Why Live in Near West
Near West in Decatur is a neighborhood that balances historical charm with suburban tranquility. Located between downtown Decatur and the city's outskirts, it features historic homes along red brick roads and shaded sidewalks lined with tall trees. The area is primarily homebuyer-focused, with fewer rental units compared to neighborhoods east of downtown. Despite the proximity of a train track, noise is minimal, and the neighborhood remains peaceful, especially along the Sangamon River to the south. Schools are within walking distance, and bike paths connect residents to popular parks like Lincoln Park and Fairview Park, which offer fishing, hiking, and various recreational facilities. Millikin University, just north of Near West, adds an academic presence with its notable programs and historic James Millikin Homestead. The neighborhood's residential streets showcase a variety of home styles, including Victorian mansions, Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes, bungalows, and Dutch-inspired cottages. Coffee lovers frequent The River Coffee Company, while The Winery Bar provides a cozy spot for burgers and pints. Although there are no markets within the neighborhood, grocery stores and pharmacies are within a short drive. Near West is quieter than downtown, with occasional flooding near the river and creeks. Illinois Route 48 and local bus routes provide connectivity, with St. Mary's Hospital 2.5 miles southeast and the nearest major airport 42 miles west in Springfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Near West a good place to live?
Near West is a good place to live. Near West is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Near West is a historic neighborhood. Near West has 9 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 30. The average household income is $42,623 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 16.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Near West are renters, with 67.5% of residents renting and 32.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Near West can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Near West neighborhood guide.
Is Near West, IL a safe neighborhood?
Near West, 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 Near West?
The median home price in Near West is $545,660. If you put a 20% down payment of $109,100 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,830 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $121K a year to afford the median home price in Near West. The average household income in Near West is $43K.
What are the best public schools in Near West?
The best public schools that serve Near West are:
What are the best private schools in Near West?
The best private schools that serve Near West are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Near West, Decatur, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Near West, Decatur, IL?
Home Trends in Near West, IL
On average, homes in Near West, Decatur sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Near West, Decatur over the last 12 months is $779,900.
Median Sale Price
$779,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$615,960
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$140,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$241
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Median List Price
$545,660
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%