c.1900 Affordable Illinois Home For Sale $57,500
$57,500
Designed for comfort and ease, this affordable Illinois home puts everything you need right where you want it. The heart of the home features a spacious kitchen—complete with a walk-in pantry—that flows seamlessly into a dedicated dining room for effortless hosting. Enjoy the ultimate everyday luxury of a main-floor laundry room, eliminating stairs and simplifying your routine in this beautifully maintained 1-bath residence.
Realtor Comments
One bedroom is smaller in size and would work well as an office, nursery, or flex space (but lacks large window egress). This home also has large closets for storage. Outside, enjoy a covered front porch and a covered rear patio, along with a manageable yard for easy upkeep. The detached 1-car garage includes electric, a concrete floor, and an automatic door opener. Additional highlights include a partial basement/cellar, gas central heat, gas water heater, updated roof in 2023 (per seller), metal siding for low maintenance, and a water softener. The sale also includes the stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Year built unknown; value shown is estimated for MLS purposes.
- bed
- bath
- Circa 1900
519 Ash St, Mt Carmel, IL 62863
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: Ray Stallings
Pros
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Extreme Affordability: The median home value continues to hover around $85,000 to $110,000. For perspective, monthly housing costs for a single person average roughly $782, which is about 35% lower than the national average. It’s an ideal market for those looking to own a home debt-free or on a modest income.
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Safety & Security: Mount Carmel boasts a crime rate significantly lower than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 752, making it safer than nearly 60% of American communities.
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“Mayberry” Atmosphere: The town is famous for its brick-paved streets (like Cherry Street) and well-preserved early 20th-century architecture. It feels “frozen in time” in a comforting way, with a tight-knit community where neighbors genuinely know one another.
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Education & Athletics: Wabash Valley College is a major asset, providing over 100 programs and a strong athletic culture that brings the community together. Locally, the high school sports scene (especially the Golden Aces) is a primary source of town pride and weekend entertainment.
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Pristine Nature: You are minutes away from Beall Woods State Park, home to one of the last remaining tracts of virgin forest in the eastern U.S. The hiking and “ancient” scenery are world-class for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cons
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Economic Stagnation: The local economy is largely dependent on healthcare, education, and retail. While stable, there is a lack of high-growth tech or corporate sectors. The median household income sits around $45,000–$49,000, and the poverty rate remains higher than the state average.
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Car Dependency: With a Walk Score of 0, you cannot live in Mount Carmel without a reliable vehicle. Major shopping (like Walmart or Menards) requires a 15-minute drive to Princeton, Indiana, and specialized medical care or airports usually mean a 45-minute trip to Evansville.
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Limited “Third Places”: While downtown has gems like Two Farmers (fresh food) and Big Jon’s Lunch Box(catfish), the nightlife and varied dining options are limited. Once you’ve tried the local staples, there isn’t much “new” to discover without leaving town.
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Illinois Fiscal/Climate Factors: Residents face Illinois’ high state corporate and personal income taxes. Additionally, the weather can be punishing; February and March typically see freezing temperatures and “gray” skies that can last for weeks.
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Market Velocity: If you buy a home here, be prepared for a “long game.” Homes spend an average of 93 days on the market, meaning it is not a place where you can quickly flip a property or sell on short notice.
