The hourly chiming of Centralia’s bells is as much a part of life as the rattling of passenger trains. Known for the 165-foot carillon tower — the eighth largest in the world, with 65 bells — this southern Illinois city also draws tens of thousands of visitors to its annual hot air balloon festival. While the city has faced a shrinking population and limited employment, with most jobs in the manufacturing and healthcare fields, the city is working to revive itself. "As someone who's lived here most of my life, it's got an industrial, rustic quality that's being redefined and updated," says Matthew Packman, membership director at the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce. "Entrepreneurs in our downtown are revitalizing businesses and taking us into the next generation."
Centralia was founded as a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1850s.
Centralia is known for the 165-foot carillon tower, the eighth largest in the world
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Turn-of-the-century bungalows, Queen Annes and Minimal Traditionals
Centralia was founded at the intersection of two railroad branches, and many homes date to the peak of railroad use across the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Older prefabricated kit homes from Sears, Roebuck and Company mix with Queen Annes and Minimal Traditionals. New homes are rare, although property owners are addressing the desire for updated housing with second and third-floor apartments above their downtown business remodels. "That happens a lot in larger metros, and it just so happens that these individuals are from larger cities, so they're trying to bring that housing style here," Packman says. The median home price here is $100,000, about a quarter of the national median and about half of nearby Saint Louis. Centralia also has affordable waterfront property along its two lakes. "Many people move here for our lake-front properties because they have a very good price compared to bigger cities like Saint Louis," says Darlene Baltzell, a broker with Rod Snow Realtors who has been selling in Centralia for 38 years.
Discover Queen Anne charm in Centralia’s tree-lined historic neighborhoods.
Simple lines and timeless style define Centralia’s Minimal Traditional homes.
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Kayaking and fishing on Raccoon Lake
Raccoon Lake and Lake Centralia provide boating and kayaking opportunities, while anglers can cast for bass, crappie and bluegill. Centralia's parks feature sports courts and fields, playgrounds, open spaces, picnic shelters and water features. The city continues to improve these parks, securing a $43,000 state grant for a new pavilion at Laura Leake Park and $600,000 for a new playground at Fairview Park. Independently owned but open to the public, Foundation Park has trails through 300 acres of restored prairies and wetlands, past ponds and across a disc golf course. The meadows at Foundation are large enough to host Centralia's annual balloon festival.
Foundation Park's frisbee golf course offers fun and fresh air for all skill levels.
Fairview Park has a playground for kids to enjoy.
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Balloon Fest is Centralia's trademark
Hot air balloons have been part of Centralia's DNA for over 35 years. "If you look around town, you'll see hot air balloon logos and insignias," Packman says. The Chamber of Commerce prepares all year for the Balloon Fest, the city's largest festival, with 40,000 visitors annually. For three days in August, balloons of all shapes, sizes and colors set sail in the early morning and touch back down for an evening balloon glow. Participants take flight in tethered balloon rides and enjoy over 100 food and craft vendors. "There are lots of things that set Centralia apart, but that's a gold notch in our belt," Packman says. "And it only gets bigger every year."
Coffee shops and restaurants in revitalizing downtown
Once-empty downtown storefronts see new life as investors reclaim and reshape the retail spaces. Specialty shops, restaurants and office buildings sit under a canopy of string lights on East Broadway. Rail Coffee Room serves sandwiches, salads, coffees and smoothies and hosts special events such as paint-and-sip classes. Crooked Creek Winery serves wine, cocktails and charcuterie inside or al fresco. Old buildings have also made way for green spaces, including the Bell Tower Park, a new pocket park with a splash pad around the carillon. Aldi and Schnucks are the primary grocery stores.
Rail Coffee Room in Centralia, IL serves sandwiches, salads, coffees and smoothies.
Aldi and Schnucks are the primary grocery stores in Centralia, IL.
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The Orphans are the pride of Centralia
With an overall C-plus from niche, the Centralia City School District includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high school and one high school. Centralia High School's boys basketball team is a point of pride, dating back to 1906. The Orphans are one of the winningest high school programs in the country, with over 2,300 wins. The school itself earns a B from Niche. Kaskaskia College is a public institution offering 44 degree programs.
Schiller Elementary School prioritizes learning and collaboration.
Centralia High School prioritizes learning and collaboration.
