Sweet c.1923 Illinois Cottage With 3 Car Garage Under $83K

Pros and Cons of Living in Colchester, IL

Pros

1. Exceptionally Affordable Cost of Living & Housing

• Colchester is significantly cheaper than both the Illinois and U.S. averages. The cost of living is roughly 13–16% below Illinois, and 31% below the national average, including housing, groceries, healthcare, and more

• Median home prices range between $65,800 to $86,500, more than 60% below state and national medians

• Rents are also low—ranging roughly $575 to $710/month depending on source

2. Very Low Crime & Strong Safety

• Colchester boasts a very low crime rate: about 50–56% lower than Illinois and the national average. Violent and property crime are both significantly below average

• It’s considered safer than 91% of U.S. cities

3. High Homeownership & Stable Community

• Homeownership is strong—around 74% to 73.6% of residents own their homes—above national averages

4. Short Commutes & Car-Friendly Lifestyle

• Average commute times are short—typically 16 to 22 minutes—thanks in part to peaceful streets and proximity to nearby towns like Macomb

• Car ownership is typical, with around 2 vehicles per household

5. Peaceful, Suburban-Rural Character

• Colchester offers a quiet, “suburban-rural mix” feel, ideal for families and retirees who prefer a slower pace—agreed to be “a great place to call home” by local observers

• There’s historical character here: Argyle Lake State Park is just 2 miles north—featuring 1,700 acres of trails and a 93-acre lake for recreation

Cons

1. Limited Amenities & Local Services

• Walkability for daily necessities is low—most people rely on cars, and public transit is nearly nonexistent

• While Argyle Lake offers outdoor recreation, cultural and retail options are limited.

2. Lower Income & Employment Challenges

• Median household income is around $43,900 to $49,000, which is 20–30% lower than state and national medians

• Unemployment hovers around 6–6.3%, which is higher than national or state averages

• Poverty levels are moderately elevated in some reports

• Although incomes are modest, per-capita income trails the state average by about 19%

3. School Performance Mixed

• School ratings are generally lower: test scores in reading and math are below average. Graduation rates are moderate (~86%)

• Niche assigns the schools a B‑minus, which suggests they’re above average but not stellar

4. Lack of Diversity

• Colchester is predominantly white—about 98.6%, compared to 87.6% for Illinois and 80.3% nationally

5. Population Trends & Size Constraints

• Population continues to decline: from 1,401 in 2010 to 1,108 in 2020—a nearly 21% drop

• Its small size (~1.15 sq mi, ~1,108 residents) limits the breadth of community and services