Rural, small-town living meets city access in Georgetown
Among the fertile farmland of Vermilion County, the city of Georgetown gives people a true taste of rural living without completely giving up city conveniences. A central highway cuts through the community, directing drivers north toward Danville, where interstate access and major employers await. Georgetown is also well equipped with local businesses, thriving schools and busy recreational areas. Annual events help to bring neighbors together, but most residents are already acquainted through everyday life. "Everybody knows everybody around here, especially when you're involved," says William Schlunaker, a 15-year resident and broker at Priority 1 Real Estate and Auction. "There's no better feeling in the world than seeing kids I used to coach run up to say hi."
Tree-lined streets have ranch-style homes and bungalows throughout
Neighborhoods follow narrow roads often lined with mature trees or power lines. Grassy lawns have small gardens or decorative planters, while basketball hoops overlook many driveways. Sidewalks line some streets, but most people drive from place to place. Ranch-style houses and bungalows are common around the city, but some properties have unique architectural features, like Dutch Colonial curved roofs or Tudor half-timbering. Prices range from $55,000 to $180,000, depending on a home's condition and size.
Youth sports are a strong part of the local school culture
Students attend Georgetown-Ridge Farm Community Unit School District No. 4, which has three schools inside the city. Kids start at Pine Crest Elementary, followed by Mary Miller Junior High. Both have C ratings from Niche. The B-rated Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School is known for its athletic programs. "Georgetown has an archery team, unlike surrounding districts, and these kids compete on national levels," says Schlunaker, who is heavily involved in local youth athletics programs. "The high school also has its annual football game, which always brings out a big crowd." Westville and Georgetown athletes battle out their friendly feud on the field to win the Coal Bucket trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Parks, fairgrounds and the Little Vermilion River offer recreation
Georgetown City Park is the community's primary recreational space. The park offers lighted ball fields for Little League games, a playground and a few pavilion picnic areas. Across the street are the fairgrounds used for the annual Georgetown Fair. The city's two other green spaces are Patriot Park and War Memorial Park, which honor community members for their military service and patriotism. The city is within 4 miles of a Little Vermilion River access point, which allows boating and fishing, and the Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area. The park is popular for native bird watching, river fishing, forest hiking and hunting. Forest Glen Preserve, roughly 6 miles away, offers campgrounds, backpacking trails and a forest observation tower.
Local restaurants mix with fast food and seasonal farm offerings
Most commercial businesses are along Highway 150 and at its intersection with West Street. A few fast-food options line these roads, while spots like Cornelio's and Josphine's are local favorites. Farmhouse Market sells seasonal plants and produce, while Schlunaker says Flowers on Main is the go-to for homecoming, prom and even wedding arrangements. Save A Lot is the city's only supermarket. In the countryside surrounding the city, Big Thorn Farm and Brewery pairs rotating food trucks with seasonal beers brewed in-house. More shops and restaurants are roughly 11 miles away in Westville, Tilton and downtown Danville.
A central highway and Danville buses are popular transit options
Highway 150 is the city's main thoroughfare to reach Danville and nearby communities. It also connects with Interstate 74, which reaches Champaign, Bloomington and Indianapolis in less than 100 miles. Danville Mass Transit buses are also available along Highway 150. The nearest hospital is OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, less than 12 miles away in Danville. Residents are 55 miles from the University of Illinois Willard Airport and 100 miles from the Indianapolis International Airport.
Annual events include holiday parades and the city fair
The Georgetown Fair is the city's biggest and longest summer tradition. The massive event features a variety of activities and agricultural presentations, from livestock shows and produce exhibits to tractor pulls and a demolition derby. Grandstand concerts showcase both local and national country music talents. The Georgetown Ladies Community Club organizes several other annual events, like the holiday parade and Mrs. Claus Christmas Program in winter.
