c.1897 Illinois Queen Anne Victorian Under $150K

c.1897 Illinois Queen Anne Victorian. Beautiful home with a fully fenced backyard and detached 2 car garage.

101 Merrill St, Catlin, IL 61817  $149,900

• Contact Realtor: Hayley Siefert
• Google Map
• Niche 

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Pros of Living in Catlin, IL

1. Low Cost of Living / Affordable Housing

   • The cost of living is noticeably lower than national averages.

   • Housing costs are much more affordable—median home prices are modest compared to many parts of the country.

   • Safety / Low Crime Rates

   • Catlin ranks highly in terms of safety: it is safer than about 94 % of U.S. cities, per one analysis.

   • Some crime metrics show extremely low violent crime (in certain reports, zero reported violent crimes) and property crime rates far below U.S. averages.

2. Small‑Town / Community Feel

   • It’s a small village (population ~2,000) with a close-knit feel.

   • Many residents comment on friendly neighbors and a quiet, peaceful environment.

3. Proximity to Amenities / Larger Cities

   • Though small, Catlin is part of the Danville metropolitan area, so certain amenities are accessible without being entirely remote.

   • For recreation, there are local parks (e.g. Catlin Park) and nearby natural attractions such as Kickapoo State Recreation Area.

4. Decent Education Structure / Consolidation

   • The local school districts have evolved (e.g. consolidation into Salt Fork Unit #512) to better serve students in the area.

   • Some sources credit the local schools with good performance in math, reading, etc., especially compared to surrounding areas.

5. Good Environment / Air & Water Quality

   • Air quality is reported as good about 82 % of the time.

   • The water quality index is strong (no recent violations noted).

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Cons / Challenges of Living in Catlin, IL

1. Limited Amenities / Small Scale

   • There are few businesses in town: residents often drive to nearby towns for groceries, medical services, and more diverse shopping.

   • Public transportation is minimal or non‑existent; reliance on cars is almost a necessity.

   • Walkability and local access to many amenities are limited.

2. Job Opportunities / Economic Diversity

   • Job opportunities within the village are relatively limited. Many people commute elsewhere for work.

   • The local economy is mixed; the workforce includes service, sales, education roles, etc., but there’s no major industry anchor within the town.

3. Population Decline / Aging Demographics

   • The population has been declining modestly—recent estimates show a small downward trend.

   • The median age is somewhat higher, which may reflect fewer young adults staying or moving in.

4. Risk of Severe Weather (Tornadoes / Storms)

   • Tornadoes and severe storms are a real risk in this region, so proper precautions and planning are necessary.

5. Tax Burden & Public Services

   • Property taxes and local tax burden can be a drawback in some rural Illinois locales (though specific figures for Catlin are less clear).

   • Because the municipality is small, some public services, infrastructure, or government spending may be limited in scope.

6. Lack of Diversity

   • The racial and ethnic makeup is quite homogeneous—very low diversity is noted in multiple sources.

   • Some residents mention that this lack of diversity and limited cultural variety may be felt socially.

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