Vandalia, Illinois is a compact, walkable former state capital with a friendly small‑town vibe, affordable living, a tidy historic downtown, local cafes and parks—easy to unpack for multi‑week contracts without feeling stuck, and plenty of low‑stress ways to unwind after shifts.
When you want more variety, St. Louis and Springfield are each about an hour’s drive away, giving you museums, pro sports, airports and bigger dining/nightlife options for weekend escapes.