Clinton is a small city with big-city services
Clinton is a central Illinois city and the seat of Dewitt County. “It’s pretty small — we only have about 7,000 people — but it has big-city resources, so it’s kind of the best of both worlds,” says JJ Devore, the designated managing broker and owner of Century 21 Quest, who has lived in Clinton for about 25 years. “We have our own hospital, and you can get your driver’s license renewed. We are also close to Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana, so if I want to go to Sam’s Club or the airport, it’s only about 30 minutes or so.”
From fixer-uppers to newer, ranch-style homes
The city’s center is laid out in a grid, with mature maples and oaks shading the many sidewalks. To the south of Van Buren Street, newer subdivisions feature curving streets, cul-de-sacs and private driveways. “Clinton has a lot of different home options,” Devore says. Small fixer-uppers may sell from $30,000 to $60,000. Compact starter homes and farmhouses from the late 1800s and early 1900s typically range from $70,000 to $160,000. Large ranch-style homes and residences on multiacre lots often fall between $170,000 and $400,000. Condos usually sell for $80,000 to $160,000, with monthly HOA fees ranging from $80 to $180. Some properties near creeks are prone to flooding after heavy rains, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Five public schools and a variety of extracurriculars
Clinton has two schools that serve students from preschool through first grade, Douglas Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School, both of which receive B ratings from Niche. After that, Clinton Elementary School earns a B-plus, Clinton Junior High School gets a C-plus and Clinton High School receives a B-minus. The high school offers a variety of extracurriculars, including bass fishing, Future Farmers of America and cheerleading.
City playgrounds, indoor recreation and state parks
Residents have access to a variety of recreation. Within the city, green spaces include Woodward Park, which has a large playground and sports fields. Kiwanis Park currently has a splash pad, and the city plans to complete a new playground by the end of 2025. Members of the Clinton Community YMCA can use their indoor gym, fitness equipment and pool. The Clintonia Eagle Theater, on the city’s west side, shows first-run movies.
In addition to the city’s parks and facilities, there are also state-run parks a few miles away. Weldon Springs State Park offers camping, hiking and fishing. “It has a beautiful lake, and there’s a monument to veterans that’s quite moving,” Devore says. The Clinton Lake State Recreation Area is about 10 miles east of Clinton. The lake itself was created to cool the nuclear reactor at the Clinton Clean Energy Center. “It’s a very healthy lake,” Devore says. “You can see a lot of wildlife, like herons and bald eagles.” During the summer months, it’s popular for water skiing and swimming. In winter, people come to skate, snowmobile and ice fish. The park also offers over 3,000 acres of land that is open to hunting, as well as miles of multiuse trails.
Antiquing and dining in Clinton, big-box shopping in larger cities
The city is home to several locally owned restaurants, including Snappers Bar & Grill and Ted’s Garage, both of which serve American fare. When the weather is nice, patrons can dine on the patio at the Shore House Bar & Grill, which overlooks Clinton Lake. Clinton also has two grocery stores, Kirby Foods and Save A Lot, as well as several antique malls on the western edge of the city. “Some people find everything they need in the community,” Devore says. “For others, it’s a bedroom community, and they do their shopping in the city where they work.” Big-box shopping is available 20 miles south in Decatur, as well as in Bloomington and Champaign.
Many annual events, but the big draw is the Apple 'n Pork Festival
Clinton hosts a variety of events, including the Clinton County Fair in mid-July and a Christmas parade down Main Street each December. The city is best known for its annual Apple ‘n Pork Festival. Originally a small fundraiser for the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, the festival has grown into a citywide celebration that attracts more than 50,000 people, Devore says. There are historic demonstrations and live music, but many people come for the food and shopping options. “All the local nonprofit organizations set up on the grounds of the homestead, and they sell pork and apple foods, like pulled pork sandwiches and apple fritters,” Devore says. “There’s also a big flea market. It’s like a treasure hunt — you can find some really unique items.”
Most residents drive, and traffic is generally light
Most locals rely on cars for travel, and U.S. Route 51 and state Route 10 connect the community to larger cities like Bloomington and Champaign, which are about 30 and 40 miles away, respectively. “Traffic isn’t really an issue, so driving 30 miles usually takes about 30 minutes,” Devore says. The Piattran bus service also provides limited service to and from Bloomington and Decatur. Medical care is available through the Warner Hospital & Health Services, on West White Street. The Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal is about 30 miles north.
