Adorable c.1929 Two Bedroom Illinois Bungalow American Classic With White Picket Fence Under $120K

248 S Linden Ave, Decatur, IL 62522    $119,900

• Contact Realtor: Michael Sexton
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Pros

1. Very affordable cost of living & housing

   • The cost-of-living index is around 81 (with 100 = U.S. average) which means living costs are roughly 19% lower than the U.S. average.

   • Housing is especially cheap: the median home value has been reported around ~$85,500 in one estimate.

   • According to RentCafe, housing costs are ~49% lower than the national average.

   • For someone looking to stretch their budget, Decatur offers good value.

2. Reasonable access to outdoor amenities, parks & community resources

   • There are public parks, conservation areas, and local attractions (for example, Scovill Zoo, trails, and recreation centers) that are often cited in family-friendly write-ups.

   • Because housing is cheaper, you may get more space (yard, older home) than you might in many higher-cost markets.

3. Diverse economy historically & strong industrial roots

   • The city is home to large-scale manufacturers (Caterpillar Inc., Archer Daniels Midland) and has been a logistics/industrial hub.

   • This industrial foundation can offer employment opportunities and infrastructure for those in manufacturing or trades.

4. Smaller-city size with quieter pace

   • Compared to large metros, Decatur offers more moderate traffic, potentially shorter commutes, and a more relaxed pace depending on your neighborhood.

   • Some residents highlight the value in “you just have to find the right neighborhood”.

Cons

1. Higher crime rates / safety concerns

   • Local rankings indicate elevated crime compared to national averages: property crime and violent crime both flagged as issues.

   • As one reddit user put it:

     “There are several nice small towns just outside of Decatur … but the city … lots of factories … and it smells weird af and ice heard there is gang violence there as well”

   • Safety can vary widely by neighborhood — selecting the right area is especially important.

2. Economic challenges & lower income levels

   • Median household income is ~$45,404 in one estimate (much lower than the U.S. median).

   • The poverty rate is ~19.4%, significantly higher than many regions.

   • Some of the housing stock is aged and requires substantial maintenance or investment. The city’s housing study noted a lot of older homes and deferred maintenance.

   • If you’re seeking high wages or rapid career growth in dynamic sectors, you may find fewer opportunities.

3. Declining population / slower growth & fewer amenities

   • The city’s population has declined slightly in recent years (-4.8% in 5 years in one dataset).

   • One livability site gave Decatur an overall score of 59/100 and flagged Amenities, Education, and Employment as weaker categories.

   • If you want a vibrant nightlife, big city cultural amenities, or booming growth, this may feel limiting.

4. Some neighborhoods & housing conditions are problematic

   • Older housing stock: 55% of owner-occupied units built prior to 1980, many homes require updates or repairs.

   • The city’s housing study noted issues like high vacancy rates, homes needing significant repairs, and neighborhood stigma in certain areas.

   • One reddit commenter:

     “The catch is you’re not in a large metro area, … The houses in surrounding towns are okay? … The only houses I saw were in Decatur and very run down.”

5. Public transit / walkability / amenities distance

   • While there is a public transit system (Decatur Public Transit System) with bus routes, users report amenities are not always within walking distance.

   • One site mentions the “Amenities” category was rated “F” and many residents rely on cars for errands and commuting.