$53,608Average Value$44Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Resilient residents in an affordable neighborhood
Once a booming industrial corridor with one of the largest train yards in the country, Decatur has since faced financial difficulties. Job opportunities and population decreased in the past 50 years as manufacturers and distributors shut down or relocated. GM Square is one of those Decatur neighborhoods that has struggled to bounce back, but affordable homes and city grants provide the necessary tools to promote new homeownership. Decatur Memorial Hospital, one of the largest employers in the city, is in the middle of the neighborhood and provides jobs within walking distance. Rentals are common in the area, but turnover isn't rapid. In fact, "Residents have lived here all their lives – sometimes in rentals and some even in the houses they were raised in," says Randy Grigg, a broker associate at Vieweg Real Estate who has lived in Decatur for most of his life. Parks and schools are nearby, and GM Square offers more than what meets the eye – including a community of hard-working, resilient residents. "People who don't know Decatur seem to get down on the city, but it's a wonderful place to live, and it's very affordable," says Renee Sommer, managing broker and owner of County Line Realty. "We're survivors and will always reinvent ourselves with a constantly evolving community."
Memorial Hospital has been providing GM Square and other communities medical care since 1916.
The GM Square area has many charming affordable homes in its community.
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Inexpensive homes attract landlords
Cape Cods, bungalows, ranch-style homes and workers' cottages from the early 20th century sit along the neighborhood's gridded streets. Single-family homes range in price between $20,000 and $90,000 depending on condition. Many homes are over 100 years old, some dating back to 1910. They show their age and often require renovations. Fortunately, the city of Decatur offers grants and programs for roof repair, utility replacement and yard cleaning for owners under certain income thresholds. Despite grants in place, homes have been demolished in the southern end towards downtown, leaving behind dirt driveways that lead to empty lots. The neighborhood also has large American Foursquare and Colonial Revival homes that sell between $30,000 and $80,000. "We do have a growing trend of out-of-town investors," Sommer says. "They see the very low prices of homes and think the homes will pay for themselves very quickly." At only $39 per square foot and with a median home price of $35,000, GM Square houses average nearly $500,000 less than the national average. Decatur has a high history of rentals and renters partly due to its history as an industrial city. "People were living paycheck to paycheck and couldn't afford homes," Sommer says. "But there are also a lot of people who prefer renting because it's less demanding, and they don't have to repair anything themselves."
Some GM Square homeowners are eligible for grants of up to $15,000.
Many of the homes in the GM Square area have plenty of yard space.
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Baseball leagues and a reservable pavilion
Monroe Park is directly south of Decatur Memorial Hospital and its many medical specialist offices. The neighborhood green space has two basketball courts, though the painted lines on one faded years ago. A swing set and playground sit next to a shaded pavilion, so parents can relax and sit down while their children play within sight. Hess Park is 1 mile east and one of the locations where Decatur's Little League baseball and softball programs play. In addition to six diamonds, the park has a pavilion that residents can rent at a small fee for birthday parties, picnics and community events. Indoor fun happens in the neighborhood at Decatur Family YMCA. Memberships and day passes for the gym, pool and fitness classes are available.
Located near GM Square Monroe park offers a range of activities for people to enjoy.
Hess Park near GM Square has a nice long walking trail plus other amenities.
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Earning an associate’s degree for free
Children who live GM Square start school at Parsons Elementary School, rated a C-minus by Niche. Every elementary school in the district feeds into the only middle school in Decatur, Stephen Decatur Middle School. The school is rated a C-minus, while MacArthur High School is rated a C. MacArthur offers The Prep Academy Program, where students can earn their associate's degree during the four years it takes to earn their high school diploma, and the program is entirely free. Another free program the district offers is an extended before and after school program from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Stephen Decatur Middle School near GM Square, creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
Parsons Accelerated School near the GM Square area offers plenty of fun after school activities.
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Accessibility from a central location
Decatur is a small city – only about 10 miles in diameter – and getting around is a breeze so long as a train isn't slowly making its way across an intersection. A train track intersects GM Square, and while most side streets used to pass over the tracks, metal barriers now block them to improve safety, resulting in many dead-end streets. GM Square is central to the city, only 2 miles north of the downtown Decatur area, 6 miles northwest of the Decatur Airport and 4 miles south of Interstate 72. Interstate 72 leads west to Springfield and east to Champaign, about 40 miles away. Buses run along Water Street and Monroe Street, and those who drive can park their cars in detached garages, along the streets, or in alleyways that intersect the blocks.
The Decatur Public Transit System operates 15 bus routes some in the GM Square area.
Many GM Square residents can utilize the nice Decatur bus system if needed.
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Family-style take-out meals at La Gondola
The intersection of Pershing Road and Water Street has fast-food restaurants and national chains like McDonald's and Bob Evans. The same intersection is where the nearest Kroger and Aldi are, as well as car dealerships and familiar stores. Local to GM Square, however, is La Gondola Spaghetti House North. Since 1982, the brick building with a bright blue roof has been hard to miss. Sandwiches, pasta dinners and sides like garlic bread and salads are available in the dining room or at the drive-through. It's a popular destination for take-out due to its family-style pasta by the half gallon and lasagna by the pan. Farmer's Garden Center is in the middle of the neighborhood and has everything one needs to spruce up their lawn. A collection of flowers, pumpkins, wreathes and vegetables rotate throughout the four seasons.
The GM Square community has been enjoying the La Gondola Spaghetti House delicious cuisine.
McDonalds is a popular eating destination located near the GM Square area.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Davis
Video By
Elia Faith Crianza
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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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hess Park
Monroe Park
Garfield Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
GM Square
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
GM Square Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in GM Square, Decatur sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in GM Square, Decatur over the last 12 months is $38,010, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 230 W Garfield Ave, a charming single-family home located in Decatur, IL. This cozy home was built in 1948 and boasts a timeless appeal that is sure to captivate you from the moment you arrive. With 1 bathroom, this property offers all the essentials you need for comfortable living.As you step inside, you will be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at
Home has new siding and windows, new flooring, new kitchen cabinets and new countertops, fresh paint. It has 1 bedroom and full bath on main floor, 3 bedrooms and full bath on second level front and another full kitchen, full bath, and 1 bedroom in rear upper section great for teenager hideout or office or crazy uncle pad.
First-time buyers, downsizers, or investors, take note! This delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow beautifully blends classic charm with updates. The home boasts original woodwork, a built-in china cabinet with beveled glass, and glass French doors in the formal dining room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The remodeled kitchen features an additional built-in cabinet, offering ample
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,358
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,900
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,461
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.3%
College Graduates
18.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
% Population in Labor Force
53.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
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®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 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.
