Carterville offers small-town living in the heart of Southern Illinois
Carterville is a sought-after bedroom community in Williamson County, Southern Illinois. The small city is ideally situated near bigger cities and retail hubs, while also just within an hour of Southern Illinois Wine Country. The hamlet is well known for its reputable public school district, attracting homebuyers and families with children. “We are a smaller town with just one main road, and we are between Marion and Carbondale,” says Morgan Lentz, office clerk at city hall. “Many people move here because of our school district, and we have a small-town feel where people will come into city hall just to chat.” In addition to having an eclectic mix of country homes, the community abuts Crab Orchard Lake, providing residents with a quiet lifestyle and access to outdoor recreation.
Carterville housing ranges from 1900s cottages to new subdivisions
Carterville has a diverse mix of housing styles. Properties around the city center are typically from the late Victorian Era, with smaller Cape Cods, cottages and Craftsman homes sitting alongside gridded neighborhood blocks. These homes can sell around $24,000 to $100,000. Sitting on open lawns and slightly winding roads, properties farther out in the country often have bigger lots, at half-acre to over 2 acres, and styles often include ranch-styles, raised ranches, Colonial Revivals and split-levels. Prices can go from $110,000 to around $350,000. Newer properties in subdivisions can go between $400,000 and $600,000. Manufactured homes are between $100,000 and $400,000.
Carterville has a highly-acclaimed public school district
The city is served by Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5. Students may begin schooling atTri-C Elementary School, which goes from kindergarten through third grade. Carterville Intermediate School teaches grades four to six. Then, students may continue to Carterville Junior High and Carterville High School, which was given exemplary rating by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2022 and 2023. All schools have an A-minus grade from Niche. John A. Logan College is also home to Carterville.
Parks and recreation options around the city
Cannon Park has a sports field, sand volleyball courts, a skate park, a playground and walking paths that loops around a pond. The park is also home to the community center, which is a popular venue for private parties and events. The city’s oldest park, James Street, features additional sports fields and play areas, and local youth sports leagues often practice here. Blue Heron Marina is on Crab Orchard Lake, which is the community’s central hub for water recreation. Activities include paddleboarding, canoeing, boating and camping. Crab Orchard Golf Club has an 18-hole course and is open to the public for tee times.
Shopping and dining options in Carterville and Marion
Country Cupboard has classic diner food, and Pizza & Pasta Express features train-themed décor. “I would say these two restaurants have been around for a long time, and they are considered local staples,” Lentz says. There is a Dollar General along Plaza Drive, with Target and Kroger in Marion. Nearby cities of Herin, Marion and Carbondale all offer additional shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Distance to nearby cities and airport
Illinois state Route 13 runs through Carterville, and Illinois state Route 148 passes near the city. Marion is approximately 10 miles east, and Carbondale is 10 miles west, both of which are bigger shopping hubs that can be accessed via Route 13. Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is about 5 miles away, offering direct flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. SIH Herrin Hospital is approximately 5 miles north in Herin. Public bus transportation is serviced by Rides Mass Transit District.
Events and celebrations in Carterville
Carterville Lions Club Fair is held annually in September and offers live entertainment, food, games, a parade and carnival rides. Christmas in Carterville features a local market, carolers, crafts activities, visits with Santa, snacks and hot cocoa and carriage rides.
