Elmwood, IL

Elmwood is a quiet, close-knit town sitting about thirty minutes west of Peoria. Life here naturally revolves around Central Park, the historic square at the heart of town shaded by tall trees and surrounded by local storefronts. It has the easygoing feel where neighbors run into each other on morning walks and catch up over lunch downtown. Every June, the park hosts the annual Strawberry Festival, drawing folks from across the area for homemade shortcake, a classic car show, local craft booths, and live music.

The community calendar stays active all summer long with Friday evening markets and Sunday night municipal band concerts on the lawn. Elmwood also holds a unique piece of history as the birthplace of renowned American sculptor Lorado Taft, whose famous bronze statue "The Pioneers" stands right in the town square. With strong local schools and an easy commute into the Peoria metro area, Elmwood offers a relaxed, traditional Midwestern pace for anyone looking to put down roots.