Knoxville is a small-town alternative to Galesburg
The small city of Knoxville is home to a historic town square about 5 miles from Galesburg. The neighboring cities are centrally located between Peoria and the Quad Cities, about 45 minutes away. The population in Knoxville began to decline in the 1980s, and the city is currently home to about 3,000 residents. By contrast, nearly 30,000 people live in Galesburg, making Knoxville an appealing alternative for homebuyers who prefer small-town vibes in Illinois. “Knoxville got their first stoplight a few years back,” says Tom Knapp, designated manager and broker at Re/Max Preferred Properties. “It was a really big deal.”
Ranch-style and National homes line shaded residential streets
Rows of mature trees line the narrow residential streets, some barely wide enough for a single vehicle. Other streets are wider, with paved sidewalks here and there. Many homes date to the 1950s and ’60s, and lot sizes typically measure a quarter to a third of an acre, along with some larger properties on the outskirts. Gravel driveways and attached garages are common. Small investment properties cost $50,000 to $100,000. Ranch-style and older National homes cost $100,000 to $300,000, and New Traditional builds on multiacre lots cost $350,000 to $550,000. The area also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4. “Property values hold their own because people like living over there,” Knapp says.
Knoxville schools are within walking distance of many homes
Mable Woolsey Elementary receives a Niche grade of B-plus. Knoxville Junior High School receives a C, and Knoxville High School receives a B. High school students can engage in community service projects through the Knoxville FFA Chapter. All three schools are in the southeastern section of town, within walking distance of many homes.
Main Street offers barbecue, axe throwing and homestyle meals
Several restaurants and watering holes line Main Street near the town square. Smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork and fixin’s are on the menu at Big Catz BBQ. Axe-throwing stalls surround the bar at Beaver’s Teeth Axe Throwing, Brew & Chew. Next door to Beaver’s Teeth is the Knoxville Bar and Grill, a family-friendly spot serving homestyle favorites seven days a week. Casey’s General Store and Dollar General sell the basics, but more groceries are available at Hy-Vee in Galesburg, 5 miles away.
Major highways pave the way to Galesburg and larger cities
U.S. Route 150 offers the most convenient route for the short drive to Galesburg, where Amtrak trains shuttle passengers to Chicago and beyond. “You can take the train up to Chicago, catch a game at Wrigley and be home by 9 p.m.,” Knapp says. Galesburg is also home to the nearest hospital, OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Travelers can hop on Interstate 74 for the 40-mile drive to Peoria and General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. The Quad Cities region on the Illinois-Iowa border is about 50 miles away.
Picnic pavilions and gazebos decorate city parks
Central Park’s gazebo and green space are within sight of the historic buildings in the public square, where city hall and the courthouse both date to the mid-1800s. A short distance away, James Knox Park offers a shaded picnic pavilion, a fishing pond and playground equipment. The 18-hole golf course and amenities at nearby Lake Bracken Country Club are open to members and their guests.
County fair and fall festivities bring life to Knoxville
The Knox County Fair arrives in late July with agricultural exhibits, harness racing, a carnival, live music and a beer garden. During the first two weekends in October, locals can take in the sights on the Knox County Scenic Drive. The 80-mile route winds past covered bridges, log cabins and antique railroad depots, with eight “official stops.” One stop is Walnut Grove Farm, which hosts The Holiday Market in early November with hand-crafted gifts, kids’ activities and refreshments.
Knoxville churches host a Bible study and a food pantry
Community events fill the calendars at Knoxville’s churches, several of which are near the town square. Knoxville United Methodist Church hosts a weekly food pantry, and Bible study supplements the services at Grace Lutheran Church.
