c.1940 Illinois Bungalow With Lovely Woodwork Under $90K

The Pros

• Incredible Housing Affordability: The cost of entry for real estate is remarkably low. The median property value sits at around $98,500 to $110,000, which is roughly a third of the national average. This high affordability translates to an exceptionally strong homeownership rate of over 83%.

   

• Safe and Quiet Environment: Crime rates in Ashland are well below national and state averages. It’s the kind of community where neighbors know one another, streets are quiet at night, and parents feel comfortable letting their kids play outside.

   

• Tight-Knit, Welcoming Community: Living in Ashland offers a heavy dose of rural charm. Locals describe it as a highly hospitable place where “everybody waves”, and the civic life centers heavily around local schools, parks, churches, and the village library.

   

• Proximity to the State Capital: While Ashland itself is strictly rural, it is located only about 25 to 30 miles northwest of Springfield. This means you can enjoy small-town living while keeping a reasonable 30-minute commute to the capital for employment, major healthcare facilities, and big-box shopping.

   

The Cons

• Virtually No Local Economy or Amenities: Beyond a few essential local shops and businesses, Ashland offers almost no commercial amenities. There are no major grocery stores, very limited local dining options, and zero nightlife. For anything beyond basic necessities, you must drive to larger neighboring cities like Springfield or Jacksonville.

   

• Heavy Commuter Dependency: Because good-paying jobs are in short supply within the village limits, the vast majority of residents commute out of town for work, resulting in an average daily commute of about 24 minutes. A reliable vehicle is mandatory, as there is zero public transportation.

   

• Limited Extracurriculars and Entertainment: Outside of the local parks, there are very few activities to keep teenagers or young adults entertained. If you don’t enjoy outdoor recreation (like hunting or fishing in the surrounding regions) or domestic hobbies, the environment can feel isolating or mundane.

• Stagnant/Declining Growth: Like many rural Midwestern farming communities, Ashland has experienced a slow but steady population decline over the last decade. This lack of growth means less tax revenue for infrastructure upgrades, which can leave local roads and public spaces feeling a bit dated.

   

• Severe Weather Risks: Located right in the heart of central Illinois, the village is subject to extreme winter freezes, heavy humidity in the summers, and sits squarely within a region prone to severe spring thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.