Spring Valley, Illinois, takes its name from nearby Spring Creek. Native American tribes once called the area "Valley of the Springs."
Supporting a population of over 5,500 residents and covering a total land area of 7
Spring Valley, Illinois, takes its name from nearby Spring Creek. Native American tribes once called the area "Valley of the Springs."
Supporting a population of over 5,500 residents and covering a total land area of 7.47 miles, Spring Valley, Illinois has the distinction of being the 315th largest community in the state. Conveniently located along the Illinois River at the southeastern tip of Bureau County, this small town has a big history. Conceived in 1884 as a coal-mining town, Spring Valley was the brainchild of one Henry J. Miller. Along with his son-in-law, Charles J. Devlin, Miller envisioned a coal-mining metropolis and set about securing the 2.5 million dollars it would take to build his mines. The town grew to a population of over 3,000 by 1888, thanks in part to the advent of the Chicago North Western railroad. This bustling boom-town, once called the "Magic City" due to its rapid population growth, had a raucous reputation for brawls and riots. This is a far cry from what you'll find today. While the town remembers its historic past, you can count on a peaceful low-crime environment for setting up your new life. When you're ready to pick up your roots and move to that quiet community you've been searching for, look no further. You have found it.
Whether you're moving for work, play, or just to get a new lease on life, Spring Valley is sure to please. Prospective residents will be pleased to note that you no longer have to be a coal miner to make a fruitful life here; Spring Valley is especially attractive to all walks of life, particularly those desiring their peace and quiet. If you've decided you can't wait to make yourself Spring Valley's newest face, you may need to do some homework first. Don't worry, it's painless. You can start packing your boxes, but you'll want to make sure you've got a place to go, first. You're not the only peace-seeker in the state of Illinois, you know! Spring Valley may not be large, but space is not always easy to come by.
Find your new home for rent, and then it's a good idea to contact the management to see what paperwork they require prior to move-in. You might have the chance to tour the property before signing the paperwork. Make sure to pay any security deposits as early as management will accept them: You'll want to hold onto your spot. Once your future home is secured, start the moving process by loading your stuff onto the truck. You can hire one of Spring Valley's many reliable companies to haul your boxes for you, or you can do it yourself. The bottom line? Start your search early. Speaking of searches, let's get started looking for places to live in.
There isn't much in the way of neighborhoods in Spring Valley, though the town can roughly be divided into two main sections: in the city and out of the city. Try and see as much as you can before settling on a new place to call home.
City Center: This choice location isn't really in the center of the city. Forget that false bit of advertising, though. While the neighborhood is located on the southern portion of the city (along the Illinois River, precisely) you'll find reasonable rent prices to go along with your nice new 2 bedroom apartment. The City Center neighborhood is the location of Webster Park and is bisected by Illinois Route 89, known around town as Spalding Street.
Ladd/Dalzell: Located to the north and east of the City Center, this almost rectangular neighborhood is where you'll find the Spring Creek Golf Course. Interstate 80 runs straight through, making travel a breeze for residents in this spot. You're likely to find plenty of apartment complexes here, so enjoy looking for that perfect 1 bedroom apartment for rent. You will also grow to love the low cost of living in either neighborhood, as well as the short commute times you'll enjoy while traveling between work and your new home.
You've settled into your new digs, and you're looking around for something to do. Never you fear, adventurer! There's something waiting for you, be it in town or nearby. Be aware that depending upon your living location, you may not be able to walk to your recreation. In other words, you should bring your car. Hungry? Great. Food's never too far from your location. While you might be in the mood for one of your fast food favorites, you'll love the local offerings, too. If you enjoy Italian food, be sure to stop at Verucchi's Ristorante, or Alfano's Little Sicily, just a little to the south. After lunch, you can take your dog for a romp in the park. (Unless you don't have a dog.) Spring Valley is positively littered with green spaces, so you're bound to find one nearby. Check out the Fox Run State Conservation Area if you want to enjoy some quality bird watching. The Coal Miner's Park, near the intersection of East and St. Paul Streets, is a great location for fishing, and you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Illinois overlooking the river. If you're in the mood to stay in town, but don't want to be caught inside, go enjoy a concert put on by the Municipal Band in the Spring Valley Mini Park on Friday evenings in the summer time. Outdoorsmen and women take note: Barto Landing on the Illinois River is your premier spot for all things water in Spring Valley. In the summer, you can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming or water-skiing. As a matter of fact, Barto Landing has been the first station on the Cabela's MWC Tournament Schedule. (For non-fishermen and women, this is the biggest competition for Walleye fishing in the state of Illinois.) Okay, maybe you're not the outdoorsy-type. It's lucky you're living in Spring Valley! Your shopping choices include the best of modern apparel mixed with some hometown favorites. If you're tired of this bounty, go relax at one of the two nearby movie theaters: The Carmike Peru Mall 8 or the ever-appealing drive-in venue, Sunset Cinema Outdoor theater. Let's face it: Life doesn't get much better than in Spring Valley, Illinois.
