Tilton defines itself through its services, growth and connection
Near the Illinois-Indiana border, Tilton may look like a bedroom community, but the village is very independent, despite sharing a school district with nearby Danville. “We really try to define ourselves from Danville because we have so much to offer,” says Tiffany McClellan, Tilton’s city administrator. “We have a lot of great programs for our citizens, our businesses are growing and we have our own full-time EMS and police departments.” Village officials and local organizations are attentive to residents’ needs, and people have plenty to do with ample recreation, annual events and an expanding commercial corridor.
Homes have greenery, friendly neighbors and fewer taxes
Neighborhoods are lushly green, as grassy lawns, large-bowed shade trees and the occasional garden decorate the front of homes. McClellan says the village prioritizes neighborhood beautification by ensuring that yards are regularly mowed and blight is removed. Ranch-style houses and bungalows are the most common architectural styles, but a few two-story homes are available. Prices range from $13,000 to $160,000, depending on a home’s size, age and condition. Homeowners are subject to county taxes, but Tilton residents do not pay personal property taxes. McClellan says houses often sell within a few days, and once they’re off the market, many homeowners stay for a long time. Neighbors are friendly, and most of the village is acquainted with one another. “If I walk out of my house, and somebody drives by, they almost always wave because everybody knows everybody,” McClellan says.
Longtime businesses and new growth welcomed on Georgetown Road
Most retail and restaurant options are along Georgetown Road. County Market is the primary grocery store, but Pearson’s Melon Farm sells seasonal produce. Fast-food chains like Little Caesars Pizza and Burger King are common, but locally owned restaurants are also around. Mike’s Grill serves burgers and fries the old-fashioned way, offering counter and curbside service. Across the street, people walk up to the window at Mike’s Chill for soft serve ice cream. More commercial options are less than 1 mile away in Danville and Hegeler, but the village supports and invites new businesses through various incentive programs.
The village has four churches within its borders. “They give back to the community in so many ways,” says Mayor Billy Wear. “They have made so many donations to our fire, police and public works departments.”
Recreation ranges from park concerts to ATV trails and summer baseball
At Thomas Park, kids play on the playground, and people buy snacks from the concession stand to enjoy at the picnic pavilion. Crowds gather to watch performances at the park’s outdoor stage in summer. Tilton Ball Park hosts Little League games, while Tilton ATV Park has off-road trails ranging in difficulty. The ATV park is open Wednesday through Sunday, and non-member riders pay a daily fee. Herschel Lake is used year-round but gets crowded on summer weekends. While the boat ramp and dock complex are public, a state fishing license and boat decals are required. Just outside the village, Danville Stadium hosts games for the Danville Dans, a collegiate summer league baseball team.
Students may attend public or private schools in the area
Both Danville Community Consolidated School District No. 118 and Westville Community Unit School District No. 2 serve Tilton students, but most kids attend the former. Students start at Southwest Elementary and South View Upper Elementary schools for prekindergarten through sixth grade. The schools have C-plus and C-minus Niche ratings, respectively. Next are North Ridge Middle and Danville High schools, which have C-minus and C-plus scores. There are also magnet and private school options.
Local access to jobs, transit options, Interstate 74 and major cities
Tilton’s leading employers are commercial businesses. Car dealerships, retail shops and a few trucking companies employ many residents. Some people also travel outside the village to work. Highway 150 and Interstate 74 create a major intersection within Tilton, connecting drivers to cities like Champaign and Indianapolis. The village is also directly south of Danville and is accessible via car or Danville Mass Transit buses. Two active freight railroads also pass through Tilton, some stopping at Tilton Yard.
The University of Illinois Willard Airport is about 46 miles away. Indianapolis International Airport is roughly 94 miles east. Residents are less than 4 miles from OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Thomas Park is Tilton’s hub for events
Bands perform live concerts at Thomas Park on select weekends from June through October during Music Fest. In August, the Cruise Our Town festival fills the park with vendors, live music and a massive car show. Around Halloween, residents decorate golf carts and gather at the park to ride down the streets and throw candy. Thomas Park also hosts the annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
