Why Live in West End
                
                    
                    
                        West End, one of Decatur's oldest neighborhoods, is renowned for its historic architectural styles and proximity to public parks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the area preserves many vintage homes, contributing to its quiet residential charm. The neighborhood is just 2 miles from downtown Decatur, offering a peaceful alternative to the city's hustle and bustle. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, often organizing block parties and events. The streets feature a mix of early 1900s bungalows, colonial revivals, and mid-20th-century ranch-style and split-level homes, all lined with mature trees. West End is surrounded by trails, ponds, and parks, including Kiwanis Park with its playground and sports courts, and the expansive 185-acre Fairview Park, which offers tennis and pickleball courts, a skate area, and a dog run. Fairview Park is undergoing a $1.2 million playground renovation, expected to be completed in late 2024. The neighborhood is bordered by the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek, with some areas designated as Special Hazard Flood Zones by FEMA. Local children attend Dennis Lab School, known for its project-based learning, and MacArthur High. Millikin University, adjacent to West End, provides cultural attractions like the Kirkland Fine Arts Center and sports events. The Fairview Shopping Center, about a mile north, offers limited retail options since the Kroger closed in 2018, but residents can find more dining options near the university. West End is conveniently located near Interstate 72, providing easy access to Springfield, 40 miles away, and Decatur's regional airport.
                    
                
            
        
                
                
                        
Frequently Asked Questions
                    
                            
                                Is West End a good place to live?
                            West End is a good place to live. West End is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. West End is a historic neighborhood. West End has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 36. The average household income is $72,856 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 41.5% of residents. A majority of residents in West End are home owners, with 24.7% of residents renting and 75.3% of residents owning their home.  A 
local real estate agent serving West End can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our 
West End neighborhood guide.
 
                             
                            
                                How much do you need to make to afford a house in West End?
                            The median home price in West End is $139,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $28,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.17%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $680 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $29K a year to afford the median home price in West End. The average household income in West End is $73K.
                             
                            
                                What are the best public schools in West End?
                            The best public schools that serve West End are:
 
                             
                            
                                What are the best private schools in West End?
                            The best private schools that serve West End are:
 
                             
                            
                                What are the most popular zip codes in West End, Decatur, IL?
                            
                             
                            
                                What are the most popular neighborhoods near West End, Decatur, IL?
                            
                             
                            
                                Are home prices dropping in West End?
                            Yes, home prices in West End are down 2% in the last 12 months.
                             
                
        
    
        Home Trends in West End, IL
           On average, homes in West End, Decatur sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West End, Decatur over the last 12 months is $135,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months. 
		
			
    
            
                
                    
                            Median Sale Price
                            $135,000
                     
                 
                    
                        
                                Median Single Family Sale Price
                                $139,900
                         
                     
             
            
                
                    
                            Average Price Per Sq Ft
                            $73
                     
                 
                    
                        
                                Number of Homes for Sale
                                12
                         
                     
             
            
                
                    
                            Last 12 months Home Sales
                            89
                     
                 
                    
             
            
                
                    
                            Median List Price
                            $139,900
                     
                 
                    
                        
                                Median Change From 1st List Price
                                2%
                         
                     
             
            
                
                    
                            Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
                            -8%