Why Live in The Elms
The Elms neighborhood in Decatur features midcentury homes built between 1920 and 1960, including ranches and bungalows typically under 2,000 square feet with detached garages. The area has a mix of well-maintained properties and homes needing renovation, creating a diverse range of price points. Hess Park is a local highlight, offering a playground, seasonal spray pad, basketball courts, and the Dexter Fowler Field, which hosts the Redbird Rookies baseball league. The park also provides free lunches and activities for kids during June and July. Nearby dining options include Carrol Lou's Smokehouse, Coffee Connection, Curly's Sports Bar, and JJ Fish & Chicken. The Brettwood Village shopping center, less than a mile away, includes a Kroger, Aldi, and Planet Fitness. The Decatur YMCA, located less than a mile from The Elms, offers summer camps, fitness equipment, and youth sports lessons, and hosts the annual Backpack Attack event. St. John's Lutheran Church and the Northeast Community Fund provide community support with events and assistance programs. The Elms is conveniently located near Decatur Memorial Hospital, with a 15-minute walk for healthcare workers, and is about 3 miles from major employers like ADM and Caterpillar. Downtown Decatur is 2 miles away and accessible by bus. The neighborhood is safer than the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Elms a good place to live?
The Elms is a good place to live. The Elms is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable. The Elms is an urban pioneer neighborhood. The Elms has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 47. The average household income is $45,895 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 11.8% of residents. A majority of residents in The Elms are home owners, with 49.3% of residents renting and 50.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving The Elms can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
The Elms neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in The Elms?
The median home price in The Elms is $74,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $14,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.3%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $370 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $16K a year to afford the median home price in The Elms. The average household income in The Elms is $46K.
What are the best public schools in The Elms?
The best public schools that serve The Elms are:
What are the best private schools in The Elms?
The best private schools that serve The Elms are:
What are the most popular zip codes in The Elms, Decatur, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near The Elms, Decatur, IL?
Are home prices dropping in The Elms?
Yes, home prices in The Elms are down 18% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in The Elms, IL
On average, homes in The Elms, Decatur sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in The Elms, Decatur over the last 12 months is $62,750, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$62,750
Median Single Family Sale Price
$78,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$57
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$74,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%