From the mid-1920s to the late 1980s, Wood River had the distinction of being the location with the largest swimming pool in the world. It had to be replaced due to age -- otherwise it would probably still be here!
In 1803-1804, Wood River was chosen to be at the beginning of the Lewis and Clark Expedition thanks to a decision made by Meriwether Lewis (Good call, Mr
From the mid-1920s to the late 1980s, Wood River had the distinction of being the location with the largest swimming pool in the world. It had to be replaced due to age -- otherwise it would probably still be here!
In 1803-1804, Wood River was chosen to be at the beginning of the Lewis and Clark Expedition thanks to a decision made by Meriwether Lewis (Good call, Mr. Lewis!). Located on the Mississippi River, this southwest Illinois town of about 10,657 people (2010 U.S. Census) has a low crime rate and seven parks. What's not to love?
If you're looking for a studio or one bedroom apartment to rent in Wood River, you may not love the odds of finding one easily. The majority of rentals here are 2 bedroom units or 3 bedroom homes. Houses for rent with 5 or more bedrooms do exist, but also are rare here, with 3-4 bedroom house sizes being much more common. Another thing to keep in mind when trying to find rental options in Wood River is that the majority of housing here was built in the 1940s and 1950s -- not to say that older homes are bad! Many of them are nice sturdy brick houses and as everyone who ever read Little Red Riding Hood knows, these are the best because they're weatherproof and Big Bad Wolf-proof, too. All jokes aside, though, don't waste any precious time to find an apartment here. Start as soon as possible and make sure your credit history and employment references are in order or you aren't likely to get your fairytale home in Wood River.
Only about 7.25 square miles in size, Wood River doesn't have neighborhoods, but it does have some key areas.
East Edwardsville Road and South Bellwood Drive: You may luck out and find a one bedroom apartment in this area. There are also 2 bedroom townhouses and a mixture of rental housing options here.
East Edwardsville Road and Vaughn Road: This area has single family rental homes as well as banks and retail stores. The Aquatic Center is nearby and fun seasonal events such as a summer ice cream social or a fall Halloween party are often held in East End park which is also in this section of Wood River.
East Madison Avenue and Rock Hill Road: This area is known for several more affordable apartment communities. You may find budge one bedroom apartments for rent here as well as some larger rental units. Stop in for good coffee and yummy hash browns with your breakfast at Kumar's Restaurant off of East Madison Avenue.
Rock Hill Road and Lakin Boulevard: You'll find some 3 story rental apartments here with mainly 2 bedroom units. The commercial buildings here include some medical and healthcare offices. This part of town is also home to the Wood River Soccer and Skateboard Park.
Bell Park on Rock Hill Road is a great place to go if you want to practice your golf swing, or even try your hand at golfing for the first time since there's a public golf course here complete with a driving range. The 234-acre Bell Park, which is so big for just a small town, also has a lake, playground and picnic area. It's a spot to be at during those lazy summer afternoons either for just sitting and reading or talking a pleasant walk. While a walk in the park is -- well, a walk in the park, you'll likely want a vehicle to get around Wood River and it's surrounding areas. Most households here have one or two vehicles, but of course walking around town to run small errands and the like is popular also. Don't forget to just enjoy small-town life in Wood River, including a stupendous crime rate that's lower than the state average. When you yearn for the big city again, Chicago is about a five hour drive away, so taking a mini getaway vacation there for a long weekend or so could be a lot of fun. The best part though will be returning to your perfect rental home in Wood River that you've made yours!
