Relocating to Springfield, IL: The Essential Guide

Are you planning a move to Springfield, IL or a recent transplant? In this essential guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to settle into your new home successfully. From neighborhoods to entertainment, parks, and sports, we think Springfield is a great place to live and our friendly employees can answer any questions you have about the area. 

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. With a median home price of $105,400, Springfield is an affordable place to live and a nice place to raise a family, build a career, retire, and more. 

Neighborhoods

With over 120 neighborhoods in Springfield, there are a wide variety of communities in the area for families of various sizes and budgets. Every community has its own rich culture, great local businesses, and offers a good place to raise your family. Notable neighborhoods include Ridgely, Grandview, Indian Hills, Old Aristocracy Hill, Hawthorne Place, Mill Creek, Panther Creek, Southlawn, Southern View, West Grand Place, Iles, and West Grand Place. Browse more Springfield neighborhoods on NextDoor.

Utilities

Headquartered in Springfield, the Illinois Competitive Energy Association (ICEA) represents alternative retail electric suppliers (ARES) and alternative gas supplier (AGS) companies that provide energy supply services to residential, business, and governmental customers.  

Springfield also has its own city-owned electric and water utility, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP). They offer special programs and rebates to business and individual customers who increase their water or electric efficiency. Additionally, CWLP maintains a network of more than 100 miles of installed fiber optic cable that commercial customers can tap into for broadband service.

Education

Springfield is home to a wide range of educational options, including public and private, primary and higher ed. GreatSchools.org lists 129 public and private schools in Springfield, not including higher ed. Highlights include:

• District 186, Springfield Public Schools, offers 23 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
• Private school options in Springfield include Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, St. Agnes School (preschool-8), and other religiously-affiliated private schools for PK-8 and high school. 
• Springfield also boasts many early learning options including Montessori preschools.
• For higher ed options, there is the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), Lincoln Land Community College, St. John’s College of Nursing, and Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine.

Healthcare Options

Springfield offers a number of healthcare options to effectively serve the healthcare needs of surrounding communities. These entities include St. John’s Hospital, Memorial Medical Center, Springfield Clinic, and SIU School of Medicine.

Arts and Entertainment

Looking for something fun to do with friends or family? Springfield has plenty of local arts and entertainment options such as movie theaters, bowling alleys, music venues, ceramic studios, arcades, art galleries, kids’ play spaces, amusement parks, ice rinks, and more. Some of the most notable include:

• Kidzeum of Health & Science: Children’s museum in downtown Springfield 
• Illinois Symphony Orchestra: Live concert series in Springfield and Bloomington/Normal, Illinois
• The Hoogland Center for the Arts: Theater and event spaces
• UIS Performing Arts Center: Music, theater, and dance performance space

Visit Downtown Springfield, Inc., The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Springfield for more information on events, local businesses, and drinking/dining options. 

Sports

Springfield has a thriving sports scene at all playing levels ranging from competitive rivalries between high schools in the Central State Eight Conference to our collegiate summer league baseball team, the Springfield Sliders, and junior hockey team, the Springfield Jr. Blues. Our city has also been home to many notable and recent professional athletes including Jason Werth, Andre Iguodala, Malik Turner, and Ryan Held.

Parks & Recreation

The Springfield Park District covers approximately 2,500 acres of open space, 13 miles of bike trails, and 40 facilities, including four public golf courses, the flagship Washington Park, bird-friendly Carpenter Park, and ADA-compliant Southwind Park. In addition to scenic parks, Springfield’s historic connection to President Abraham Lincoln can be seen throughout the community. Visit Lincoln’s home, where he lived with Mary Todd and their children until he became President. To learn more about the 16^th president, you might also visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol, or his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb.

Starting a Business

Are you an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Springfield? There are lots of great resources for Illinois generally, as well as Springfield specifically. Lucky for you, this is a great community for small businesses!

• The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity publishes a step-by-step guide to starting a new business in the state.
• How to Start a Business in Springfield, IL
• Apply For a Business License in Springfield, IL

In addition, our community has a variety of non-profit organizations that are helpful resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Springfield. These organizations not only provide useful information but also host events throughout the year to benefit local startups.

• Innovate Springfield
• Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

Town and Country Bank is here to meet all your banking needs in Springfield, IL!

At Town and Country Bank, our mission is to empower the financial well-being of our communities, one person at a time. If you’re new to Springfield, we can help you buy a house or start a business here. We also offer a complete menu of and other services to meet your everyday financial needs. Contact us or visit one of our Springfield branches today!