Did you know that Streator has some links with important astronomical findings. Yes, the city was actually the birthplace of Clyde Tombaugh, the man who discovered Pluto back in 1930. Okay, so it's not Jupiter or Saturn, but that's still pretty cool!
Today the city of Streator is home to a tight-knit community of residents and is found in LaSalle County, Illinois
Did you know that Streator has some links with important astronomical findings. Yes, the city was actually the birthplace of Clyde Tombaugh, the man who discovered Pluto back in 1930. Okay, so it's not Jupiter or Saturn, but that's still pretty cool!
Today the city of Streator is home to a tight-knit community of residents and is found in LaSalle County, Illinois. The Vermilion River runs through the western reaches of the city, which is about 81 miles to the southwest of Chicago as the crow flies. The city is relatively isolated, with the closest interstate highway being at least 15 minutes drive away, with Interstate 39 to the west and Interstate 55 to the southeast. There are, however, some other U.S. routes through the city, such as Routes 23 and 18, which criss-cross through the center of town. Nearby towns and settlements include Ottawa to the north, Dwight to the east, and Pontiac to the south.
Being isolated as it is, you're likely to end up living and working in the city and its surrounding area, although some people do commute to nearby communities. There are over 5,500 properties in the city, with many vacancies, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a home for rent. The market is primarily made up of single family detached housing, however, so you'll find it easier to find 3 bedroom houses for rent than you will apartments. One small slice of the market is made up of apartment buildings, so there are still some decent smaller single floor properties out there. It's best to start searching early, however, if you have specific needs and, in particular, if you're looking for furnished apartments in Streator, as these will be harder to find.
The center of Streator is highly walkable, with a WalkScore of 75, so getting around town is easy if you live centrally. If you live further out on the prairies, however, you're probably going to need a car, as you won't find a transit system running through the extremities of the region. Here are a few simple notes on some of the neighborhoods in the city:
City Center: Picturesque, with the Vermilion River running up the middle. Best for anyone looking for one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent, and good for shopping too, with the Westgate Plaza Shopping Center to the north.
South Streator: Love pizza? Then you've gotta check out Joe's Stationhouse Pizzeria on Main Street where there are lots of excellent amenities.
E 1st St / N Otter Creek Rd: Good spot in the north of the city and beyond. Geno's Bar and Grill great for a glass of wine and a steak, while the Anderson Fields Golf Course is pretty nice. If only it had 18 holes, not nine.
Kangley: There's another 9-hole course -- The Eastwood Golf Course -- to the northwest of the city here. It's got a nice attached restaurant, too.
Being situated just north of the great Illinois prairie and farmland, it's no surprise that life in Streator is fairly outdoorsy, mainly during the spring and summer months. The weather is influenced by the Great Lakes to the northwest, making winters generally cold on average and summers pleasant and warm. The Vermilion River is a site of much recreational attention during the warmer months, while the eight local parks allow for a range of sports-related fun. Further afield, Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park are great for hunting, hiking, camping, and much more.
The city also has a host of museums and historic buildings, such as the Streatorland Historical Society Museum and Streator Public Library, while there are several great events held in the city throughout the year, including the Pipe Dreams music festival in February, and the annual Fourth of July celebration that brings everyone together. Travel is simple via Routes 23 and 18, and most of the city is highly walkable and easy to get around on foot. All of this really adds to the small town feel that Streator has in spades.
