Southern Illinois is a hidden treasure in America’s heartland with a lot of personality and a hometown feel. It is growing and expanding with additional attractions coming to the region, but it will never lose the personal touch that affects everyone living in this wonderful area. Population & Cost of Living The Southern Illinois area including 13 counties have the total population of 288,681. The average cost of living is about 15% lower than what you would see in the big metropolitan cities. The median home value of a house in Southern Illinois is around $130,000. Climate Southern Illinois is a beautiful place to witness the seasons changing. Average rainfall is 40 inches, snowfall 6 inches, temperature in winter averages 35 degrees and in summer 72 degrees. Education In the region parents can choose from excellent, diverse public or private schools – many newly constructed with above average assessment scores. Teaching experience in this district averages at 13 years and over 52% of teachers hold a Master’s degree or higher. Arts & Culture Shryock Auditorium, a 1,2000-seat theater, hosts musicals, plays and dance performances, in addition to being the home of the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Other area venues present annual art exhibits, lecture series and headline concerts. Outdoor Adventure Twenty-one state parks and 13 federal recreation areas are located within easy driving distance, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and cycling. Also, Rend Lake is a short drive from Carbondale, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. Rend Lake has many attractions like fishing, hunting, camping, or if you like to stay in, there is the Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center close by.