c.1930 Illinois Fixer Upper For Sale $59,900

A two story town house ideal for expanding investors! You will think of an old farm house kitchen offering plenty of storage with high ceilings and built in cupboards from the floor up along with a tiled counter top. Higher ceilings makes this spacious and open bringing tall windows to produce an abundance of natural light throughout the home. The original hardwood floors and solid wooden steps offer great potential for refinishing. Outback there is a fenced in area filled with freely blooming and flowering trees. The added parcel gives wide open opportunity for gardening, building expansion or play area for kids and pets. A single one car detached garage for power tools, mowers , extra storage, etc. This property is being sold AS-IS. No credits or repairs to be offered at closing. It will not last long boasting these newer updates roof, hot water heater , HVAC and furnace. Call today for your showing!

The Pros

• Deeply Affordable Housing: Centralia is one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the U.S. Median home values often sit around $80,000–$100,000, with a cost of living nearly 20% lower than the national average.

   

• Regional Hub for Shopping: For a town of its size (approx. 12,000), it has a robust commercial presence.Residents have easy access to major retailers like Schnucks and Walmart, serving a wide rural catchment area.

   

• Outdoor Amenities: The town boasts impressive parks, most notably Foundation Park, which features hiking trails, fishing ponds, and the “Castle” playground. Fairview Park offers a sprawling space for community events and sports.

   

• MSU-Northern/Education: Centralia is home to Kaskaskia College, providing accessible higher education and vocational training that supports the local workforce.

   

• Short Commutes: The average commute time is roughly 12–17 minutes. Traffic is essentially non-existent, making daily life low-stress for those working locally.

   

• Central Location: Situated in Southern Illinois, you are about 1 hour and 15 minutes from St. Louis, giving you access to major league sports, international travel, and big-city amenities for weekend trips.

The Cons

• High Crime Rates: Crime is a significant concern; Centralia’s crime rate is higher than 95% of Illinois communities. The chance of being a victim of property or violent crime is roughly 1 in 31, which often requires residents to invest more in home security.

   

• Economic Stagnation: The median household income is roughly 30% lower than the national average. While the job market is stable in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, high-paying corporate or tech opportunities are scarce.

• School Performance: While diverse, the local public school district often receives average to below-average ratings (frequently in the C+ to B- range) for academic proficiency compared to state averages.

• Urban Blight: Like many older industrial towns, some neighborhoods struggle with dilapidated housing and vacant storefronts. However, recent 2026 initiatives have focused on demolition and revitalization of these areas.

• Limited “Fresh” Amenities: While there are fast-food and local staples, there is a lack of “trendy” dining, high-end entertainment, or nightlife. Residents often drive to Mt. Vernon or St. Louis for more variety.

• Property Taxes: While home prices are low, Illinois has some of the highest property tax rates in the country, which can eat into the savings gained from the low mortgage.