Moving to or from Springfield?
Illinois' capital is Lincoln's hometown — where Abraham Lincoln practiced law for 17 years before the presidency, where he's buried, and where state government, healthcare, and insurance now drive the economy.
- 115,000 City population
- 210,000 Metro area
- 1821 Founded
- Central Illinois / Sangamon County Region
Why people move to Springfield.
- Being Abraham Lincoln's adult hometown, burial place, and the center of Lincoln tourism
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum — one of the most-visited presidential libraries in the country
- The Illinois State Capitol, the tallest non-skyscraper capitol in the US
- Horseshoe sandwich — an open-faced Texas-toast cheese-sauce hybrid invented in Springfield
- Route 66 history — original sections of the Mother Road pass through Springfield and are still drivable
- Being the insurance and healthcare hub for central Illinois (Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic, HSHS)
Springfield holds an unbroken chain of Lincoln history: the only home he ever owned (now a National Historic Site), his law office, the Old State Capitol where he gave the 'House Divided' speech, and his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. No other US city can make that claim — which is why Illinois' license plate says 'Land of Lincoln' and why Springfield is a permanent pilgrimage stop for historians.
Where people live in Springfield.
A quick guide to Springfield's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown / Historic Core
Near the Capitol and Lincoln sites; mix of government, restaurants, and loft condos
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Enos Park
Historic district north of downtown with Victorian and early-1900s housing being revitalized
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Aristocracy Hill / Leland Grove
Upscale older neighborhoods with mature trees and larger homes
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West Side / Panther Creek
Newer subdivisions with family-oriented layout and newer schools
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Southeast
Mixed older housing stock; working-class neighborhoods with affordable entry points
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Chatham
Nearby village just south; top-rated schools and newer suburban construction
Where people spend their time in Springfield.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Downtown
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site Downtown
- Illinois State Capitol Downtown
- Old State Capitol State Historic Site Downtown
- Oak Ridge Cemetery (Lincoln's Tomb) North Springfield
- Dana-Thomas House (Frank Lloyd Wright) Aristocracy Hill
Planning a Springfield move.
- Springfield's cost of living is well below the Illinois state average — housing is affordable but property taxes remain high relative to home value due to the state's fiscal structure
- Tornado risk is real in central Illinois, especially April-June; new homeowners should verify basement or storm-cellar access
- Interstate 55 and I-72 converge here, making Springfield a logical stop for cross-country movers — leverage this for competitive interstate pricing
- Historic districts like Enos Park have strict preservation rules; exterior changes require Historic Sites Commission review
Moving in Springfield: FAQ.
Which Springfield is the Illinois state capital?
Springfield, Illinois — not Missouri, Massachusetts, Ohio, or Oregon. When hiring movers, always specify the state in your contract. A reputable mover will confirm zip code and state in writing to avoid any origin/destination confusion.
Are Springfield property taxes as high as rumored?
Yes. Illinois has some of the highest effective property tax rates in the country, and Sangamon County is no exception. A $250,000 home can carry a $5,000-6,000 annual tax bill. The offset is that home purchase prices are well below national medians.
Do I need storm insurance or a basement in Springfield?
Most Springfield homes have basements by default, which function as tornado shelters. Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings are common April through June. Renters should confirm shelter access with landlords before signing. Homeowners should verify their policy covers tornado/wind damage — most do, but confirm deductibles.
What's the best time of year to move to Springfield?
Late April through early June, or September through October. Winters aren't as severe as Chicago, but January ice storms and February cold snaps can complicate moves. Summer humidity peaks in July and August; moving-day crews slow down when temperatures top 90°F.
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