Review of Danville, Illinois

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A positive and realistic outlook!

- 7/11/2012
I have lived in Danville for 3 years. It seems the city is plagued by negative opinions by people who have been here for a long time! It does seem that it has changed a lot in the last 20 years, but it is not as bad and people make it out to be. We bought a major fixer-upper house for less than $20,000 and we will own it free and clear in a few months. That's unheard of in 99% of the country. Our block (which is in the center of Danville) has had several houses purchased and fixed up in the last 2 years. We love our neighbors and feel very safe. If you are able to find employment in Danville (which is not too difficult if you have a college degree), you can live VERY well because the cost of living is SO low. We are able to take awesome vacations and more importantly be ALMOST DEBT FREE because we have extra money due to the low cost of living. The school system is not excellent, but there is a great magnet elementary school that I have heard nothing but positive things about. In my opinion it is not the best town for someone who wants to have a nightlife or for someone who is single and wants to meet someone because there aren't too many places to hang out. When we want some really good food or need to do specific shopping, we head to Champaign. I really do love Danville for the reasons I mentioned here-- and this is coming from someone who grew up in a 'posh' or 'yuppie' suburb of Chicago.
And I will also add that it is not the 'blacks' fault for the decline of Danville. Those comments are coming from people who are ignorant and racist. There is some crime here, just like anywhere. A lot of the crime is associated with drugs and poverty (white and black) and I believe that is becoming a problem all over the US. There is a public housing community here and I am involved in a group that is working with kids and teens that live there. I have been to the housing community many times (during the day) and do not feel unsafe. Maybe some of the adults there have not made the best life decisions, but they are not all criminals! The kids and teens need people to reach out to them and show them that they can succeed.
Rachel | Danville, IL