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
We are an intergenerational community of about 100 residents consisting of families, couples, singles, and retirees. Our residents include educators, small business owners, farmers, truck drivers, holistic health practitioners, remote workers, and more. We have a solar-powered telephone mutual that provides landlines and internet (up to 25 Mbps) to keep our community connected.
The non-profit organization, Center for Sustainable Community, has been an optional but active presence in Stelle since 2001 and manages an adjacent 9-acre permaculture project. This includes a community garden, an evolving food forest, a pond, a small earth-shelter cabin, a long-standing tool cooperative, and educational opportunities around the topic of sustainable living and authentic community building. Any resident is 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. It is also the home of Midwest Permaculture which has become an internationally respected educational permaculture 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 Stelle.
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.
As a homeowner’s association our mission is to care for the community resources and assets for the benefit of everyone living in Stelle. Our population remains around 100 people as of 2025.
There is no screening or vetting process. Visiting Stelle is recommended to become familiar with the community and to see homes and lots for sale. If you like what you see, and can afford to rent, purchase or build a home, you’re in! Home and lot listings are on the Stelle website.
Please go to the Stelle website to find the visit tab. Process begins with an email to stellecommunications@gmail.com
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
More than 50% agreement needed.
Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.
Our elected board of directors manages community affairs with input from community members. Subcommittees made up of volunteers manage the day-to-day details. Subcommittees are: Administration & Common Grounds, Community Center, Fresh & Waste Water Plants, and Communications & Website. Major decisions regarding governance or large capital expenditures always require community input and voting.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Join fee: $100
Regular fees: $160
Labor: Encouraged or suggested (0 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
Common House, Garden(s), Library, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Internet
Smaller municipalities with local services but rural character.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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