Lovely c.1910 Illinois Craftsman Bungalow Under $115K

If interested in a property, pleases 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.

211 McNeil St, Carterville, IL 62918    $114,900

• Contact Realtor: Joshua Jeralds
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros

1. Affordability & cost of living

   • Carterville’s cost-of-living index is below the national average and housing is relatively affordable for Illinois.

   • The housing market: median sale price recently reported around $212,000, +5.2 % year-over-year in September 2025.

   • The city is described as a “bedroom community” with a small-town feel, offering good value for families.

2. Strong educational opportunities

   • The local public school district (Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5) has received positive recognition.

   • Presence of John A. Logan College in Carterville offers additional higher education and community-resources.

   • Good for families looking for decent schools and educational infrastructure.

3. Good safety metrics / reasonable crime rates (relative to region)

   • One source reports that Carterville’s crime rate is 24% lower than the national average, with violent crime ~28% lower.

   • Another crime map site gives very positive grades for many areas.

   • This suggests that, especially in the right neighborhoods, Carterville can be a fairly safe place to live.

4. Outdoor recreation & proximity to nature

   • Nestled near the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and lakes, offering fishing, boating, trails, and outdoor activities.

   • This is appealing if you value access to nature without being too far from town.

5. Community feel & convenient location

   • Carterville has been described as friendly, with a small-town vibe where people know each other.

   • It is located between larger hubs (such as Carbondale, Illinois and Marion, Illinois) for access to more amenities.

Cons

1. Smaller size & limited amenities

   • Carterville is a small city (~5,800 residents) and some sources flag “amenities” as a weak point (e.g., fewer shopping, dining, entertainment options).

   • For those used to large-city entertainment, nightlife, or very diverse dining scenes, this can feel limiting.

2. Job market and growth may be more modest

   • While there are educational and healthcare/employment anchors, many jobs may require commuting or be in smaller-scale industries. One article mentions limitations in job opportunities.

   • Population growth is very slow: one dataset shows a 5-year growth of ~0.4%.

   • If you prioritize rapid job growth, startup culture, or a large corporate ecosystem, this may be a trade-off.

3. Commute / transport and walkability limitations

   • Public transit and amenity access may be limited: resident reviews mention dependence on a vehicle. (Referenced in local commentary)

   • One rating site clarifies the “Amenities” ease-of-access is low.

   • If you prefer being able to walk everywhere or rely less on a car, this may matter.

4. Some local criticisms & cultural considerations

   • While safety stats are strong, some resident reviews highlight issues:

     “The schools are a nightmare … their government is nonexistent … a depressing lack of night life, diversity, and economic opportunities.”

   • These reflect that in small towns, experiences can vary a lot by neighborhood, and local culture may feel more homogeneous or less dynamic.

5. House-buying competition & market nuance

   • Although affordability is a plus, the local market is still rising and homes can sell in about 60 days on average.