$56,572Average Value$58Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
One of Decatur's most diverse neighborhoods
Just north of North America's 28th largest train yard, Grant Park is no stranger to the noise of whistles, horns, switching tracks and locomotives chugging along. Proximity to the yard also means proximity to two of the city's largest employers – ADM and Caterpillar. According to census data, Grant Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. "It's highly diverse because people from all walks of life work at the nearby plants," says James Carney, a Realtor at Glenda Williamson Realty who has been selling in the area for five years. The companies collectively provide over 4,000 jobs in manufacturing, production and transportation. Scientists, sales workers, and company managers also decide to live close to where they work. Despite the proximity to significant employers, the average price per square foot of houses is significantly lower than the city and U.S. averages. "It's a mature neighborhood where both the people and homes are older," says Amanda Good, a Realtor at MTZ Realty who has lived in Decatur for most of her life. "Some people have lived in their houses 20-plus years or even their entire lives." The neighborhood, however, is not just for commuters: it's for anyone who wants proximity to local small businesses, affordable homes and diverse schools.
Grant Park's eponymous field and playground is a wonderful asset for the community.
Bring home something good from Faries Food & Liquor in the Grant Park neighborhood.
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Major employers close to home
With so many train tracks running throughout the city, traffic at intersections and crossings can be quite problematic. Because of this, "People choose where to live based on being close to work," Carney says. "ADM is the largest employer in the city, so being next to it is a big draw for Grant Park residents." While the campus is over 1,125 acres large, many main buildings are within 1 mile of the neighborhood. People can walk or bike to work or take one of the buses that run along East Division Street and Geddes Ave. Sidewalks are not standard in the neighborhood. Still, through traffic is rare thanks to East Faries Parkway providing multiple lanes east and west along the northern border. Decatur Airport is 5-1/5 miles southeast, across Lake Decatur. The airport has only one airline, and very few flights, so most long-distance travelers choose to fly out of the larger airports in either Champaign or Springfield. St. Mary's Hospital is 3 miles south along 22nd Street, and Downtown Decatur is 3 miles southwest.
A major employer, the Caterpillar plant in Decatur is very near the Grant Park neighborhood.
A major employer, the ADM headquarters anchors the edge of the Grant Park neighborhood.
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Stocking up for the area's pastime
Fishing and boating are a big part of the culture in Decatur. Locals can rent boats and paddle boards at the nearby marinas or fish off the piers. Anglers can stock up on fishing lines, lures and live bait at Mike's Tackle World. Rods hang from the ceiling, and reels are stacked eight feet high in the Grant Park establishment. Before heading out on the water, people can stop by Walmart, Sam's Club or one of the fast-food restaurants 5 miles north along U.S. Route 51 to fill their coolers. Debbie's Diner is in the neighborhood with a 4.6-star rating from Google reviews. Quirkily decorated with Batman toys and posters, the breakfast spot has a relaxed atmosphere that lets its simple food shine. Two miles away from Grant Park, a line of motorcycles usually sits outside of Sundown Lounge. The neon glow of beer signs and slot machines illuminates pool tables and the bar. Just south of the train yard, Save A Lot, Family Dollar and Dollar General are regular sports for weekly grocery trips.
Mike's Tackle World has been a fixture of Grant Park for years serving the fishing community.
Mike's Tackle World is the regional place for fishing supplies, not just for but in Grant Park.
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Modest homes on modest yards
Tall trees line 1/5th acre backyards behind bungalows, ranch-style homes and cottages from the 1920s to 1960s. Gravel and cracked-cement driveways lead to detached garages or carports for off-street parking. Though some of the houses have been well-maintained by long-time owners, many show their age. "If a place hasn't recently been redone, renovations should be expected," Good says. Thankfully, houses of every style range in price from $25,000 to $75,000, leaving more financial room for repairs than other Decatur neighborhoods. "Prices are increasing everywhere, but houses in Grant Park are still affordable," Good says. "You can get a nice house from $40,000 to $80,000, while it's more expensive on the other side of the lake."
More homes ensconced in arboreal foliage can be found in Grant Park than a nearby neighborhood.
Some homes have been left as fixer-uppers in the Grant Park neighborhood.
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A highly diverse school district
Students in the city of Decatur attend schools based on neighborhood boundaries and population. Children in Grant Park are assigned to Hope Academy. Serving kindergarten through eighth grade, the school is rated a C-minus by Niche and is on the same side of the train tracks as the neighborhood. "It can be somewhat of an issue if you're on the opposite side of the tracks from where you work or go to school," Carney says. "Trains are coming in and out of the yard all day, and they hold up traffic frequently." Eisenhower High School is three miles south, on the other side of the tracks. Located by Lake Decatur Marina and St. Mary's Hospital, the C-plus-rated school has a grade of A in diversity. According to Niche, it is in the top 100 public high schools for diversity in the entire state.
Eisenhower High School provides a safe environment for students.
Hope Academy offers plenty of fun after school activities.
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Getting active on dry land
The neighborhood's namesake, Grant Park, is 4-1/5 acres of open space tucked into the gridded residential streets of the area. Paved walking trails loop around the park, stopping at a basketball court, playground, pavilion and a large field with a baseball backstop. Little League games and adult softball leagues occur a mile west at Fans Field. The lighted, fenced-in field has covered dugouts and stadium-style seating. For a day on the water instead of dry land, residents can head 2 miles south to Lake Decatur Marina at Nelson Park. Free public events take place at the park, including annual events like the Fourth of July Celebration.
Fans Field in Decatur is home to a lighted softball field and near the Grant Park neighborhood.
Grant Park residents can easily enjoy the Decatur Indoor Sports Center for classes and games.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Andrew Perrius
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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
Grant Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Grant Park
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Grant Park, Decatur sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Grant Park, Decatur over the last 12 months is $50,387, down 13% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
What a deal! Ranch with 2 bedrooms, hardwood flooring under carpet ( look in hall closet ), walk in shower, eat in kitchen, utility room, and gorgeous sunporch built by 4 seasons. Enjoy the enormous garage with pull down ladder to extra storage above the garage and the BIG shed in the yard. Nice roof and siding.
Stacey WenskunasVieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
Located on the east end of Decatur, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house is perfectly situated right off 22nd St/Route 121 near Grant Park. Ideal for convenient living, it’s just minutes from local amenities and major routes. Featuring a fenced yard and a spacious two-car garage, this home offers added privacy and storage. Currently renter-occupied, this property is already generating
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
1,147
Median Age
35
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,963
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,644
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.3%
College Graduates
1.6%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.3%
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®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
15/ 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.
