5 Top Springfield Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals, Black Families and Singles – Illinois
Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. If you’re a young, black professional, black family, or singleton planning to make a move to this city of over 115,000 residents, you may wonder, where does everyone live? Well, here are some neighborhoods to consider.
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Best Springfield Neighborhoods for Black Families
Leland Grove
Described as the small capital city, Leland Grove is located close to the geographic center of Illinois. The quiet neighborhood has a rural mid-American feel and is characterized by a well-educated population. It has one of the lowest costs of living in Springfield and above-average health services. The average commute time for Leland Grove is 19.6 minutes, which is less than the average national average of 26.4 minutes.
Leland Grove public schools spend an average of $15,118 per student, also above the national average. Besides, there are roughly 14.5 students per teacher in this Springfield, IL neighborhood. So, if you have school-going children, be assured that they’ll receive better-quality education than they would elsewhere. As a parent, you won’t have trouble finding work because many government and private institutions operate in the area, more so in the healthcare industry.
Sherman
This suburb of Springfield is home to around 4,500 residents. Located in Sangamon County, Sherman has for years been ranked as one of the best places to raise a family in Illinois. It’s known for its multicultural composition and rural vibe. Crime rates are among the lowest in the state, while schools are highly rated. There are lots of open spaces, trails, and parks in Sherman, and therefore, if your kids love running around, they’ll undoubtedly enjoy living in this neighborhood.
There isn’t much nightlife in the neighborhood, which is a boon to those who prefer spending quiet evenings with family. However, if you love going out occasionally, the neighborhood is within five miles of movie theatres, restaurants, and malls. What’s more, Sherman is centrally located in the Springfield area with close proximity to major transport links. Since it’s a rural community, there aren’t many employment opportunities in Sherman. However, most working-class residents make the short commute to downtown Springfield.
Chatham
This is one of the bigger suburbs of Springfield and is home to 13,072 residents. Families and young professionals make up the bulk of Chatham’s population, thanks to its close proximity to downtown Springfield, schools, and social amenities. Some of the schools that serve Chatham include Ball Elementary School, Glenwood High School, and Chatham Elementary School.
These schools are well-rated and are among the best-performing schools in Chicago, both in academics and sports. Chatham is also filled with diversity, and this is attested to by the multiethnic composition of its residents. There are plenty of parks and similar outdoor spaces, and any family will love it here.
Best Springfield Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals
Jerome
Most young black professionals flock to neighborhoods with job prospects, security, and excellent transportation links. If you’re planning on moving to Springfield, IL, Jerome offers that and much more. Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of nightlife, employment opportunities, and quiet places to relax after a long day at work.
If you don’t prefer to cook at home, you will easily find your comfort food in the numerous restaurants that dot the neighborhood, and at affordable prices. Rent is also lower than in other Springfield neighborhoods, which is a draw for young professionals who are just getting started on their careers.
In this fantastic neighborhood, nature is just a stone-throw distance away. Thanks to its relatively low population, you won’t be bothered by other people who are out and about on those sunny days. Major employers in Springfield, including the Jerome Water Department and Mortr Solutions, are within walking distance from the neighborhood.
Southern View
If you’re a recent college graduate but not quite ready to leave that life behind, Southern View is the best neighborhood for you. Situated close to the University of Illinois Springfield, this neighborhood features endless bars and restaurants and some of the cheapest rents you’ll find anywhere in Springfield. Also, you won’t have trouble commuting to and from work because the neighborhood is conveniently located close to major employers in the city.
Southern view is not only young, vibrant, and stunning but also diverse. There are also lots of co-working spaces, which makes it attractive to young tech entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it isn’t located far away from the greenery surrounding the city. So, it’s easy to get away and have some time off from the hustle and bustle of Springfield.
Grandview
Cultural diversity, amazing nightlife, interesting people, and job opportunities are what every young black professional looks for. If you’re planning on moving to Springfield, the suburb of Grandview offers just that and much more. The neighborhood is not only cool and affordable, but you’ll immediately feel at home.
As a young black professional who doesn’t want to get confined to their neighborhood while living in Springfield, you’ll love Grandview due to its close proximity to other areas of the city. It’s also affordable since the median rent is lower than the city and state average. As such, Grandview offers young black professionals a bang for the buck, an opportunity to pursue their careers, and live their lives to the fullest.
Best Neighborhoods for Singles in Springfield
Vinegar Hill
This neighborhood has a growing number of millennials and college grads, so if you’re single, you’ll fit in just right. Many young people settle here to not only start their careers but also meet a significant other. Therefore, finding a date won’t be that difficult. Vinegar Hill has a vibrant nightlife and romantic vibe. Besides, there’s always something going on in the neighborhood where you could bump into your next catch. You never know!
Lincoln Square
This isn’t a neighborhood per se, but an apartment community of nearly 300 residents in the heart of downtown Springfield. Most residents are singles who are looking for an affordable but calm place close to the city center. Compared to the typical hustle and bustle associated with other areas of downtown Springfield, Lincoln Square offers a welcoming and enchanting quiet throughout the day.
Rental apartments start from $800 and it’s common to come across singles who rent together. Living in this fantastic community, you’re sure to meet someone with the same interests as you, and who knows what could happen?
Beyond the community, the surrounding area is dotted with nice shoulder-to-shoulder restaurants and bars. All you need to do is grab a spot at any of these and give a nod to the beautiful people you see. And as they say, there’s someone for everyone out there, and yours could be in Lincoln Square.
Enos Park
If you’re looking for a neighborhood located close to downtown Springfield and with lots of green spaces, look no further than Enos Park. Regarded as one of the best places in the city for singles, the neighborhood is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and galleries.
Anyone living in Enos Park will always meet other people around every corner. That attests to how closely-knit the community is. Also, locals love to mingle with one another, and there’s no shortage of cool spots to hang out and potentially meet your future partner.
Is Springfield Safe?
The City of Springfield has a crime rate of 53 per 1,000 residents. On paper, this is one of the highest crime rates in the country, but it varies from one neighborhood to another. So, the chances of becoming a crime victim depend on where you live.
What is Springfield’s Demographic?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial makeup of Springfield, IL is 81% white, 15.3% African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.2% Latino/Hispanic.
Best Suburbs For African American Families, Conclusion
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, offers residents a rural feel, high-quality education and healthcare, and lots of employment opportunities. So, if you’re looking to move to a city with a fairly well-educated population, vibrant neighborhoods, and a strong government presence, Springfield is the best place for you.
