c.1911 Illinois Handyman Special Under $44K

OHU50K Notes $43,999

c.1911 Illinois Handyman Special. Quite the project but with plenty of options. The multi-family home has a total of six bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Realtor Comments

MATTOON, IL 1907/1911 home for sale “AS IS”. It needs alot of work n TLC. So please don’t expect an up to date house. There has been a few things that has been replaced as normalcy in age needed. There is 4 rooms each on 2 (claw tub in bathroom) n 3rd floor as well as a bathroom to each. The basement at one time and still is but needs work has a kitchen set up and 2 rooms plus a room for storage where the w/heater heat is located at. The main floor has L.R., kitchen, full bath, and 2 bedrooms. The side apt. I use for storage. The inside photos are from about 4 yrs ago when I repainted (not professionally), only from the main floor minus the 2 bedrooms. The coal burner fireplace isn’t in use no more. It is a residential property. This house was built for boarding rooms back that time and is still today. It can always be transformed into apts or just one big home. The property is 6970 square ft. Only a few blocks from downtown and other businesses. It has a older type wooden shed which has dirt floor and electric running into it. There is laundry hookups available. Front parking and a driveway. A favorite thing of mine is the big front porch. Also not alot to mow. The photos are from 5 yrs ago or so. The west side roof is the only replacement. As well the roof above the 1st floor bathroom.

6 bed
5 baths
3,758 sqft
6,970 sqft lot
Build date 1911

If interested in a property, pleases 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.

1112 Richmond Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938 $43,999

Contact Realtor: Property owner (217) 508-6781
Google Map
Niche

Pros

Very affordable cost of living
• Living expenses are about 20–30% below Illinois and U.S. averages; housing is 48–71% cheaper than national norms
• Median home prices range from approximately $82,700–$102,983, with typical rents around $627–$740/month
Strong small-city, family-friendly vibe
• Mattoon has a “dense suburban” feel with many parks, community events, and an engaged community
• Residents praise the “strong sense of community” and safety—“feel safe walking around at night”
Access to education & regional growth initiatives
• The local school district includes an innovation center (LIFT) offering dual credit and vocational pathways .
• Home to Lake Land College (≈3,700 students) and private school options
Plenty of parks and nature
• Several city parks and outdoor facilities (Lawson, Peterson, etc.) plus the Douglas‑Hart Nature Center with trails through prairie, forest, and wetlands
Light urban access & transit links
• Served by Amtrak (Chicago, New Orleans) and local Coles County Zipline bus

Cons

Limited local job market & lower income levels
• Median household income (~$40K–46K) is well below state and national averages; unemployment (~9%) and poverty (~16%) are relatively high
• Reviews note limited high-paying jobs and slower economic growth
Educational performance concerns
• Niche scores public schools C+ for crime, B– for schools; test proficiency often below state average
• Some say “quality of education…average at best” with limited resources
Crime and safety aren’t perfect
• Overall crime rates run 35–42% below Illinois/U.S. averages, yet violent crime (especially assault, rape) is higher than national averages .
Limited amenities and nightlife
• While parks, a mall, and a few dining options exist, vibrant nightlife is lacking. Reviews suggest more vibrant scenes in nearby Champaign .
Small-city drawbacks & slower growth
• Population slightly declining (~–0.4% last year, –3% over 5 years), limited business diversity .
• Some describe it as “bare” in terms of amenities despite affordable cost .