Pana is a compact, friendly small town of about 5,200 known as the “City of Roses,” with a walkable downtown, historic Kitchell Park, year‑round community events like Pana Heritage Days and a huge Labor Day parade—perfect for a travel therapist who wants quiet neighborhoods, local coffee shops, parks and low rents during multi‑week stays.
If you want bigger-city options on days off, Decatur is roughly 35 miles away and Springfield about 44 miles—both offer larger hospitals, shopping, restaurants and cultural venues within an easy drive so you’re never stuck with nothing to do.