Knox County, located in west‐central Illinois (county seat Galesburg), is historically an agricultural and manufacturing region. The housing market is much more modest compared to the Chicago suburbs, as the region is more rural and less commuter‐oriented. Homes tend to be older, many single‐family residences, some historic homes, farmhouses and smaller subdivisions. Home values typically fall well below suburban Chicago counties, making the county appealing for value buyers. Building new homes would likewise cost less, especially if on farmland or outside major towns. Because of the more rural character, the price range for existing homes might be in the mid‐$100,000s to low $200,000s in many places, with higher values possible for more updated homes or larger lots. The area offers affordable living with access to regional amenities (Peoria and Bloomington are relatively nearby).