Greetings-

We are not an ‘Intentional Community’ in the more traditional sense, but as a small town (100 people) there are many of us here that live with intention. That intention? To live honestly, consciously and responsibly.

Our philosophy is simple: foster community while respecting individuality.

We encourage sustainable and creative approaches to rural/suburban living, including rainwater harvesting, solar energy installations, foodscaping, and alternative building styles. Traditional lawns are common and so is edible landscaping.

We are the Stelle Community Association, a unique rural village in Northeast Illinois—80 miles south of Chicago and 60 miles north of Champaign-Urbana. It started as a closed intentional community in 1973 but opened in 82 as a simple home-owners association, open to anyone who would like to live here.

For those who dream of having their fingers in the soil or to at least be in closer proximity to where their food comes from, but you also want people or community around you, Stelle is a great option. You don’t have to own a farm to be in relationship with the soil.

Beginning with your yard, it can be as simple or as lush as you wish. Midwest Permaculture is located here, and their yard is like an arboretum. We also have many traditional lawns with fruit trees scattered around the community.

Want to have your hand in growing your own food? Our local non-profit, Center for Sustainable Community, has 9-acres to work with and invites participants (residents and folk close by) to join in at any level with the community garden projects, the evolving food forest, enjoying the orchard, pond & creek, and caring for small livestock.

This means that residents here can have access to greater food quality and security without having to do it all themselves. By sharing skills with each other we all become more secure. Homesteading by oneself can be an overwhelming task.

Many of us here value authentic connections and choose to invest in shared projects for our mutual needs. As a 501(c)(12) local co-operative, Stelle operates democratically, offering shared access to essential infrastructure like a community center, water, sewer systems, parks, and walking paths.

Rent – Purchase – Build
Stelle has several lots remaining for those who wish to build their own residential homestead. Occasionally, existing homes become available for purchase or rent. We have 7 lots remaining for sale, then Stelle is full.

If sustainable, community-focused, rural living is your dream, visit Stelle and see how we’re reimagining urban homesteading for the 21st century.

See our listing here on the ic.org website or visit stellecommunity.com to arrange a visit or ask questions.