Troy, IL Area Guide

Troy was incorporated as a town on February 18, 1857, and achieved city status in 1892, giving it a history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. Situated in south-central Madison County, the city developed along two important corridors that still shape its layout today: U.S. Route 40, which traces the historic National Road through the south side of town, and Illinois Route 162, which runs through the city center as Center Street and Market Street. These thoroughfares reflect Troy's origins as a waypoint community connected to broader regional movement across Illinois and toward St. Louis. While Troy maintains a small-town character, its position along routes with deep roots in American westward travel gives even its quieter streets a sense of place that newer communities often lack.

Troy's dining scene reflects its small-town, community-focused character, with a mix of locally owned eateries and familiar regional chains concentrated along the US-40 and IL-162 corridors. Residents enjoy casual American comfort food, pizza, and family-style dining close to home. The city's location within the St. Louis Metro East area, which includes Edwardsville and Collinsville, opens up a variety of additional dining options. Downtown St. Louis, just 25 minutes away, opens the door to a full spectrum of dining experiences, from classic Missouri barbecue to James Beard-recognized restaurants.

Troy is a car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel. Interstates 55 and 70 intersect on the city's west side at exits 17 and 18, providing direct routes toward St. Louis to the west, Springfield to the north, and Vandalia to the east. U.S. Route 40 runs along the south side of the city, while Illinois Route 162 cuts through the center as Market Street. Residents needing rail access can reach MetroLink stations in Shiloh-Scott (about 23 minutes) or Fairview Heights (about 27 minutes). St. Louis Lambert International Airport is roughly 45 minutes away, while Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is about 31 minutes out.

The Tri Township Park District serves as Troy's primary recreational hub, offering a wide variety of outdoor amenities including walking trails, sports courts, a skate park, a lake, and playgrounds. The park also features a petting zoo with chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, llamas, and alpacas, and it serves as the main venue for community events throughout the year. Just 19 minutes away, Willoughby Heritage Farm and the Watershed Nature Center provide additional opportunities to connect with the natural landscape of the greater Madison County region.

Troy is one of the more affordable communities in the St. Louis Metro East region, with average one-bedroom rents at $711 per month and two-bedroom rents averaging $1,223 per month. These figures sit well below the Illinois state average of $1,736 for a one-bedroom and are lower than nearby Glen Carbon, O'Fallon, and Edwardsville. Rent growth has been modest, rising between 1.2% and 1.7% year over year.

Troy's retail scene is modest and practical, reflecting its small-town character. Several neighborhood shopping centers sit within a few miles of the city center, offering everyday essentials and local services conveniently close to home. For broader retail needs, residents are well-positioned to reach the larger shopping corridors in O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, and Edwardsville, all accessible within a short drive. The easy connections to I-55 and I-70 make these regional shopping destinations quick and straightforward to reach from Troy.

Troy offers some of the most affordable rents in the St. Louis Metro East region, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $711 per month, while quick access to I-55 and I-70 puts downtown St. Louis about 25 minutes away. The Tri Township Park District, tree-lined neighborhoods, and proximity to SIU Edwardsville and Scott Air Force Base round out a well-connected, low-key community in Madison County.