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Carbondale, IL

Frequently asked questions

Carbondale, IL

Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States, within the Southern Illinois region informally known as "Little Egypt". As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 25,083, making it the most populous city in Southern Illinois outside the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis.

Carbondale was established in 1853 and developed as a crossroads of the railroad industry. Today, the major roadways of Illinois Route 13 and U.S. Route 51 intersect in the city. The city is located 96 miles (154 km) southeast of St. Louis on the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest. It is the home of the main campus of Southern Illinois University.

Carbondale is located at 37°44′N 89°13′W (37.726, −89.220). It is in the watershed of the Big Muddy River, at 415 feet (126 m) above sea level. According to the 2010 census, Carbondale has a total area of 17.519 square miles (45.37 km²), of which 17.09 square miles (44.26 km²) (or 97.55%) is land and 0.429 square miles (1.11 km²) (or 2.45%) is water.

In August 1853, Daniel Harmon Brush, John Asgill Conner, and Dr. William Richart bought a 360-acre (1.5 km²) parcel of land between two proposed railroad station sites (Makanda and De Soto) and two county seats (Murphysboro and Marion). Brush named Carbondale for the large deposit of coal in the area. The first train through Carbondale arrived on Independence Day 1854, traveling north on the main line from Cairo, Illinois. By the time of the American Civil War, Carbondale had developed as a regional center for transportation and business, surrounded by agricultural development. This part of Illinois was known as "Little Egypt" because of the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, where the town of Cairo is located.

The city has had a college since 1856 beginning with the Presbyterian-founded Carbondale College which was later converted to an elementary school. Carbondale also won the bid for the new state teacher training school for the region, and Southern Illinois Normal University opened in 1874. This gave the town new industry, new citizens, and a supplement to public schools. In 1947, the name was changed to Southern Illinois University (SIU). It has become the flagship of the Southern Illinois University system. This institution, now recognized as a national research university, has nearly 18,000 students enrolled (as of 2014) and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate specialties.

The health and wellness landscape in Carbondale is well-supported by institutions like the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. The city places a strong emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle, with various parks, fitness centers, and outdoor recreational areas available for residents and visitors. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Warehouse Ultimate Gym, Legacy Fitness Company, and Crossfit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Carbondale, such as the Rocky Bluff Trail and Campus Lake Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature. 

Top sites in Carbondale, IL are The University Museum, Science Center, and Super Splash Park.

Population: 22,223 (2024). ZIP codes: 62901, 62902, 62903. Area code: 618. Elevation: 449 ft (137 m). Area: 17.86 sq mi (46.25 km²).

FAQs

What is Carbondale, IL known for?

Located in the heart of beautiful Southern Illinois, Carbondale and the surrounding region offer scenic lakes, a national forest, and abundant recreational opportunities, including two stops along the Southern Illinois Golf Trail. Carbondale is also the front door of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the home of fabulous restaurants serving international cuisine, the retail center for multiple counties, and the region's cultural center, with many stages filled with music, dance, and live theater. Carbondale is a bustling community of unusual shops, diverse commerce, cultural activities, and many other luxuries that would be expected in a large city - yet it maintains the comforts and charm of a small town. Although the title is unofficial, many residents consider Carbondale the "Capital of Southern Illinois."

Is Carbondale, IL a good place to live?

Living in Carbondale offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Carbondale, there are a lot of bars. Many young professionals live in Carbondale and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Carbondale are above average.

How much does it cost to live in Carbondale, IL?

The cost of living in Carbondale, IL is 1% higher than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Carbondale, IL housing is 18% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 4% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 5% less in Carbondale, IL than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 5% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Carbondale

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale

Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department

Warehouse Ultimate Gym

Legacy Fitness Company 

Crossfit

Rocky Bluff Trail 

Campus Lake Trail

The University Museum

Science Center

Super Splash Park

Explore Carbondale

Niche

Rentcafe

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