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Route 161 is a direct route to St. Louis
With limited sidewalks outside of downtown, Centralia residents rely mainly on public transit and cars. Amtrak's City of New Orleans, Saluki and Illini Lines depart from the downtown station. South Central Transit also provides on-demand service to surrounding cities. Illinois Route 161 crosses the heart of the city, connecting to the interstate system and leading to St. Louis, 62 miles west. St. Louis's Lambert International Airport offers direct flights to dozens of domestic and international destinations. Emergency care is available around the clock at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, a 115-bed inpatient hospital.
Drug-related crime remains an issue
Higher crime rates remain an issue in Centralia. According to FBI data, despite rates being in decline, Centralia still ranked above state and national averages for violent and property crime between 2020 and 2025. The Centralia Police Department has partnered with state and federal law enforcement to tackle gang activity, violent offenders and narcotics activity. The city is home to the Centralia Correctional Center, which provides local employment.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Lee Bailey,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, IL sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, IL over the last 12 months is $105,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large corner lot ready for development and currently zoned as Multi-Family Residential. This parcel is in the Enterprise Zone and located next to the city park and nearby commercial retail district.
Located on Centralia's East side off of Clearlake Drive in beautiful Meadow Woods Estate Subdivision. This .5-acre parcel is shovel ready to build that perfect dream home on.
Welcome to this charming all-brick historic home in Centralia, Illinois! This magnificent property offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a range of unique features that truly make it a one-of-a-kind investment opportunity. (Complete with basement and attic, both able to stand in) From the original wood stairs to the grand front porch and open light windows throughout the home, this house exudes
Meticulously cared-for home offering comfort, efficiency, and exceptional outdoor living. Step into your private backyard retreat featuring a 9’ deep inground pool with diving board, secure fencing around the pool area, a beautifully paved patio with fire pit, and a convenient outdoor dry bar perfect for entertaining. The property also includes a chicken coop with electricity for added
This nice size .92-acre lot is located off of Ross Road in the Rolling Hills Subdivision. This build ready home site includes the 18' x 28' garage situated toward the rear of the property.
Investment opportunity awaits with this partially renovated apartment complex. In addition to the recent exterior renovation, there is currently one of six units completed but currently not leased. Unit 1 has the intended design for a kitchen, family room, utility room and 1-bedroom on the main level and 2-bedrooms with a shared full bath on the upper level. Unit 2 is the completed unit with the
Charming and fully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath cabin nestled on a secluded dead-end road-perfect for those seeking peace and privacy. This functional home offers a true "cabin in the woods" feel, yet remains close to Centralia reservoir for easy access to outdoor recreation. Recent updates include new siding, a beautiful wrap-around porch, new plumbing and drain lines, new flooring throughout,
Cindy QuinnQUINN REALTY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP
This lovely 3 bed/2 bath ranch style home is in a charming neighborhood. The home was completely remodeled by the previous owner in 2021.Everything from the roof, siding, facia, gutters, windows, flooring, paint, lighting, baths, kitchen, tankless hot water heater, furnace and a/c have been updated. The current owners have enclosed the back yard with a full chain link fence, and they widened the
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence is situated on double lots and boasts over 2000 square feet of meticulously remodeled living space, completed in 2017 with the highest quality finishes. Step inside to discover a bright and airy layout featuring a spacious family and dining room, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Cozy up by the elegant gas
Seller is open to long term lease option or lease to own option!! This totally remodeled 1600 plus square foot home sits on a corner triple lot. From the inviting front porch, to the large back patio, you will love the curb appeal. It features a stunning brand new eat in kitchen with custom cabinets, slab counter tops, island and dining area with a cozy fireplace. The master bathroom has a brand
Step right up to a sweet opportunity! Imagine owning a thriving, family-owned custard and ice cream stand, a beloved local gem perfectly positioned on a sprawling 2.5acres in Centralia, Illinois. This isn’t just a business; it’s a destination. Picture families flocking to enjoy delectable frozen treats and then challenging each other on the ADA-accessible, newlybuilt 18-hole mini golf
Property Id: 2381401TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.) Affordable Home Opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious 16x76 layout and is located at 100 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801. The home is priced at
Property Id: 2399833TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.) Affordable Home Opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious 16x76 layout and is located at 94 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801. The home is priced at
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