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Jackson County is located in the western half of Southern Illinois. Carbondale, the county’s largest city, is home to Southern Illinois University (SIUC). Murphysboro, the second largest city in the county, is the seat of Jackson County and the home of General John A. Logan, the founder of Memorial Day. 
Founded in 1867, SIUC offers over 100 academic programs that lead to associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, doctoral and professional degrees. In the fall of 1999, 22,323 students were enrolled at the university in its various programs. Over 30 percent of SIUC’s in-state new freshmen come from Cook County alone (the Chicago area). SIUC’s student body is diverse; international students from more than 100 different countries choose to study here. In 1988, SIUC opened a permanent campus in northern Japan. International exchanges on campus often lead to economic opportunities for the state in today’s global economy. In the fall of 1999, SIUC employed more than 10,000 people including over 3,000 part-time student employees and is considered the largest employer in the region.
The area boasts a moderate cost of living and access to many cultural and outdoor activities. In addition, its convenient location makes it an easy trip to St. Louis, Memphis, Evansville, Paducah or Nashville. The University provides the art and cultural center to the region. Shyrock Theater and the State Company as well as various concerts and athletic events ensure that there is always something interesting and fun going on in Jackson County.
Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) is a not-for-profit health care system serving all people in rural Illinois’ downstate communities. SIH employs almost 2,500 people in the area and treats patients in the six SIH hospitals, in addition to offering services in rural clinics. SIH also brings health care services into local homes and improves the quality of life with its charitable community benefits programs. 
Almost the entire southern tip of Illinois has been dedicated to the preservation of the great, forested lands in this part of the Midwest. Thousands of acres have been set aside and protected for future generations. The Shawnee National Forest, bordering Carbondale and Murphysboro to the south, covers 270,000 acres of rough, unglaciated area known as the Shawnee Hills and offers outdoor enthusiasts many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, biking and camping.
In addition to the Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois is home to the Crab Orchard Wildlife Preserve. Roughly a half million people visit Crab Orchard Wildlife Preserve annually for boating, sailing, water skiing, fishing, hunting, and camping. Another 600,000 go to the refuge for wildlife observation, interpretive tours, nature walks, and environmental education programs. 
To the Southeast, off of Highway 13, Giant City Road leads to the famed Giant City State Park. Nearly 3,000 acres have been preserved for their unique natural beauty. The fifty-foot rock cliffs offer chances for repelling and climbing. More alluring still is the quietness and serenity of their seclusion among the trees.
Browse our listings or contact mefor more information. I look forward to serving your real estate needs in Jackson County and all along the Route 13 Growth Corridor.
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