Hoopeston was built up around the point where two railroads crossed. The town was named after Thomas Hoopes, who was one of the men who offered his land for the railroads to be built on.
If you want to live in a small community where your neighbors will know your name and give you more than a cursory nod when you run into each other, Hoopeston might be the place you've been looking for. While there's not much to recommend it in the way of amenities, you will find one or two things to keep you busy. After all, if your were looking for 24/7 excitement, you probably wouldn't be interested in living in Hoopeston.
Moving to Hoopeston
It shouldn't be too tough to find places to live in Hoopeston, just as long as you put a bit of effort in. Trawling through endless property listings isn't anyone's idea of fun, but if you end up with a great new home, it was all worthwhile.
How Long Will it Take?
The exact amount of time it will take you to find an apartment or house in Hoopeston can vary, so it's better to allow yourself more time than you think you'll need, just in case. You should start looking at least four before your planned moving date. However, it could take you longer than this if you have some specific requirements or needs, for instance if you're looking for all-bills-paid apartments or pet-friendly rental properties.
What Will I Need to Do?
Once you've found a home that you love and had a look around, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with the landlord or realtor to let them know you want to take it. There are often lots of people looking to rent an apartment or house in the area, so you want to get in there first, if you can. After this, you'll generally be asked to provide ID, proof of income, credit history and rental history. If everything checks out, you'll need to sign a tenancy agreement, which may tie you into renting the property for a minimum period. At this point, you'll need to pay a month's worth of rent right off the bat, plus a security deposit. The deposit should be returned to you at the end of your tenancy -- just make sure to leave the place in as good a condition as you found it.
Hoopeston Neighborhoods
Although Hoopeston is only a small town, you will find some difference between the neighborhoods in the area. Think about your preferences and needs so you can decide which area suits you best.
Elm: This neighborhood is located to the west of the town and is close to McFerren Park. There are mostly houses here, with some apartment buildings.
Town Center: This is where you'll find the majority of shops and restaurants, so it's very convenient. Look out for favorites such as Pizza King and Cafe Delights. Homes tend to be on the smaller side and there are plenty of apartments to go around. You may even find yourself a historic property, if you're interested.
Thompson: This is the newer part of town, with most houses built after 1999. You'll find houses and apartments in equal measure. You'll be close to some green areas, such as Union Park.
Living in Hoopeston
One thing you'll notice about Hoopeston right away is its abundance of community spirit. You'll find plenty of town events going on all year round. The town is known as "The Original Sweetcorn Capital of The World" and as a hark back to its agricultural roots it hosts the annual National Sweetcorn Festival. The National Sweetheart Pageant runs alongside this. Other events include Drivin' the Dixie Days and the annual Train Show. If historic buildings interest you, take a look at the Lorraine Theatre and the Carnegie Library. You'll find three city parks in Hoopeston, but McFerren Park is the largest of the three. It contains numerous recreational facilities, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a swimming pool and miniature golf. Skater's Paradise is a roller rink, which draws in skaters of all ages and abilities, for some fun and exercise. If you want to attempt a perfect game, or at least attempt to not get too many consecutive gutter balls, why not head over to Fast Lanes Bowling Alley to knock over a few pins?