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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, IL sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, IL over the last 12 months is $111,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom built 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, eat-in-kitchen, formal dining room. Open stairway. Family rooms on 2 levels. Full finished basement. Covered patio, fenced back yard. Storage building. 2 car attached garage.
Welcome to 1629 Firewood Lane, a secluded retreat where modern updates meet the serenity of nature. Tucked at the end of a quiet lane and surrounded by mature timber, this thoughtfully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence sits on a picturesque 0.43-acre lot, offering a rare sense of privacy just moments from Centralia’s amenities and nearby lake access. Inside, the home has been reimagined with
Lot 53 in Pine Hurst Estates Subdivision located on Centralia's East side. This nice size shovel ready lot with site utilities is perfect for that beautiful dream home construction. Enjoy City living conveniences with the countryside nearby.
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.
Lot 52 in Pine Hurst Estates Subdivision located on Centralia's East side. This nice size shovel ready lot with site utilities is perfect for that beautiful dream home construction. Enjoy City living conveniences with the countryside nearby.
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.
Lot 4 in Pine Hurst Estates Subdivision located on Centralia's East side. This nice size shovel ready lot with site utilities is perfect for that beautiful dream home construction. Enjoy City living conveniences with the countryside nearby.
Inviting Lakefront Cottage - Enjoy lakefront living in this fully renovated one-bedroom cottage situated on the shores of Raccoon Lake. Completely updated with a thoughtfully designed room addition in 2020, this unique property offers flexible living spaces and exceptional outdoor amenities. The spacious open-concept kitchen and great room create an inviting gathering space and currently is
This wonderful family home has so much charm!! Two story Cape Cod style floorplan that includes a large family room, eat in kitchen and new bathroom/laundry area on the main floor. The kitchen has tons of space and the cabinets have been meticulously cared for! There are two bedrooms and an additional full bath upstairs, as well. The basement is partially finished and has another bath/shower
Exceptional Country Home on 13.65 Surveyed Acres Just Minutes from CentraliaNestled among beautiful mature shade trees, this attractive country property offers the perfect combination of comfortable living, recreational opportunities, and rural charm. Situated on 13.65 surveyed acres, the property provides privacy, scenic views, and ample space to enjoy the outdoors while remaining
Property Id: 2460857Why keep renting when you could own?This home offers:• Affordable monthly payment• Move in right away• No traditional bank financing required• A chance to build ownership instead of paying rentPerfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.Opportunities like
Property Id: 2381401Affordable 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 $59,999 with financing available, including an estimated monthly payment of $1,103 and an estimated down payment of $2,750. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park,
Property Id: 2725307Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for a cozy place to call home? This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home at 74 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801 features a 14x66 layout and is priced at $27,500. Estimated monthly payment is $770 with an estimated down payment of $1,375. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and covered picnic area.
Property Id: 2725315Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for an affordable place to call home? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home at 18 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801 features a 14x56 layout and is priced at $25,500. Estimated monthly payment is $742 with an estimated down payment of $1,275. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and covered picnic
Property Id: 2600370Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for a cozy home with great value? This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home at 14 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801 features a 14x66 layout and is priced at $27,500. Estimated monthly payment is $778 with an estimated down payment of $1,375. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and covered picnic area.
Property Id: 2716458Why keep renting when you could own?This home offers:• Affordable monthly payment• Move in right away• No traditional bank financing required• A chance to build ownership instead of paying rentPerfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.Opportunities like
Property Id: 2735345Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for a spacious and affordable home? This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home at 90 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801 features a 14x70 layout and is priced at $30,000. Estimated monthly payment is $808 with an estimated down payment of $1,500. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and covered picnic
Property Id: 2482109Affordable Home Opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious 16x76 layout and is located at 2 Deerwood Dr, Centralia, IL 62801. The home is priced at $61,750. Financing is available with an estimated monthly payment of $1,187 and an estimated down payment of $3,250. This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and
Property Id: 2733301Affordable Home Opportunity! This brand-new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious 16x76 layout and is located at 15 Deerwood Park, Centralia, IL 62801. The home is available for rent at $1,225 per month with a $2,450 security deposit.This home is in a clean, all-age community with a playground, dog park, and covered picnic area. Sheds are optional—if you’d
No Pets. No Smoking.New Roof.Welcome home to a shaded lot on a newly refinished home with plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and make themselves at home. This open concept Living Room, Dining Room with adjacent kitchen offers plenty of daylight from new windows Single Family Residence on a quiet street within an established neighborhood. No Pets. No Smoking.W/D hookups
Office Space for Lease - CentraliaApproximately 1,500 square feet of office space available in Centralia. An adjacent warehouse is also available and can be leased along with the office space if additional storage or workspace is needed.Included with Rent:All utilities paidHigh-speed internet includedContact us for more information or to schedule a tour after submitting your
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