Stelle Community Association

Welcome to Stelle, a unique rural co-operative founded in 1982, nestled in Northeast Illinois—just 80-miles south of Chicago and 60-miles north of Champaign-Urbana. Stelle is a small community designed for those seeking a meaningful lifestyle centered on sustainability, collaboration, and rural resilience.

Stelle offers a unique balance of suburban, community environment with the opportunity for homestead-style living. Enjoy living in a small rural village with the option to participate in raising a large garden, help develop and enjoy our evolving food forest and caring for small livestock.

While not formally organized as an intentional community, many of us live with intention. We value authentic connections and invest in our community through shared projects and mutual support. As a 501(c)(12) local co-operative, Stelle operates democratically, offering shared access to essential infrastructure like a community center, water, sewer systems, and beautifully maintained green spaces such as parks and walking paths.

Our philosophy is simple: foster community while respecting individuality. Our community imposes minimal covenants and restrictions. Instead, we encourage sustainable and creative approaches to rural living. Rainwater harvesting, solar energy installations, foodscaping, and alternative building styles (aligned with county codes) are welcomed here. Traditional lawns are common but not mandatory—we embrace diversity in how we cultivate our spaces.

Life in Stelle

Imagine living in a close-knit, intergenerational community of about 100 residents. Here, you’ll find families, couples, singles, and retirees. Our residents include educators, small business owners, farmers, holistic health practitioners, remote workers, and more. We have our own solar-powered telephone mutual that provides landlines and internet (up to 25 Mbps) to keep our community connected.

Partnering with Stelle, the non-profit Center for Sustainable Community manages an adjacent 9-acre permaculture project. This includes a community garden, an evolving food forest, a pond, and educational opportunities around the topic of sustainable living. All residents are invited to participate. Folks who find their passion on the land are welcome to share their gifts.

We’re home to forward-thinking neighbors and eco-conscious partnerships. Stelle is bordered by Mint Creek Farm, a 220-acre certified organic farm specializing in grass-fed meats. Stelle inspired and is home to Midwest Permaculture, a nationally respected educational hub. A community couple also runs “Eyes in the Sky,” offering stargazing gatherings that take full advantage of our dark rural skies.

Community Participation

Living in Stelle means choosing how much—or how little—you want to engage. Residents collaborate on shared gardening projects, tool sharing, and maintaining common grounds. Social activities abound, from casual potlucks to workshops on sustainability. Lifelong friendships often form here, though privacy is equally respected.

Our board of directors meets monthly to ensure transparent governance. Meetings are open to all, with remote participation available via Zoom. Outdoor meetings in our community courtyard during good weather exemplify the relaxed and approachable nature of our cooperative.

Opportunities to Set Roots

Stelle has several lots available for building homes, ideal for those ready to craft their dream rural escape. Occasionally, existing homes become available for purchase or rent—check our website for listings. With our proximity to farmland and the modest size of our community, Stelle provides a tranquil yet connected lifestyle perfect for families or individuals seeking a high quality of life.

Whether you dream of raising a family, working remotely with a reliable internet connection, or simply enjoying the peace and possibilities of rural living, Stelle offers a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming home base.

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