Effingham, IL, United States

Capital City

The population of 12,252 may seem modest, but don't let that fool you - Effingham is a transportation hub that punches above its weight. Strategically located at the intersection of two major interstates, the city boasts a broader range of amenities than you'd expect. However, this comes at a price - the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with a history of racial segregation that lingered into the mid-1960s. And while the city has moved on, the scars remain. For those willing to navigate the red tape, Effingham's central location and diverse offerings could be a draw, but it's certainly not a place for the faint of heart.