Jacksonville, IL Homes for Rent

Jacksonville, Illinois, is a small city with a rich historical background and a population of over 17,500. Known for its historic district, Jacksonville features a mix of Greek revival homes from the 1800s and modern estates built after 2000. The city is celebrating its 200th anniversary throughout 2025, with events culminating in a downtown celebration on October 4th. Jacksonville School District No. 117 serves over 3,200 students, and the city also hosts the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. For higher education, Illinois College offers more than 45 degree programs. Residents enjoy eight parks with amenities such as playgrounds, a disc golf course, an Olympic-size pool, and a golf course. Lake Jacksonville is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and the downtown area features bookstores, boutique shops, coffee shops, and an upscale Italian market and wine bar. Community events include the Pumpkin Festival, Summer Concert Series, and the Downtown Plaza Car Show. The Jacksonville Area Museum and Illinois Theater provide cultural and entertainment options. Residential streets are laid out in a grid with sidewalks, and public transportation is limited to ride-on-demand services. Main Street connects to Interstate 72, leading 35 miles east to Springfield and 83 miles south to St. Louis. Jacksonville Municipal Airport is 3 miles north, while commercial flights are available at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Crime rates are generally lower than state and national averages, and the weather is mild with manageable snowfall.