Petersburg is a rural center with ample recreation and quiet living
Tucked into the Central Illinois countryside, Petersburg is the county seat of Menard County, a heavily agricultural area full of rural communities. "We've got about 2,000 people within 2 miles, and we have the only streetlights in the entire county," says Mayor Rick Snyder. Surrounded by farmland and natural areas, the community has a relaxed atmosphere, different from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Springfield metro area. A few historic attractions and annual events offer entertainment, but everyday living means shopping in the city's historic downtown, enjoying nearby recreation and coming home to quiet neighborhoods. The city has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, less than the national score of 4.
Historic homes and long-term residents in this green and hilly city
Petersburg's hilly neighborhoods are lushly green, with wide-bowed mature trees shading almost every residential lot. Roads are wide, but driveways and garages usually eliminate the need for street parking. Many homes were built between 1900 and the 1970s, so historic architectural styles are prominent. Victorian, Dutch Colonial and Italianate designs are typical, but there are also ranch-style houses, American Foursquares and shotgun-style homes. Prices typically range from $20,000 to $230,000, depending on a home's age, size and condition.
Many longtime residents live in the community. "People like it here, and they don't leave," Snyder says. "If they do, a lot end up moving back. My own kid lived in LA and Chicago and eventually moved back here."
Sports leagues, Lincoln sites and natural areas keep people active
Hurie, Jaycee and Petersburg Rotary parks offer playgrounds and picnic areas. The Petersburg Athletic Association keeps local kids active through softball, baseball and soccer leagues. Roughly 2 miles south of the city, people can tour Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site and explore a replica of the log village where Abraham Lincoln lived as a child. The site also has a campground open from April to October. Nearby, the public Shambolee Golf Course offers daily rates and season passes. Petersburg is around 12 miles from Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, a massive natural recreation area. The area has extensive trails, forests and waterway access for hunting, sport fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping.
Most of Petersburg is elevated above the Sangamon River's floodplain, and dense forests also help to buffer the city from seasonal flooding.
All PORTA district schools are located within city limits
Students attend PORTA Community Unit School District No. 202, starting with PORTA Elementary, before moving on to PORTA Central. PORTA Junior-Senior High School offers extracurricular clubs, like Future Farmers of America and community involvement programs. All three schools and the district have B-minus ratings from Niche.
Downtown’s vintage businesses range from cafés to haunted houses
Petersburg preserved its downtown area's historic architecture and old-fashioned feel. Vintage-looking signs and storefront windows decorate red brick buildings with ornate facades. A few roads maintain their original brickwork. Downtown has many businesses, from cafés and pizza parlors to boutique shops. Hand of Fate Brewing is a local favorite for laid-back American fare, beer and cider. Downtown is also home to Terror on the Square, a haunted house attraction inside a former 1930s funeral home. "It's been there for decades, and it brings in a lot of people," Snyder says. Other businesses are a few blocks south of downtown or off East Sangamon Street. Retail options include County Market, the only grocery store.
Petersburg’s main roads, traffic patterns and job opportunities
State Routes 97 and 123 are the city's primary roads. An active Illinois & Midland railroad winds beside SR-97 but does not impact traffic along the road. As of July 2025, access to Seventh Street from Illinois 97 is closed for construction, so some drivers must detour. State Route 97 is a direct line into downtown Springfield, roughly 25 miles away. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and Springfield Memorial Hospital are also about the same distance away. Petersburg has a primary care facility called Memorial Care.
"About 50% or 60% of residents work in Springfield or other surrounding communities," Snyder says, but the village also has thriving employment. Many family farms still exist, and other locals work for downtown businesses.
The fall festival and the Menard County Fair bring crowds and contests
Petersburg is home to the annual Menard County Fair. Crowds gather on the fairgrounds in July to enjoy grandstand concerts, livestock exhibits, a carnival and various contests, like motorcycle racing. In September, the city celebrates HarvestFest, which has local vendors, music and a parade. Hand of Fate Brewing hosts several smaller events, like book fairs, live bands and holiday activities.
