$313,097Average Value$143Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Chatham is a fast-growing suburb of Springfield
Bordering the southern edge of Springfield, the village of Chatham provides a suburban lifestyle just outside the state capital. “Chatham is a town in its own right, but it’s right next to Springfield, and you wouldn’t know when you leave or enter the other,” says Julie Davis, a broker with The Real Estate Group, who lives in that transitional spot between the two. The village is renowned for its successful public education system, which ranks among the top school districts in the region. It’s one of the reasons why the population grew from around 8,500 to nearly 14,000 between 2000 and 2020. “People are initially drawn to the schools,” says Davis. “They stay because they like the community spirit.” That sense of Chatham pride is woven into the many events held throughout the year and can be felt at the packed high school football games, where locals cheer on their fellow Titans.
Chatham offers suburban living just minutes from Springfield.
Route 66 mural decorates a building in downtown Chatham.
1/2
Single-family homes with a wide price range
Houses date from the mid-1900s through today, with a median sale price of $295,000. Common midcentury options include ranch-style, split-level and Colonial Revival houses, ranging from around $140,000 to $315,000. Similar homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s have sold for around $190,000 to $500,000. Larger New Traditional designs from 2010 to 2025 typically range from $325,000 to $540,000. Upscale houses at the Piper Glen Golf Club community also feature New Traditional architecture and sell for around $500,000 to $875,000.
Brick-front Modern Traditional home in Chatham blends classic and new.
Farmhouse-style home in Chatham highlights rural architectural roots.
1/2
One of the region's highest-rated school districts
Chatham and surrounding communities are served by the Ball-Chatham School District, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche and is ranked the best school district in the Springfield area. Glenwood High receives the same grade as the school district and is notable for its athletic programs. In 2023, the Glenwood Titans won more than a dozen Central State Eight Conference championships in more than a dozen sports and a girl's soccer state championship. In fall, Friday nights are dedicated to football. “High school football is huge here,” says Davis. “Every square inch of the parking lot is filled up with people tailgating.”
Glenwood Elementary serves Chatham students in grades one through five.
Glenwood High School in Chatham is known for academics and athletics.
Glenwood Middle School in Springfield offers programs for grades six to eight.
1/3
The state's largest lake and several community parks
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Lake Springfield, the largest lake in Illinois with 4,200 acres of water. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the region for boating and fishing. Several parks and marinas surround the lake’s 57 miles of shoreline. At Chatham Community Park, kids play baseball, football and soccer through local leagues. The park also has pickleball and tennis courts, a playground and an amphitheater used for community events. Chatham Square also hosts events downtown. Jaycee Park is right next to the Christian County water tower, featuring a ball field, two basketball courts and a playground. The Interurban Trail runs through Chatham, stretching more than 8 miles to Springfield through woods and over Lake Springfield.
Boating on Lake Springfield is a popular past time for everyone living in Chatham.
Chatham residents head to Union Square Park for the Artist in the Park event.
1/2
Stores and restaurants up and down Main Street
Main Street has a mix of fast-food chains and local restaurants. In the downtown area, residents enjoy Chatham Café’s casual diner atmosphere and homestyle food, along with Sangamo Brewing’s lively pub setting. About a half mile from downtown are some small shopping centers at the intersection of Main Street and Plummer Boulevard, with a few more local restaurants, such as Sakura Sushi and The Creek Pub & Grill. There’s also a County Market regional grocery store, Dollar General and Walgreens. It’s also about a 10-minute drive to several big-box retailers in Springfield.
Guests enjoy meals at Sangamon Brewing Co in downtown Chatham.
Sweet Pea Consignment in Chatham offers clothing and accessories.
1/2
The annual Sweetcorn Festival and month-long Christmas events
Locals look forward to several annual events. The Sweetcorn Festival started in 1975 and is held every summer with live music, vendors and free corn. For decades, the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted a Mardi Gras celebration and a golf outing that raises funds for the community. Chatham also goes big for Christmas, with volunteers putting on different holiday events throughout December, including a drive-through light display at Chatham Community Park. “Cars will be lined up for a mile to see all the lights,” says Davis. “It’s become a holiday tradition for many families.” Locals also compete in a contest called Twinkling Trees on the Square, where they decorate Christmas trees on Chatham Square and the community comes out to vote for their favorite.
Two highway options to downtown Springfield
Chatham is a car-dependent community, as there is no public transportation. Commuters can either take Illinois Route 4 or Interstate 55 to get to downtown Springfield. Both options take about 20 to 25 minutes. It’s also a 25 to 30-minute drive to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, where travelers can fly to Chicago, Orlando, Tampa or Punta Gorda.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Matthew Bloch
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Davis,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Chatham, IL sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Chatham, IL over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare 4-Unit Investment Opportunity in Chatham, IL! Each unit offers 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, providing comfortable and functional living for tenants. In-unit laundry adds extra convenience and appeal. Located in a quiet, safe neighborhood, this property is currently occupied by reliable long-term tenants—offering immediate cash flow and low-maintenance management. Roof was new in
Spartan Estates - 2nd Addition - Lot #60 - Opa Court. Residential Single Family Corner Lot. Utilities Present. Ready to be Built on. More Information to Come.
New construction 2-story home offering a functional layout with modern finishes throughout. The main floor features an open-concept design with a spacious living room that flows into the kitchen, complete with a large center island, quartz countertops, and walk-in pantry. A drop zone is conveniently located off the 3-car garage. The main level also includes the 5th bedroom, which can serve as a
Traditional 2 story home on a HUGE pie shaped lot with the convenience of 2nd floor laundry. A well laid out first floor with an inviting 2 story entry that opens to the kitchen and dining area. From there you'll open further into the living room with a convenient multi-purpose sunroom tucked just behind that spills out onto the back patio. Four bedrooms spaced out on the 2nd floor with a primary
Spartan Estates - 2nd Addition - Lot #63 - Opa Court. Residential Single Family Possible Walk-Out - Sloping Lot. Utilities Present. Ready to be Built on. More Information to Come.
This 1.5 story floor plan has just about everything you could want. Wide open main living space with 2 story ceiling opens into the kitchen with large island breakfast bar and a 4 x 8 walk-in pantry. Step out the back door from the informal eating area to the 14 x 14 patio. The main floor primary bedroom suite has a double vanity, sizable shower, and a 5.1 x 13.8 walk-in-closet. Three bedrooms
Great corner lot in the back of Manor Hill II. Here is your opportunity to build your dream home on a quiet street in Chatham School District. This lot is 132' x 110'.
Breckenridge Manor is Chatham's Premier Luxury Home Development. Lot 80 backs up to a tree line. The development sits just east of Breckenridge Estates & is also located in the heart of Chatham, near Chatham Community Park, Chatham Public Library, schools, & churches. Broker owned.
Lot 55 in Breckenridge Manor a Chatham Premier Luxury Home Development. The development sits just east of Breckenridge Estates & is also located in the heart of Chatham, near Chatham Community Park, Chatham Public Library, schools, & churches. Broker owned.
Amazing school district! Close to Springfield's west side, 15 minutes from downtown, and close to major highways. Largest 2BR apartments in the metro area! All newer construction!
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
