c.1895 Illinois Fourplex $59,900

Buyer to verify all MLS information including measurements.

• 1bd
• 1ba
• 1,709sqft
• 7,200sqft lot
• Circa 1895

More Illinois Properties

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: Jenny Wisniewski

Google Maps

Niche

The Pros

1. Exceptionally Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

   • Housing Affordability: Home prices in Alton are substantially below national and state averages. The median home value hovers around $90,000–$140,000, making homeownership far more accessible than in surrounding suburban or urban areas.

      

   • Low Monthly Overhead: Rent, groceries, and general consumer goods are reasonably priced, allowing budget-conscious buyers, retirees, and remote workers to stretch their dollars further.

      

2. Proximity to St. Louis

   • Alton offers easy access to a major metropolitan center. You can commute into downtown St. Louis in about 30 to 40 minutes for corporate job opportunities, major healthcare systems, international airport connections, and professional sports (Cardinals, Blues, City SC).

      

3. Rich History, Character, and Local Lore

   • Architectural Charm: Alton boasts historic brick streets, Victorian-era homes, and vintage downtown storefronts.

      

   • Historical Significance: It played a key role in the Underground Railroad and hosted the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.

      

   • Haunted Reputation: Alton is famous for its folklore, ghost tours, and haunted landmarks (like the McPike Mansion), drawing steady seasonal tourism.

      

4. Scenic Views & Outdoor Recreation

   • Sits right along the Great River Road, offering scenic drives along limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.

      

   • Close to nature preserves, hiking, boating, and neighboring resort town Grafton, as well as winter eagle-watching spots along the river.

      

5. Engaged Local Community & Downtown Revitalization

   • The downtown strip along Third Street features locally owned coffee shops, antique stores, craft breweries, and restaurants supported by an active “buy local” community.

      

   • Annual festivals, community farmers markets, and live music events give it a friendly, tight-knit town feel.

      

The Cons

1. Elevated Crime Rates

   • Alton experiences property and violent crime rates that sit higher than the national and Illinois state averages.

      

   • Note: Crime is generally localized to specific pockets and neighborhoods within the city. Many residents in established historic districts or nearby Godfrey report feeling safe, but careful neighborhood vetting is essential.

      

2. Underperforming Public Schools

   • The Alton Community Unit School District #11 generally receives below-average ratings for standardized test scores, reading/math proficiency, and state rankings compared to surrounding Madison County districts.

      

   • Families seeking highly rated public school options often look toward adjacent towns like Edwardsville or Godfrey, or consider local private schools.

      

3. Limited Local Economy & Job Market

   • Local high-paying industry options within Alton proper are limited. The area has struggled historically with industrial job losses, leaving the local workforce reliant on healthcare, service/hospitality, retail, or commuting out of town for employment.

      

4. Aging Infrastructure & Blight

   • As an older industrial river city, parts of Alton suffer from aging roads, utility infrastructure, and vacant or distressed properties. Revitalization efforts are ongoing, but progress varies by neighborhood.

      

5. River Flooding Risks & Weather

   • Being located directly on the Mississippi River, low-lying parts of the city (especially near the riverfront and downtown park spaces) are susceptible to periodic river flooding during heavy spring rains.

   • Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold and icy.