Energy offers a slow pace of life between Herrin and Marion
Its name might suggest a buzzing city, but Energy is quite the opposite. This tiny residential community is the southern neighbor of Herrin, and it's just 7 miles from Marion, two of southern Illinois' fastest-growing cities. Despite the surrounding growth, Energy has maintained its small footprint. "Energy is kind of the conjoined twin of Herrin, and being right between Herrin and Marion is what's so nice about it," says agent Alec Childers with House 2 Home Realty, a lifelong resident of southern Illinois. Since the early-1900s, only a few streets have been added to Energy's existing grid, and still, it would only take minutes to drive from one end to the other. "The main benefit of Energy being so small is that there are no sprawling communities," Childers says. "It's just one community."
Suburban streetscapes and wooded lots on Energy's residential grid
The core of Energy is a small residential grid with a classic heartland look of green-grass yards, white-picket fences and shady trees. Early-1900s homes are on these older grid streets, and 1970s ranch-style homes and suburban-esque cul-de-sacs were added decades later. There aren't many homes in this small town, so most are around the median price, which is just over $160,000. Houses range from smaller options like updated early-1900s bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes to larger ranch-styles along Pine Lakes Golf Course and cottages on wooded one-acre lots. More spacious options include split-level and ranch-style homes on the golf course and totally redone 1960s farmhouses.
Green space at Bruce Park and fishing on the Herrin City Lake
Bruce Park is the only community recreational space. It has a spacious lawn, ballfield and playground. Herrin City Lake is a short drive down state Route 148, on the south end of Energy. Homeowners on the reservoir have waterfront access, but general boaters, kayakers and anglers can use the boat launch on Grand Avenue. Largemouth bass are the typical prize on the lake. Pine Lakes Golf Course takes advantage of the lakefront views. This 18-hole course is open to the public.
Students go to schools in Herrin
Energy is part of the Herrin Community Unit School District, which receives a B overall grade from Niche. All the district's schools earn a B-rating and are in Herrin, just a couple of miles up Park Avenue. Prekindergarten is available at Herrin PreK Center, which isn't graded on Niche. All kids begin at North Side Primary Center, which teaches kindergarten and first grade. Herrin Elementary covers second through fifth grade. Herrin Elementary has a daily period of additional academic activity called WIN time, which stands for What I Need. The WinSTEM has made waves with their robotics and coding projects that stem beyond the normal elementary curriculum. Students continue at Herrin Middle, and they finish at Herrin High.
Burger joints and supermarkets on state Route 148
State Route 148 runs through the center of Energy and Herrin and is home to most of the retail, restaurants and businesses in each town. Nesler's Polar Whip is one of just a couple of eateries in Energy. This classic fast-casual burger joint has served the community for almost 100 years. Residents also pass the time at Herrin Bowl, the local bowling alley, a few minutes up the road. There's no supermarket in Energy, but as soon as people cross into Herrin on Route 148, there's a Walmart, Kroger and other recognizable retailers.
Major medical facilities in Herrin and Marion are within a short drive
Energy is between Herrin and Marion, both home to major medical centers. Many people commute just 2 miles north to Herrin. It's home to SIH Hospital Herrin, one of the area's largest healthcare facilities. Seven miles southeast, in Marion, there's the Marion VA Medical Center. Deaconess Illinois Medical Center is another hospital between Energy and Marion, on state Route 13. The closest major city to Energy is St. Louis, 120 miles northwest. The fastest route to St. Louis is to head north on Interstate 57, then follow Interstate 64 west into the city. Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, just south of Energy, is technically the closest airport. It mainly runs direct flights to Chicago.
