. With exception of heart of the city, Olney properties have gardens and trees -- the shade can be welcome in the summers, when temperatures can hit the mid 80's.
Availability
You'll be able to cover a lot of ground in a short scouting visit to the city. Olney is a compact place so you can get quite a few appointments to see places done in a short space of time. Nothing is far from the hub of town. The fact that the city is small means you should allow yourself plenty of time to find a suitable place. The availability of apartments in small communities can fluctuate. Decide what you're looking for and allow at least six weeks to find an apartment, condo or house -- more if you can. Also consider widening your search to communities nearby.
Paperwork
Adopt the squirrel's mindset. Have all your paperwork (references, letter of employment, copy of your ID, that sort of thing) organized and ready so you can respond quickly and won't lose time digging around for things when you find the right place. And if you do have that dog or cat, make sure you confirm they can stay too. Don't get your tail up if you're asked to pay an application fee to cover checks into your references, employment and credit history. Do question any charge higher than $50, however. Like a good squirrel, get a receipt for your any fee you pay and stow it in a safe place for when you need it. If the application fee is refundable when you take the apartment, check that it says so on the receipt.
A city the size of Olney might feel like one big neighborhood. Not so fast. Rental properties are spread fairly evenly around town, so there is some variety. Your choice is between city center bustle or leafy rustle -- and how much squirrel action you want. The bigger parks offer tranquility on the edges of town. The key traffic routes provide the buzz at the center.
Highway 250 / 130: State highways 130 and 250 intersect in Olney. Both are key transportation arteries. Highway 250 cuts through Olney from east to west, and is the city's main street. This is where you'll find most retail outlets, along with the museums, town library and some of the smaller parks. If you're a bustle bug, you'll want to be here.
Northeast Olney: The city's main schools are all up in the northeast quadrant. Properties at the extreme northeast of town are practically on the shores of East Fork Lake.
Northwest Olney: Located over in the northwest part of the city, where many of the residences are rental properties.
You already got that the white squirrel, while small, is a big mover in town. It is the city's emblem, worn by the police department, and a huge part of the local culture. The squirrels are embraced by the residents, who feed them and look out for them, and give them right of way on the roads. Each year in October, the residents spend three consecutive weekends counting how many squirrels there are left.
There's more to Olney than just these small critters, though. Fisherman can fish the lakes for sunfish, catfish, walleye and crappie. Swimmers can take to the lakes, or head down to the Musgrove Aquatic Center.
If you didn't catch a fish or if you worked up a hunger in the pool, you'll find many familiar national dining outlets. There's local fare, too. For instance, you can chow down on a steak (try the Olde Tyme Steakhaus on Kitchell Avenue) and wash it down with wine that is made by one of the two local vineyards.
There are baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, and a skateboard park. For a city with a population just over 9,100, Olney offers a lot to keep you busy.
