c.1888 Four Bedroom Interesting Illinois Home $35K

38 N 4th St, Savanna, IL 61074    $35,000

• Contact Realtor: Stefanie Burmahl
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros and Cons of Living in Savanna, IL

Pros

1. Extremely Affordable Cost of Living & Housing

• Savanna offers a very low cost of living—housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare—all fall well below both state and national averages.

• Median home values are remarkably low—around $67K to $75K, with Zillow noting a recent increase to about $85.6K.

• Rent is also budget-friendly, approximately $690–$777/month.

2. Scenic and Outdoor Recreation

• Nestled on the Mississippi River, Savanna is gateway to Mississippi Palisades State Park, offering hiking, biking, and riverside bluff trails.

• Local parks like Marquette Park and Old Mill Park provide riverside picnicking, trails, and frequent community events such as the Shadfly Festival and boat parades.

3. Small-Town Charm & Walkable Downtown

• Downtown Savanna has historic buildings, cute shops, live music spots, and a nostalgic movie theater—all enjoyable on foot.

• Locals note the friendly atmosphere and sense of community: “great small town … welcoming … wonderful views.”

4. Strong Commute & Residential Stability

• Commute times are impressively short—average around 14–19 minutes.

• Approximately 60% of residents own their homes, providing neighborhood stability.

5. Low Crime According to Some Metrics

• Data from AreaVibes suggests crime is 46% lower than the Illinois average, with strong community safety and walkability scores.

Cons

1. Mixed Crime Data

• Contrasting AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout reports a higher overall crime rate—Savanna residents face a 1 in 35 chance of victimization, higher than the U.S. average.

• Niche rates Crime & Safety at a C, pointing to mixed safety perceptions.

2. Limited Job Opportunities & Low Incomes

• Median household income is significantly lower than state and U.S. averages (~$32K), though the poverty rate remains below national benchmarks.

• Niche assigns a B for Jobs, but PlaceVista rates employment as “D” due to limited local opportunities.

3. School Performance Concerns

• Local schools fare poorly; PlaceVista gives them an “F” with low proficiency in reading and math. Niche also pegs school ratings at subpar levels.

4. Fewer Amenities & Longer Commutes to Facilities

• Savanna lacks extensive day-to-day retail, healthcare, and entertainment options—residents often drive elsewhere for such needs.

• Public transit is minimal, and while walkable downtown, overall dependency on cars remains high.

5. Health and Education Development Needs

• DwellIcs flags concerns such as low math and reading proficiency, lower median incomes, and slower mobile internet—highlighting areas for improvement.