Lincoln, IL

Located in central Illinois, Lincoln is a welcoming community of about 13,000 residents with deep roots and an easygoing, small-town feel. It holds the unique distinction of being the only city named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president, founded in the 1850s while he was practicing law in the local courthouses. Route 66 nostalgia still runs straight through town, marked by quirky roadside landmarks like the giant Railsplitter covered wagon alongside quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods.

ATTRDavid Wilson from Oak Park, Illinois, USA / CC BY 2.0

For commuters and travelers, Lincoln sits in a very convenient spot. Interstate 55 and the downtown Amtrak station put larger hubs like Springfield and Bloomington-Normal within a short trip, while also providing direct rail access to Chicago and St. Louis. Daily life often centers around the historic downtown square, anchored by the county courthouse, neighborhood diners, and local events. With community schools and a relaxed pace, Lincoln offers a comfortable, practical place to settle down in central Illinois.