c.1887 Illinois Beauty with Carriage House and Sleeping Porch! Under $150K
OHU50K Notes $149,900
Realtor Comments
SHOWPLACE POTENTIAL! Built circa 1886, this Queen Anne charmer is bursting with character and style! The original stone balustrade was probably quarried from a local river. A Victorian staircase takes your breath as you enter the foyer, which features a curved wall with bay window, built-in settee and bookcase. Ideal for entertaining, the spacious foyer opens to a front parlor which leads to the gracious dining room. The original coal fireplace is the focal point of the room. Metal cabinetry and a built-in china cupboard highlight the eat-in kitchen. There’s even a back stairway for sneaking down to the kitchen for midnight snacking. An open back porch was transformed into a handy laundry/mudroom with half bath and built-in bench. Four spacious bedrooms and bath occupy the second floor. The huge finished attic makes a great space for gaming, projects, hobbies or just hanging out. Give the little ones a special spot to spark their imaginations in the whimsical backyard playhouse. The original carriage house is transformed into a handy triple garage with gobs of attic storage! Dont hesitate, see this Victorian lady today! Plumbing is disconnected from half bath.
- 4 bed
- 2.5 bath
- Build date 1887
Pros
Low Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
The cost of living index in Charleston is about 83, meaning living expenses are roughly 17% below the U.S. average.
Housing is especially cheap. The housing index is significantly lower than national average.
Median home values are modest (various sources in the $120,000–$160,000 range), so buying a home tends to be more accessible.
Quick Commuting / Small‑City Scale
Average commute times are relatively short (~15 minutes), which means less time in traffic and more convenience.
The city is neither very large nor very remote; many amenities (stores, parks, trails, etc.) are reasonably near.
Recreation / Outdoor Amenities
There are a number of parks and trails: The Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail connects Charleston to nearby Mattoon.
Lake Charleston, Spillway Park, Woodyard Park, and others provide access to hiking, swimming, fishing, and general nature/green spaces
Also cultural amenities tied to Eastern Illinois University: arts, sports events, etc.
Educational & Cultural Presence
Having Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in town adds things like lectures, arts, sports, and other university‑linked activities.
Historic buildings and downtown area are relatively charming, with architecture, local restaurants and small businesses.
Cons
Lower Income Levels / Limited Job Variety
Median incomes are below U.S. averages. That often reflects the kinds of jobs available locally.
Many jobs revolve around the university, retail, services; fewer high‑paying industries, so for certain professions opportunities are limited. Resident feedback points this out.
Rental Market / Fluctuations
While rents are low compared to many places, they have been rising. Some properties may have limited quality or amenities.
Some areas (near student housing) may have downsides—noise, density, upkeep of rental properties. This is common in college towns.
Crime / Safety Concerns (Resident Feedback)
Some residents report issues with drug activity, litter, or a perceived lack of police responsiveness in certain neighborhoods.
As with many smaller towns, safety can vary quite a lot by area, so location matters. (Note: I did not find strong quantitative crime stats in what I pulled up, so this is based more on anecdotal feedback.)
Limited Diversity of Amenities / Entertainment
Outside the university and downtown areas, choices for dining, specialty shopping, nightlife, etc., are more limited. For some people that matters a lot.
Some people feel that once the students leave, the town quiets down a lot. Seasonal or cyclical lull times may affect how “active” the town feels. (Again, more from resident commentary.)
Property & Sales Tax, Other Local Costs
Property taxes in Illinois tend to be relatively high; some feedback says this is a financial burden.
Sales tax: depending on the local rate, everyday purchases might cost more relative to very low‑tax places.
