I lived/worked there for 10 years before I left for a new job and moved out of state. I go back from time to time still. Since I've been gone for so long (8 years) I can't give you the details really anymore but I can tell you that its a fun town. A little dirty, a little run down, high property taxes (youre in IL after all)...but safe for the most part, VERY affordable housing compared to lots of places. There are usually lots of younger folks there due to CAT and Bradley and Komatsu (amongst other things), which means there's decent bars downtown. Some concerts roll through the Civic Center, decent restaurants....all in all a good place to live. A great place? For me probably no. Would I move back? Sure - if I was getting paid what I am now, but I doubt that would happen.