Why Live in Garden Hills
Garden Hills, located in the northwest part of Champaign near Interstate 74, is an established neighborhood known for its long-term residents and stability. The area is divided by railroad tracks, with ongoing efforts to address a flood-prone section south of the tracks through the construction of a detention basin expected to be completed by summer 2024. Hedge Park, featuring a splash play area, exercise stations, playground equipment, and a plaza gathering space, is set to open by early 2026. Current recreational options include Garden Hills Park, which offers a walking trail, baseball diamond, and playground, and nearby Dodds Park, known for its lighted baseball and soccer fields and the Tribute to Olympic Athletes monument. The neighborhood features split-level and ranch-style homes built in the 1950s, typically with two to three bedrooms and ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Dining options include Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant and Thara Thai, while retail stores like Target, Sam’s Club, and Meijer are located north of I-74 on Prospect Avenue. The Kraft Heinz facility, a significant local employer, has recently dealt with odor issues from its wastewater treatment plant, though these are not considered health hazards. The Champaign Unit 4 School District offers an elementary school choice system, with Centennial High School receiving high ratings. Garden Hills is a short drive from the University of Illinois campus and its athletic facilities, making it a convenient location for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garden Hills a good place to live?
Garden Hills is a good place to live. Garden Hills is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Garden Hills has 6 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 32. The average household income is $50,127 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 10.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Garden Hills are renters, with 63.2% of residents renting and 36.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Garden Hills can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Garden Hills neighborhood guide.
Is Garden Hills, IL a safe neighborhood?
Garden Hills, IL is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Garden Hills?
The median home price in Garden Hills is $578,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $115,700 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,000 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $129K a year to afford the median home price in Garden Hills. The average household income in Garden Hills is $50K.
What are the best public schools in Garden Hills?
The best public schools that serve Garden Hills are:
What are the best private schools in Garden Hills?
The best private schools that serve Garden Hills are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Garden Hills, Champaign, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Garden Hills, Champaign, IL?
Home Trends in Garden Hills, IL
On average, homes in Garden Hills, Champaign sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Garden Hills, Champaign over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$525,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$525,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$242,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$294
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Median List Price
$578,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
37%