c.1918 Four Bedroom Classic Illinois Home For Sale With Original Elements Under $50K
$49,900
Illinois home for sale featuring the original staircase, unpainted woodwork, wrap-around porch, hardwood floors and lovely fireplace. Four bedrooms, two baths in this charmer, plus a three quarter acre lot.
Realtor Comments
If you love a classic, this 1918 2 story Victorian home with 4 BR’s and 2 full baths could be your dream home. The home was vacated last fall with the utilities shut off, so there’s currently about a foot of water in the basement, and some damage due to that to the Hvac and hot water heater. Priced to sell as a SHORT SALE, so it could take some time to close. Please read disclosures!
- 4bed
- 2bath
- Circa 1918
510 N McLeansboro St, Benton, IL 62812 $49,900
- Contact Realtor: Terrie L Morris
Brokered by McCollum Real Estate
- Google Maps
- Niche
Pros
• Low Cost of Living
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Overall living expenses are ~28% below the U.S. average and ~23% below Illinois’ average
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Housing is very affordable: median home value around $75K–$90K, much lower than the national average (~$340K) .
• Affordable Rentals
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Typical rent for a two-bedroom is about $650–$776—roughly half the national average .
• Housing Market & Homeownership
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High homeownership (63%) and strong housing score indicate affordability and steady market conditions
• Reasonable Commute & Suburban Feel
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Most residents drive; average commute ~19–23 minutes .
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The area has a sparse-suburban atmosphere—quiet, with sidewalks, parks, and family-friendly feel
• Recreation & Outdoor Options
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Nearby parks and green spaces, plus Rend Lake and Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area for boating and fishing
• Public Services & Infrastructure
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Decent health and safety infrastructure, including a hospital, clinics, DMV, post office, police and fire coverage
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Public library with a sizable collection and well-used community space
❌ Cons
• Crime & Safety Mixed Signals
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AreaVibes reports crime ~18% above Illinois average , but NeighborhoodScout shows Benton as one of the safest small towns nationally with very low violent and property crime rates
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Local reviews mention concerns like drug activity
• Limited Amenities & Entertainment
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Few local dining, shopping, cultural, or nightlife options; many amenities require a short drive
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Niche highlights lack of arts and entertainment
• Education Challenges
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Schools rated C+ to F: Benton Consolidated High School gets ~4/10 on GreatSchools
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Test scores below state/national averages—reading ~28%, math ~25% proficiency .
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High school graduation rate ~77%, lower than Illinois average
• Weak Job Market & Income Levels
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Median household income ~$45K–51K, notably below state and national averages .
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Employment scores low, with limited job opportunities and local business growth .
• Demographic Homogeneity & Diversity Concerns
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Population is ~93% White; diversity is limited
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Some residents report cultural insularity, and rural Southern Illinois has a history of social tensions and low diversity
• Population Decline
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Small population (~6.7K) and a slight decline in recent years .
