METAMORA, Ill. (WMBD) — Welcome to Metamora, where the population has increased by 300 people since the last census. The only town in Woodford County to grow by more than 25 people.

“I think it speaks a lot about the area in general,” said Metamora Village Chairman John Cummings.

Cummings said he was surprised to see the number increase so much. “I thought maybe we grew to maybe 50. The fact that we grew to 300 was a little shocking, I didn’t anticipate it, I don’t think anyone did,” said said Cummings.

Jack Weddle, a resident of Metamora for 50 years, said he also thought it was surprising, but knowing the type of town Metamora is, it’s well deserved.

“Metamora is, you kind of have to understand, it’s a great place to live. It’s kind of, I think, life in the slow lane, but we love it,” Weddle said.

It is a city in the middle of booming cities.

“You can come home to a little small town feel, but you’re 15 minutes from Washington, Walmart, Menards, all those places. You’re about 20 minutes from downtown Peoria, so it’s very easy, and you’re about 45 minutes from Bloomington, Normal,” Cummings said.

Cummings and Weddle said it’s the city’s friendships and size that attract people to move there.