2/1 c.1910 Brick Illinois Home $59K

• 2bd
• 1ba
• 1,230sqft
• Circa 1910

More Illinois Properties

The Pros

• Unmatched Affordability: Decatur consistently ranks among the most affordable places to live in the United States. With median home values far below state and national averages, it offers an extraordinarily low cost of entry for first-time homebuyers, real estate investors, or anyone looking to stretch a fixed income or remote salary.

   

• Lake Decatur & Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur is a central focal point for the city, offering boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. The city also features expansive green spaces, including Scovill Zoo, Children’s Museum of Illinois, Rock Springs Conservation Area, and miles of paved walking/biking trails.

• Higher Education & Cultural Hub: Decatur is home to Millikin University, a private university known for its fine arts, business, and nursing programs. The presence of the university brings performing arts, collegiate sports, lectures, and a youthful energy to the community.

• Zero Traffic Stress: Commuting in Decatur is quick and painless. Most destinations within the city limits are accessible in 10 to 15 minutes, cutting down on daily travel stress and fuel costs.

• Strong Industrial & Agricultural Employment: As a major hub for agribusiness—anchored by corporate giants like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Caterpillar—Decatur offers stable industrial, manufacturing, and engineering job options relative to its size.

The Cons

• Industrial Odors & Air Quality: Because of the heavy concentration of soybean, corn processing, and manufacturing plants (such as ADM), Decatur is notorious for distinct industrial processing smells. While long-time locals get used to it, newcomers often find the odor noticeable on certain days depending on wind direction.

• Economic Stagnation & Population Decline: Decatur has experienced slow economic contraction and steady population decline over past decades as manufacturing shifted. While local revitalization efforts are ongoing, job growth outside of industrial manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare can be limited.

• Property Taxes: Like much of Illinois, property tax rates in Macon County are relatively high. While house prices themselves are low, the tax percentage rate can diminish some of those savings over time.

• Crime Concerns in Specific Neighborhoods: Decatur’s crime rate—particularly violent and property crime—is higher than national and state averages. However, safety varies significantly depending on the neighborhood; surrounding areas (like Mount Zion or Forsyth) and suburban pockets report far lower crime.

• Harsh Winters: Located in Central Illinois, Decatur experiences freezing, snow-filled winters with several months of overcast weather, requiring winter vehicle maintenance and snow gear.