Geneseo Homes for Sale and Community Information

Geneseo, Illinois is a small town located next to Interstate 80 about 18 miles east of Moline. If you are interested in a Geneseo home for sale, we can help you find the property that fits the need of you or your family.

With a population of 6,480, Geneseo is described as “known for its Victorian style homes and its ‘Rockwellian quaintness.’” Some people compare it to Mayberry R.F.D., the fictional town on the Andy Griffith Show that was popular on TV during the 1960s. People who buy Geneseo real estate find this to be true, with many families choosing to live here for generations. This tight-knit community is thriving, with many more people choosing real estate in Geneseo to establish their family.

Brief History

The Geneseo area was first settled when eight families from Genesee County, New York (just east of Buffalo) moved to Illinois to form a religious community. The families arrived in Illinois in 1836 and 1837. These families had a strong commitment to religion and good education. They also forbade the use of alcohol and strongly opposed slavery, acting as a station on the Underground Railroad helping escaped slaves to relocate to Northern states where slavery was prohibited.

The Rock Island Railroad arrived in 1854, running right through town, which greatly improved the economy. Geneseo was incorporated in 1855. The Hennepin Canal, which connects the Illinois River with the Mississippi River, was constructed just north of town. The canal was completed in 1907 and added another transportation channel serving Geneseo. In 1974 Springfield Armory, Inc., was founded in Geneseo. It has become one of the largest manufacturers of firearms in the U.S. They currently employ 135 people in Geneseo.

The Community

Geneseo is located in Henry County. The city covers an area of 4.03 square miles and has a population density of 1,596 people/square mile. Interstate 80 runs on the south side of town, the Rock Island Railroad line through the town, and the Hennepin Canal just north of town. The city has a very low crime rate, with a crime index of 141.6 for 2006. The U.S. Average is 320.9. To view Geneseo homes call Ruhl&Ruhl today.

Attractions and Entertainment

Geneseo has many activities to occupy its residents and attract visitors. There is the Annual Music and Craft Festival, as well as the Annual Victorian Walk in December. The Geneseo Art League is celebrating its 50th year of operations. The Richmond Hill Players have scheduled six productions for their 2009 season of community theatre. The Geneseo Country Club operates a 9-hole golf course, clubhouse, and pool.  In addition, the Geneseo Historical Museum acts as a source of information on the history of the community.

The Quad Cities are located approximately 20 miles west of Geneseo. Attractions and entertainment opportunities for other Quad Cities communities are readily accessible to Geneseo residents. For details, see Our Communities information for Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island. For Geneseo real estate, call Ruhl&Ruhl today.

Getting To and From

Air Travel: Quad-Cities International Airport, Moline, IL; Davenport Municipal Airport, Davenport, IA

Interstate Highways: I-80 East to Chicago, West to the Quad Cities, Des Moines & Omaha

Railways: Amtrak – Galesburg station

For Further Information

If you have decided to search for real estate in Geneseo, contact Ruhl&Ruhl.