Galesburg is a great family-friendly community in Illinois, less than an hour from Peoria, and only 15 minutes from Dahinda. Galesburg homes are within commuting distance of Peoria, but are also close to wilderness recreational areas such as Oak Run for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Oak Run is a great resort for camping, fishing and boating on Spoon Lake, golfing, and other outdoor activities - and it's only half an hour away from Galesburg.
Galesburg is known for being an original stop on the Underground Railroad, and was strongly anti-slavery as a community since it was founded by a Presbyterian minister in the early 1800s. Some rich and/or famous people have lived in Galesburg, including former President Ronald Reagan, a governor of Puerto Rico, an NFL player, and even the inventor of the Ferris wheel!
With a population of about 33,000 according to the 2000 Census, Galesburg has the friendliness of a small town along with the services a larger town provides. There are about 17 square miles of land in Galesburg, with plenty available tracts of outlying properties where families can purchase larger Galesburg lots or land and build their own home.
The Galesburg economy has been tied closely to the railroad since its early history, when some local businessmen pushed for a Chicago-Quincy railroad connection. The public school system is a good one in Galesburg, with Carl Sandburg Community College conveniently located as a great choice for secondary education when the kids get older.
Families will enjoy the many local activities, like the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Annual Rubber Duck Race, the Stearman Fly-in, an annual model railroad exhibit (one of the largest in the country), and much more. Because of the diverse economy and real estate market, the area remains a great location for investment in Galesburg real estate.
