c.1920 Brick Illinois Foursquare For Sale $148K

$148,000

This Illinois foursquare stands as a masterclass in timeless architecture, flawlessly marrying a stately exterior with a finely tailored interior. Inside, exceptional craftsmanship and rich structural details reveal themselves at every turn. The true centerpiece of the entryway is a magnificent, rich wood staircase, where natural light pours through oversized windows at the landing, creating a warm, dramatic focal point that sets the tone for the entire home.

Realtor Comments

French doors will capture your attention to the entrance of the formal living room where the woodburning fireplace is the focal point of the room. Designed for hosting, the formal dining room is a masterclass in built-in carpentry with its built in buffet and china cupboard and transitions smoothly into a hightly functional kitchen. There is a half bath on the main level. Circling back to the staircase which leads to a wide hallway at its top that services four bedrooms and a full bath. From the smallest of the bedrooms is a door to the floored attic. With some sweat equity, the floored attic could be a primary suite expansion, a bonus room for family or just plain storage. The home is heated with a gas forced air furnace and cooled with central air. The basement offers more storage and is home to the laundry with the clothes chute in the small bedroom upstiars. The two car garage sits on the home’s 82.5X71.5 corner off of the shared drive. The sellers request that their family home of 50+ years be sold “As Is’ with new memories to be made by the new owner. Approximate Room Measuremen:: Foyer:16.6X9; Parlour:11.3X8.2; Formal Living Room: 18X13.9; Formal Dining: 12.99 X18.2; Kitchen: 15X12;Bedrooms:12.6X13; 13.2X18;15.8X15.8;7X12.

4bed
1.5bath
Circa 1920

More Illinois Properties

302 S 3rd St, Monmouth, IL 61462

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: Linda Gavin Doyle

Brokered by Monmouth Farm And Home Realty Llc

Google Maps

Niche

The Pros

Ultra-Low Cost of Real Estate: Monmouth offers an exceptionally affordable housing market. The typical home value sits around $105,000, with median listing prices hovering near $129,000. For anyone looking to buy investment properties, find a starter home, or downsize with minimal debt, the price-per-square-foot ratios here are incredibly favorable.
The Monmouth College Influence: Housing Monmouth College (a private, four-year liberal arts institution) injects a unique energy into the town that many other rural communities lack. The beautiful campus brings in international students, collegiate sports, lectures, theater productions, and a well-maintained public presence that keeps the community feeling connected to broader cultural trends.
Surprising Cultural Diversity: Unlike many homogeneous Midwestern towns of this size, Monmouth features a vibrant cultural melting pot. Driven in part by local agricultural and manufacturing employers, the town has a substantial and growing Hispanic population, which has enriched the community with local shops, traditional restaurants, and cross-cultural community events.
Strong Sense of Community & Safety: Violent crime rates are vastly lower than national and state averages. It’s a classic “know-your-neighbors” atmosphere where people feel comfortable walking through local green spaces like Citizens Lake Park. Major annual events, like the Prime Beef Festival held every September, draw the entire county together.
Virtually Non-Existent Commutes: Everything within city limits is less than a 10-minute drive away. Traffic congestion is a foreign concept, and daily errands can be knocked out with total ease.

The Cons

Industrial Odors: One of the most common complaints from local residents is seasonal air quality. Monmouth is home to major industrial agricultural facilities, including a large pork processing plant and a dog food manufacturing factory. Depending on the wind direction and the time of year, certain parts of town experience strong, distinct odors.
Limited Local Job Diversity: Outside of positions at Monmouth College, the local hospital, the school district, or the major manufacturing and agricultural plants, the local job market is fairly thin. Professionals looking for modern corporate tracks, tech sectors, or high-growth specialized fields will find local options severely limited.
Commercial and Retail Leakage: While Monmouth covers your basic needs with a couple of grocery stores and pharmacies, it lacks big-box retail, specialized medical specialists, or an expansive dining scene. Residents must routinely drive about 15 to 20 minutes east to Galesburg for basic commercial needs, or over an hour to the Quad Cities or Peoria for major shopping centers and airport hubs.
Limited Entertainment and Nightlife: If you are looking for trendy bars, late-night entertainment, or a bustling singles scene, Monmouth will feel incredibly quiet. There is no local movie theater, and entertainment relies heavily on backyard gatherings, high school sports, or college-sponsored events.
High Illinois Tax Burden: While the face value of the real estate is low, buyers still have to contend with Illinois’ notoriously high property tax rates. When combined with a flat state income tax and rising utility costs during harsh, snowy Midwestern winters, the baseline cost of living can be slightly higher than similar rural towns across the border in Iowa or Missouri.