Paris blends small-town leisure with nearby city essentials
Paris is all about laid-back living and convenience. Residents relax at lakeside parks, enjoy annual events, attend music performances and live within a short drive of each amenity the small city has to offer. "Everything in Paris is five minutes away," says Sondi Dobelstein, executive director for the Paris Chamber of Commerce and a lifelong local. "Whenever we're on the way somewhere, we say, 'I'll be there in five.' It's a running joke we all share, but we mean it too." The area has restaurants, shops, a small hospital and a few employers. Located less than 10 miles from the state line, Paris is also a reasonable drive from Indiana and Illinois cities with more employers, shopping and recreation.
Downtown has older homes, while the outskirts offer more space
Cape Cods, bungalows, workers' cottages and ranch-style homes are around the area's dense residential center and range between $30,000 and $100,000. Fixer-uppers of the same style range from $15,000 to $30,000. Victorian single-family homes sell for $130,000 to $180,000. Alleyways lead to detached garages, and home conditions vary from street to street around downtown. "Like every small city, there are a few areas that aren't as well-kept and need some repairs," Dobelstein says. "But Paris has a wide range of areas that are dang nice to live in." Neighborhoods on the outskirts have Colonial Revivals, farmhouses and larger ranch-style homes that range between $110,000 and $320,000.
Summer concerts and lakeside views draw locals and visitors
Parks speckle the land around Twin Lakes, a 223-acre lake at Paris' northern end. The largest green space, Twin Lakes Park, has a playground, a miniature golf course, RV campgrounds and a former minor league baseball field. The splashpad is a newer addition, funded by the community and local grants. "Many bands perform at the Spicer Pavilion during the summer," Dobelstein says. "That's a big hit for our older population." The lake is also a source of recreation with boat launches and fishing docks along its shoreline. Property rentals are available, which Dobelstein said surprised her at first. "I thought, 'Why Paris?' But it's because more people and families from the nearby cities are looking for a relaxing vacation spot with little commotion." Paris Little League plays at the complex behind American Legion, which has six baseball and softball fields, concession stands and batting cages.
Music, theater and annual events are a big part of life in Paris
The Paris Center of Fine Arts hosts school plays and musicals each year, which are well attended by residents. Traveling musicians, themed shows and the Paris Community Theater ensemble also perform at the location, which shares a building with the high school. The Edgar County Fair takes place in summer, and the Honeybee Festival is the area's fall celebration. "We have Scare on the Square for little kids at Halloween, and Christmas in Paris is our big holiday event with live performances and food trucks," Dobelstein says.
Band programs and course variety support student engagement
Carolyn Wenz Elementary and Memorial Elementary schools are rated B by Niche. Mayo Middle School earns a B-plus. Paris Cooperative High School earns a B-minus and is Illinois' first cooperative high school. It offers 100 different courses, as well as career and technical instruction. According to the district's website, nearly 25% of the high school student body participates in the nationally award-winning band program. "The band directors are amazing. Specifically, the ones at Mayo Middle School," Dobelstein says. "The programs are very interactive and encourage middle school students to pursue band in high school, then college."
Lakeside restaurants and hundreds of small businesses
The county's courthouse was built in the 1890s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It sits in downtown Paris, surrounded by pharmacies, studios and office spaces. According to the city's website, they have more than 200 locally owned businesses. Chain and locally owned restaurants are on Main and Jasper streets, and Betty Jane's Kitchen is north of Twin Lakes. The sandwich shop and bakery has cases of pastries and a dining room with mismatched wooden tables and chairs. "It's kind of a local tourist attraction," Dobelstein says. "She has beautiful gardens where she grows her herbs, and there's a connected shop where you can buy antiques." Residents grab their groceries at Walmart Supercenter.
Employment opportunities in both Paris and nearby cities
North American Lighting Company is a large employer based in Paris. "The plant employs so many people that they have their own physician's office in town just for employees and their families," Dobelstein says. U.S. Route 150 heads about 22 miles southeast to Terre Haute , Indiana. Decatur , Springfield and Indianapolis are each within 115 miles. Indianapolis International Airport is about 95 miles away, and the nearest hospital is Paris Community Hospital.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
