Virden offers laid-back living in Central Illinois
Located roughly 30 miles south of Springfield, Virden offers rural reprieve from the capital city's hustle and bustle. “Part of Virden’s appeal is its location,” says John Alexander, a longtime resident and owner of Books on the Square. “It’s close enough to commute, and just far enough away that our local stores can coexist with bigger stores there. It's holding its own and seems poised for more growth." Residents of the former coal town convene at annual events and Friday night football games, and the businesses of the city's downtown district serve those living in surrounding communities.
Vintage and midcentury homes line grid-like streets
Virden primarily consists of single-family homes ranging from vintage cottages and National Folk styles to midcentury ranch styles. These homes sit close together on grid-like streets with back alleyways leading to detached garages and sheds. Mature maple and oak trees dot the community, providing spots of shade for narrow sidewalks running below. Houses toward the outskirts tend to sit on slightly larger lots and back up to sprawling crop fields that add to the area’s rural feel. Depending on size and condition, most homes sell between $50,000 and $250,000.
Residents dine locally downtown and shop big-box stores in Springfield
Independently owned specialty stores and restaurants sit within the longstanding storefronts of the city’s downtown square. “Dining is a strong point for Virden, as five places offer good dining options,” Alexander says. Jo’s Place is a laid-back American bar known for its catfish fritters and horseshoe burgers. A few doors down, Sol De Mexico Restaurant is another popular spot with a menu full of authentic dishes. A pair of dollar stores sells essential groceries and retail needs close to home. However, residents must head out of the community for more robust options. "The big-box stores north of us [in Springfield] pull a lot of people," Alexander says. "That's not all bad, though, as they are only 20 minutes away when we need them." The capital city is home to grocers like Meijer and dozens of national retailers, including Target and Walmart.
Outdoor recreation includes local parks, golf and bowling
There are several recreation options in and around Virden. West Park has a playground, tennis court and three diamonds that host Little League baseball and softball. Showtime Lanes Family Fun Center offers bowling, laser tag, an arcade and more. Edgewood Golf Club in nearby Auburn offers two 18-hole courses, which are open to the public. Otter Lake Park is 10 miles away and is a private campground with piers to launch a kayak or fish for bass and crappie. Along with books, Virden Public Library District on West Jackson Street rents out movies and has a series of public computers.
North Mac High School students can get a head start on college credits
Children begin at North Mac Elementary School, which teaches prekindergarten through second grade and gets an A-minus from Niche. North Mac Intermediate School enrolls third through fifth-grade students and has a C-plus. North Mac Middle School welcomes sixth through eighth grades and earns a C, and North Mac High School scores a B-minus. The high school partners with Lincoln Land Community College to offer dual enrollment courses, allowing enrolled students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits.
Residents get together for annual events and Friday night football
Seasonal events like the Fourth of July Celebration bring neighbors together. “It attracts a lot of locals, especially younger couples with children,” Alexander says. Held at different venues across the city, the weekend-long event features a bike parade, cake walk and other activities for all ages. “High school sports are also a big draw to the area,” Alexander says. During Friday night games, Black River High School’s football stadium fills with supporters donning light blue to cheer on the home team.
State Route 9 and Interstate 55 support travel across the region
State Route 9 cuts through the community’s center and serves as the main north-south roadway. Interstate 55 passes 12 miles northeast, connecting residents to Springfield and other surrounding cities, like St. Louis, 82 miles southwest.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
