c.1891 Three Bedroom Affordable Illinois Home For Sale $75K

Discover the potential in this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot! Inside, you’ll find a functional layout ready for your personal touch. With some TLC, this home can be beautifully rejuvenatedmaking it a great opportunity for investors, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone looking to create their ideal living space. Dont miss out on this diamond in the rough! Selling AS-IS.

720 Prairie Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938  $75,000

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

Contact Realtor: Nicole Waterman

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Niche

Pros

1. Extremely Affordable Living & Housing

• Cost of living is about 23–30% lower than the national average and ~20% below state norms

• Median home values are just $84–96 K, and typical rent is $627–764/month, far below U.S. benchmarks .

• One of the most affordable cities in Illinois for 2024

2. Strong Sense of Community & Family-Friendly

• Residents highlight close-knit neighborhoods, welcoming spirit, and lots of family events

• Rated B overall by Niche, with B for families, diversity, and nightlife

3. Good Amenities & Recreation

• Plenty of parks, lakes (including Lake Mattoon), trail access, and a community college (Lake Land College)

• Year-round festivals like Bagelfest and a historic downtown add vibrant local charm

4. Manageable Commutes & Some Public Transit

• Average commute time is about 16–20 minutes

• Coles County Zipline offers regional bus service around Mattoon and Charleston

⚠️ Cons

1. Limited Job Opportunities & Low Income

• Employment markets are rated F or B−; median household income (~$40–55 K) is much lower than state ($67 K) and U.S. ($65 K) averages

• Unemployment has hovered near 5–9%, reflecting economic stagnation .

2. Education Performance & School Quality

• Schools earn poor grades: Niche rates public schools B–, but PlaceVista gives them an F with low proficiency (~30–35%)

3. Crime & Safety

• Crime rates are mixed: some data suggest 35% lower crime versus Illinois average , but others show violent crime above state norms (~11.3 murders, 266 assaults per 100K)

4. Rural-Like Setting & Limited Amenities

• While parks and basic dining exist, larger shopping, entertainment, or a diverse nightlife scene are lacking

• Requires a car for most errands, though some public transit exists