c.1900 Five Bedroom Illinois Colonial Revival Fixer Upper $59,900

1005 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522   $59,900

• Contact Realtor: Aaron Warner
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From the 1920s to 1954, this was the home of Chester A. Morrow (1881-1970). Chester was a photographer and owner of an art store. He married Margaret DeLashmutt in 1908. After her death in 1946, he married Grace Petsinger a few months later. Neither marriages resulted in children.

Per the 1930 US census, this house was valued at $15,000, the equivalent of $291,000 today.

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Pros

1. Low Cost of Living

   • Overall cost of living is about 20‑25% lower than the U.S. average.

   • Housing is especially affordable: median home values are significantly below national averages.

2. Affordable Housing & Rent

   • Rent is relatively low.

   • Many homeowner units are in decent condition and less expensive than in many other parts of Illinois.

3. Strong Industrial / Manufacturing Base

   • Decatur has major employers like ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, etc.

   • There is a multimodal transport/ logistics presence (e.g. Midwest Inland Port); good connectivity via highways and rail.

4. Community and Amenities (on a smaller scale)

   • Decatur has parks, some family‑friendly attractions (zoo, museums), green space.

   • Public healthcare facilities are present, with hospitals like Decatur Memorial, HSHS St. Mary’s.

5. Less Dense / Slower Pace

   • If you like avoiding big‑city congestion, Decatur offers more space and generally less traffic.

6. Reasonable Utilities and Everyday Costs

   • Many typical service costs, groceries, etc., are below or near national averages.

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Cons

1. Employment & Income Constraints

   • Median household incomes are well below national median.

   • Unemployment is higher than the U.S. average.

   • Job market is somewhat dominated by manufacturing, agriculture, etc., which may limit options depending on your field.

2. Crime & Safety

   • Crime rates are elevated in certain neighborhoods. Violent as well as property crime is a concern.

   • Some locals report that safety varies significantly by area.

3. Declining Population

   • The city has seen a population decrease in recent years. That can affect everything from business vitality to school funding to real estate dynamics.

4. Lower Income Levels & Poverty

   • Significant portion of residents live below the poverty line.

   • The disparity between cost of living and wage levels means affordability can still be a challenge even though costs are low. Amenities / Cultural Offerings Less Extensive

   • Compared to metro areas, fewer high‑end or specialized amenities, fewer options for entertainment, nightlife, etc.

   • Public transit, while present, is limited; many parts of town require a car.

5. Aging Housing Stock & Maintenance Issues

   • A lot of housing is older; some rental units may have issues (by certain city reports).

   • Some units do not meet modern standards or need repairs.

6. Perceived Quality / “Smell” & Environmental Concerns

   • Some residents report periodic odors (industrial), depending on wind, weather, etc. There are ongoing concerns from some about environmental impacts from industry.

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