Lovely c.1920 Illinois Bungalow W/ Original Elements Under $50K

Walking in the front door you are greeted with tall ceilings and a lot of original woodwork! Hardwood floors run throughout most of the main level and upstairs both. The main level features a large living room, large dining room, bedroom with master bath, kitchen (appliances remain), and mud room where the washer and dryer are also included. Upstairs you will find two other generous sized bedrooms and an office. The house also has a cellar basement perfect for escaping those storms! Home is being sold as-is. Call to check it out today!

Pros of Living in Olney, IL

1. Exceptional Housing Affordability

   • Inexpensive Real Estate: Median home values in Olney hover around $90,000 to $100,000, which is dramatically lower than state and national averages. First-time buyers and retirees can secure single-family homes at accessible prices.

   • Stretch Your Budget: Overall living expenses—including utilities and local property costs—remain modest, helping lower daily financial pressure.

2. Access to Essential Regional Amenities

   • Healthcare: Olney serves as a regional medical hub for surrounding rural counties, anchored by Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, providing access to emergency, acute, and specialized care locally.

   • Higher Education: Home to Olney Central College (OCC), offering community college programs, vocational training, and adult education options right in town.

3. Safe, Tight-Knit Community

   • Crime rates in Olney are significantly below national averages, creating a peaceful, family-oriented environment where neighbors know each other.

   • The town takes pride in local traditions, community events, and parks like East Fork Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and camping.

4. Quirky Local Culture & Natural Charm

   • The famous white squirrel population is a point of community pride protected by local ordinances, giving the city a charming identity.

Cons of Living in Olney, IL

1. Geographic Isolation

   • Olney is located in a rural stretch of southern Illinois. Reaching major metropolitan areas for international airports, professional sports, or major concerts requires a significant drive:

     • Evansville, IN: ~1.5 hours

     • St. Louis, MO: ~2 hours

     • Indianapolis, IN: ~2.5 hours

     • Chicago, IL: ~4 hours

2. Limited Job Market & Lower Wages

   • Outside of healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing/distribution, local career opportunities are limited. Higher-paying specialized corporate jobs are scarce, leading many residents to commute or work remotely.

3. Car Dependency & Limited Shopping/Dining

   • A vehicle is required for virtually all daily errands.

   • While Olney has basic retail and local dining, options for specialty grocery stores, high-end retail, and diverse restaurants require trips to larger regional hubs like Effingham or Terre Haute.

4. Midwestern Weather Extremes

   • Winters can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, driving up winter heating bills. Summers are humid and warm, typical of southern Illinois.

5. Slow Pace of Life & Limited Nightlife

   • Social activities center primarily around high school athletics, community festivals, outdoors, and local church or civic groups. Anyone seeking active nightlife or cultural venues will find options very sparse.