$229,843Average Value$95Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Lakeside living and tranquil streets
Bayshore, a lakeside community in South Decatur, is separated from the city center, and locals like it just that way. Streets are tranquil, with very little through traffic and a network of neighbors who know one another. People living on Lake Decatur's shoreline get first access to the water, with private docks sticking out from estate-like properties. Public green spaces are also all around, from a city park to a public fishing pier. Children are less than 1 mile from their assigned elementary school, and a shopping center to the north nearly eliminates the need to head downtown for stores and restaurants.
Bayshore is located along the southern coast of Lake Decatur.
Lakeside homes with private docks are in high demand in Bayshore.
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Private and public piers off Lake Decatur
A significant feature of the area is its proximity to Lake Decatur. People living along the shoreline can launch watercraft onto Basin 1 of the lake via private docks. Boaters who live inland must travel about 4 miles north to Lake Decatur Marina if they want to drop a hull in the water, but anglers are less than 2 miles from Fisherman's Warf, a public fishing pier. For a city park experience, South Shores Park is less than a mile from the neighborhood. Kids can play on the little playground while groups get competitive on the ball fields and tennis courts. For those wanting to get closer to nature, Kaufman Lakeside Conservation Area sits at the easternmost end of Bayshore. Phil Julius, Director of Operations at the Macon County Conservation District, says they're working to make the area around the lake more accessible, and much more is planned to make it a hiking destination. "There's no specific timeline, but there is vision." A major goal is expanding the existing hiking trail to the water and implementing public fishing docks. To reach that goal, Julius says they'll focus on "getting the exotic and invasive species crowding the trail under control" so that they can then plan "how to extend the trail over the area's steep ravines in a way that's still ADA-accessible."
Bayshore residents have quick access to the marina on Lake Decatur.
Residents of Bayshore enjoy life on the lake in Decatur.
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Diverse prices and styles but a community on the same page
Bayshore is a vast neighborhood, so home prices vary greatly based on location and size. Most properties cost between $170,000 and $240,000, rarely listing below $130,000. However, homes along the lake can be massive, sporting mansion-like aesthetics and features. Lakeside homes start around $300,000 and usually cap around $700,000, but some can go for as much as $1 million. Home styles are just as diverse as prices, with ranch-style homes sitting next to split-levels, colonial-inspired two-stories, Cape Cods, contemporary homes and entirely custom properties. One thing that stays the same regardless of Bayshore's size is how the community feels about the neighborhood. "Anywhere around here, I can trust that my kids will be safe outside," says Samantha Karch, a South Decatur resident and secretary at the nearby South Shores Elementary School. "I let my 8-year-old walk our dog down the street, and I can trust that my 12- and 14-year-olds to go out and come back home safe." She says many school faculty members also live nearby, and the community is very close-knit. "I can literally find my daughter anywhere in the neighborhood without her having her cell phone because there are so many people that I know in the area."
Colonial style homes are common in Bayshore.
Large homes line the lakeshore in Bayshore.
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South Shores Elementary supported by local houses of worship
Students living in Bayshore are zoned for South Shores Elementary School, which regularly interacts with and is supported by the communities in South Decatur. "We're always holding events for our families, and we partner with several churches," says Kristi Mullinix, the principal of South Shores Elementary. "We have about six that I can call on a minute's notice and say, 'I have a kid without a coat' or 'We want to do a hot chocolate event,' and they come through. I've never been turned down for anything I've asked for." When kids transition to seventh grade, they head to Stephen Decatur Middle School across the lake. Both schools earn a C-minus score from Niche. High schoolers attend Eisenhower High School, which has a C-plus score and a public safety career program.
South Shores Elementary School is an excellent school for all types of students.
Eisenhower High School scored a C+ Niche rating.
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Restaurants and stores in South Towne Plaza
Bayshore has no stores or restaurants within its borders, but it is less than 2 miles from a small shopping center. South Towne Plaza covers everyday essentials with a Kroger, Circle K, Dollar General and Walgreens. Brand-name fast-food spots sit beside more locally known chains like Monical's Pizza and Lu Lu's Pizza. The Wharf Kitchen and Bar is popular for American comfort food, while Guadalajara specializes in south-of-the-border fare. If residents need more, they can head west down Illinois State Route 105 toward more small-town establishments or cross the bridge over Lake Decatur into the city center.
The Wharf is a popular Decatur restaurant near Bayshore.
Bayshore residents shop for fresh produce at the local Kroger.
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South Shores to South Franklin to downtown
South Shores Drive is the area's main thoroughfare, merging with South Franklin Street Road as it approaches one of the many bridges crossing Lake Decatur. Drivers depend on this road to get to the city center less than 3 miles away. There are no bus stops in Bayshore, and the closest ones are at least half a mile away along South Franklin Street Road. When locals need to catch flights, the area is a little over 7 miles from the Decatur Airport.
Transportation through Bayshore is made easy through the local bus system.
Bayshore residents can head to the downtown area to enjoy the local parks.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Kelley
Video By
Jason Jacot
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Randy Grigg
Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
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
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rotary Park
South Shores Park
Lincoln Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bayshore
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bayshore, Decatur sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bayshore, Decatur over the last 12 months is $239,249, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
You won’t find many houses like this on the market! This 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bathroom ranch with a bonus room in the basement has plenty of space, character and charm! With over 3,000 square feet of finished space, there is plenty of room for your family gatherings and entertainment. The main floor has an open concept living area and updated kitchen space. The master suite is very spacious
Described by the designer as 'Refined Rustic Modern', this luxurious home balances natural elements with elegance. A turnkey lifestyle truly awaits at this picturesque wooded property leading down to Lake Decatur! Outside, you will find an abundance of activities including: brand new basketball/pickleball court and hoop, side by side trails, new boathouse and cedar dock construction that is
This beautifully maintained all-brick ranch blends classic charm with modern updates. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, it features a new concrete front patio and custom porch railings with built-in lighting. Recent updates include a roof and garage door (2023), fresh exterior paint, and a bold foundation accent. Inside, the spacious living room showcases a custom focal wall with an
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
923
Median Age
44
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$79,779
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,032
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.4%
Advanced Degrees
18.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
