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Edwardsville - Glen Carbon, IL

Introduction

Edwardsville and Glen Carbon represent all the best of southwestern Illinois living. These twin towns are perched in an ideal geographic location that allows them to simultaneously tap into all the amenities of an urban existence while still maintaining a predominantly small-town identity at their cores. And although Edwardsville and Glen Carbon are equally steeped in vibrant histories — Edwardsville is actually the third-oldest city in the state of Illinois — they are not slowly diminishing roadside attractions. Instead, these communities are thriving centers of population growth and economic development. They are also fundamentally sound places in which to raise a family, offering the best in public education, a diverse spectrum of higher education opportunities, and a wealth of quality health care options.

Over the past 25 years, Edwardsville and Glen Carbon have experienced a profound and sustained growth spurt. Population rose steadily in the 1980s — by 15 percent — and even more significantly in the 1990s, by 20 percent. The current combined population of the two communities hovers right around 34,000. This upward trend is expected to persist as the St. Louis metropolitan area — now the 18th-most-populated region in the country — continues to experience outward mobility. The St. Louis region boasts a total population of nearly 2.6 million. Six hundred thousand of these residents live in what is commonly referred to as the Metro East area of southwestern Illinois, a five-county spread that includes Madison County, the domain of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.

From a lifestyle perspective, the tandem towns of Madison County afford their residents access; residents can determine what they need, and the area will provide it. Situated among the ancient bluffs that hem in the Mississippi River lowlands known as the American Bottoms, the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon areas are inundated with nature centers, parks and lakes. Residents enjoy a temperate climate that features moderate winters — average snowfalls in recent years have remained in the 6- to 8-inch range — exuberant autumns and brilliant springs. Renowned for their cultural and ethnic diversity, Edwardsville and Glen Carbon create the ideal confluence of friendly small towns and invigorating cultural centers.

Bolstered by the presence of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the light of St. Louis arts and entertainment arcing across the river, these two communities provide residents and visitors alike with a vast web of recreational, dining and shopping possibilities. New residents are comforted by the quality and abundance of health care, transportation, libraries, child care, housing and government services. Furthermore, the remarkable successes of the Unit 7 School District, which serves both communities, are well known across the state. Area schools maintain the trifecta of educational criteria: high academic achievement, exceptional fine arts programs and highly competitive athletic teams.

Of course, the existence of all these alluring factors is no accident. They are all driven by people — people who have a vision for historic preservation, for environmentally conscious development, for progressive education, for comprehensive health care, for spirited entrepreneurship. The residents of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon know one thing for certain: their bottom line is a shared vision. Together, they strive to raise their quality of life to new heights.